Who Fitzwilliam Darcy is
Fitzwilliam Darcy owns Pemberley, a great estate in Derbyshire, and is a close friend of Bingley. At a country dance, he stands apart and speaks to almost no one. Elizabeth overhears his dismissive remark about her appearance, giving her an early reason to dislike him.
His stiffness is not simply contempt, since he is also shy among strangers outside his own circle. The difference between pride and reserve becomes important as Elizabeth tries to understand him.
What Fitzwilliam Darcy wants
Darcy finds himself drawn to Elizabeth's lively mind during their conversations at Netherfield. Yet his belief in the importance of rank makes that attraction a struggle. When he declares his love, his remarks about her family's inferiority turn the proposal into an insult.
How Fitzwilliam Darcy changes
Elizabeth refuses him and challenges both his conduct toward Jane and his treatment of Wickham. Darcy answers her accusations in a letter that makes her reconsider her own judgments. When they meet at Pemberley, he treats Elizabeth and her relatives with unexpected courtesy. His changed manners suggest that her refusal has made him examine his pride.
Best-known lines
“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.”
“My good opinion once lost, is lost for ever.”
Questions
Who is Fitzwilliam Darcy?
Fitzwilliam Darcy is a rich, reserved landowner whose growing attraction to Elizabeth Bennet challenges his sense of social rank.
Why does Elizabeth dislike Darcy at first?
Elizabeth dislikes him because he insults her appearance at a dance and seems proud and unfriendly.
Is Darcy proud or shy?
He is both proud and shy. His concern with rank is real, but his discomfort among strangers also helps explain his distant manners.