The plot in six lines
With the Bennet estate destined for a male cousin, Mrs Bennet hopes for marriages, while Jane grows close to Mr Bingley and Elizabeth takes against Mr Darcy.
Elizabeth refuses Mr Collins and believes Mr Wickham's story that Darcy has treated him cruelly, while Bingley's departure for London disappoints Jane.
After Mr Collins marries Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth visits their home in Kent, where Darcy proposes and she refuses, accusing him of hurting Jane and Wickham.
Darcy's letter answers Elizabeth's accusations and makes her question her judgment, while a later visit to Pemberley reveals his generosity and changed behaviour.
News from home interrupts Elizabeth's visit, and after a family crisis is resolved, Darcy proposes again and Elizabeth accepts with real love.
Elizabeth and Darcy overcome their pride and prejudice and become engaged, Jane and Bingley marry, and the story closes on two happy couples.
Themes
Pride and prejudice: Darcy's confidence in his rank and Elizabeth's trust in first impressions prevent them from seeing each other clearly.
Marriage and money: The threatened loss of the Bennet home and Charlotte's practical marriage show how financial security shapes decisions about love.
Class and respect: Darcy's respect for the Gardiners challenges the assumption that social rank is a reliable measure of personal worth.
Women's choices: Elizabeth's refusal of Mr Collins and Charlotte's acceptance reveal contrasting responses to the limited choices available to women.
Self-knowledge: Elizabeth reconsiders her confident judgments after reading Darcy's letter, showing that understanding others requires an honest examination of oneself.
Characters
- Elizabeth BennetThe second Bennet daughter, witty and independent, who prides herself on judging people well and wants a marriage built on respect.
- Fitzwilliam DarcyA wealthy owner of Pemberley, reserved and proud, who struggles with his attraction to a woman far below his rank.
- Jane BennetThe eldest sister, beautiful and gentle, who sees good in everyone and hopes for a happy match with Mr Bingley.
- Charles BingleyA rich, friendly young man who rents Netherfield and is easily led by his friends and sisters.
- Mrs BennetElizabeth's anxious, noisy mother, who is desperate to see her five daughters married before the family estate passes away.
- Mr BennetElizabeth's dry and bookish father, who enjoys mocking his neighbours and avoids family trouble.
For the A level coursework
- AQA (Literature B): used in one of its published example student responses for the A level non-exam assessment (coursework).
From the boards' own documents (the specifications and coursework guidance listed under Sources), read on 24 October 2026. Your school chooses the coursework texts: ask your teacher before you start.
Questions
What is Pride and Prejudice about?
Pride and Prejudice is about Elizabeth Bennet's search for love and respect in a society shaped by marriage, money and class. Her changing understanding of Darcy explores how attraction and dislike can distort judgment.
Who are the main characters in Pride and Prejudice?
The main characters are Elizabeth Bennet, a witty young woman confident in her judgment, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy, reserved man conscious of rank. Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley form another central couple, while Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet, George Wickham and Mr Collins shape the family's choices.
What are the main themes of Pride and Prejudice?
The main themes are pride, prejudice, marriage, money, class and the need for self-knowledge. Contrasting relationships explore whether love, respect and financial security can come together within the limited choices available to women.
Which boards mention Pride and Prejudice for A level English Literature?
AQA (Literature B): used in one of its published example student responses for the A level non-exam assessment (coursework). Your school chooses the coursework texts, so ask your teacher before you start.