Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth is the second-eldest Bennet sister and the protagonist of the novel. Although the omniscient narrator dips into the perspective of many of the different characters, it is Elizabeth that we predominantly follow in her self-development and eventual romance and marriage with Mr Darcy. Elizabeth is frequently cited as one of the most beloved heroines of all time. She is particularly notable among 18th and 19th century heroines of novels, who were often overly virtuous, passive, and without fault. Another notable quality of Austen’s heroine is that in her relationship with Darcy they are painted as intellectual equals in their frequent verbal sparring. Their individual qualities complement one another and curtail the other’s fault helping each other to become better people, and it is this that Jane Austen suggests is the basis for a successful marriage.