The characters found in the novel, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, are easily contrasted. While some characters are likeable, we have others who are seen as silly and petty. Thus, we have strong differences between the various characters, who present to us the nature of society in those times. The reflection of the 19th Century through the characters, does not detract from the novel in any way, but actually increases its complexity.

Elizabeth, is clearly one of the most likeable characters in the novel. With her wit, charm and charisma she is in all senses an 'accomplished woman'. Elizabeth is a strong-minded and courageous character, who was not afraid to stand up to others. " I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.", (Ch. 34) she exclaims in response to Darcy's initial proposal. However, with all her strong-mindedness, her courage is still shown when she admits that she is wrong after she read Darcy's letter of explanation and said: "But vanity, not love, has been my folly." Through this realisation, we see that Eli

zabeth does not have the stereotypical nature of the majority of the people in her society, who, in contrast are unable to recognise their own faults.

Mr.Collins continually amuses the reader with his ironically 'wise' discussions in which he attempts to convey his prestige in Rosings. In a letter to the Bennets after the scandal with Lydia and Wickham, he writes: 'I am truly rejoiced that my cousin Lydia's sad business has been so well hushed up, and am only concerned that their living together before the marriages took place, should be so generously known.' Mr.Collins is so ironically naive that he incessantly thinks that his opinion will be respected and deemed correct, by all. His absurdity lies in his exaggerated formality, the sincerity of his opinions, and his mock humble arrogance.

In direct contrast to Jane, we find a caricature of aristocratic vanity - Lady Catherine De Bourgh - an overbearingly proud and arrogant woman, who is only too aware of her social status, "Miss Bennet, do you know who I am?" Unlike Jane, Lady Catherine easily finds the bad in, and looks down upon, others. She tells Elizabeth that she is: " a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family." (Ch.56). Not only does Lady Catherine acknowledge the bad in Eliz

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Approximate Word count = 879
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)