"Pride and Prejudice" is the best known of Jane Austen's six novels, and
was first published in 1813. It is highly regarded for the acute
description of its characters and because of its ironic style. The novel
tells about the relation-ship which ensues when Elizabeth Bennet meets
Mr Darcy. There are many notable characters in the novel, in particular
beautiful and affectionate Jane, Elizabeth's older sister; Mrs Bennet,
their foolish mother; and their wild and unruly younger sister Lydia.
The other memorable actors in the story include gentle and amiable Mr
Bingley; Mr Wickam, the plausible scoundrel; William Collins, the
ridiculous clergyman; and his appalling patronness, Lady Catherine de
Bourgh.