Pride & Prejudice - Characters & Cast

Elizabeth is motivated by a desire for a life of intellectual and emotional authenticity. She is determined to marry for the "deepest love" and not for convenience or security, which puts her at odds with the values of her society and her mother. Her actions are driven by her strong sense of justice and her loyalty to her sister, Jane.

Elizabeth begins as a witty, intelligent, and fiercely independent young woman who is quick to judge based on first impressions. Her initial prejudice against Darcy is strong and deeply felt. Her journey is one of emotional and intellectual growth; she is forced to confront her own fallibility and realize that her prized judgment can be flawed. Through Darcy's letter and her experiences at Pemberley, she learns humility and the importance of seeing beyond surface appearances. Her arc culminates in her ability to admit she was wrong and embrace a love she once scorned, without sacrificing her essential spirit.

Initially, Darcy is motivated by a sense of social duty and a desire to protect his friend Bingley and his own family's reputation. However, his primary motivation becomes his overwhelming, ardent love for Elizabeth. This love compels him to defy his own better judgment, his family's expectations, and the rigid social conventions he has always upheld.

Mr. Darcy is introduced as an immensely wealthy, proud, and socially awkward aristocrat who disdains the provincial society he finds himself in. His character arc is a journey of humbling. His disastrous first proposal, in which he insults Elizabeth and her family, forces him to confront his own arrogance and prejudice. Humbled by her rejection, he demonstrates his true character through his selfless actions—secretly saving the Bennet family from disgrace by arranging Lydia's marriage. He learns to express his love with humility and respect, transforming from a proud snob into a devoted and honorable man worthy of Elizabeth's love.

Jane is motivated by a desire to see the good in everyone and to maintain peace and happiness within her family. Her primary motivation is her sincere and gentle love for Mr. Bingley. Unlike other characters, her actions are not driven by social ambition or pride, but by genuine affection and a kind heart.

Jane is the eldest, most beautiful, and gentlest of the Bennet sisters. Her arc is simpler than Elizabeth's but still poignant. She falls deeply in love with Mr. Bingley but is too reserved to show the full extent of her feelings, leading Darcy to believe she is indifferent. She suffers heartbreak and disillusionment when Bingley abruptly leaves. Her journey is one of quiet endurance and maintaining her good nature despite sorrow. Her arc is resolved when Bingley returns, proving that her patient, steadfast love was not in vain, and she finds her own well-deserved happiness.

Kitty's motivation is largely to be included and to partake in the social excitement that her younger sister Lydia often instigates. She is driven by a youthful desire for amusement, attention from officers, and the general frivolity of balls and social calls. Her motivations are less complex than her older sisters', reflecting her immaturity at the start of the film.

In what was her debut film role, Carey Mulligan plays Kitty Bennet, the fourth daughter. Kitty is initially portrayed as being under the influence of her younger, more frivolous sister, Lydia. She is often seen giggling and following Lydia's lead. While her arc is not as pronounced as her older sisters', there are subtle hints of development. After Lydia's scandalous elopement, Kitty is shown to be more subdued and thoughtful, suggesting the beginning of a maturation process as she separates from her sister's reckless influence and begins to find her own sense of propriety.