Fitzwilliam Darcy Character Analysis in Pride and Prejudice

Bingley's closest friend, the brother of Georgiana, and the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Darcy is very wealthy and a person of great integrity, but his extreme class-consciousness makes him appear vain and proud. He finds Elizabeth attractive, even ideal, but is clumsy in expressing his feelings and disdains her sometimes crass family. Elizabeth's harsh appraisal of him compels him to reassess his behavior and attitudes. Her intelligence and her disregard for mere social rank teaches him to see people more for who they are, rather than the status in to which they were born.

Fitzwilliam Darcy Quotes in Pride and Prejudice

The Pride and Prejudice quotes below are all either spoken by Fitzwilliam Darcy or refer to Fitzwilliam Darcy. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped that he would never come there again.

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Page Number and Citation: 13

Explanation and Analysis:

Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty ... But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes ... he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness.

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Page Number and Citation: 24

Explanation and Analysis:

If his own vanity, however, did not mislead him, he was the cause, his pride and caprice were the cause, of all that Jane had suffered, and still continued to suffer. He had ruined for a while every hope of happiness for the most affectionate, generous heart in the world; and no one could say how lasting an evil he might have inflicted.

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Page Number and Citation: 182

Explanation and Analysis:

"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." ... He spoke well; but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority—of its being a degradation—of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding

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Page Number and Citation: 185

Explanation and Analysis:

I, who have prided myself on my discernment!—I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable mistrust.—How humiliating is this discovery!—Yet, how just a humiliation! ... Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment, I never knew myself.

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Page Number and Citation: 202

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There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.

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Page Number and Citation: 217

Explanation and Analysis:

Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!

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Page Number and Citation: 235

Explanation and Analysis:

When she saw him thus seeking the acquaintance and courting the good opinion of people with whom any intercourse a few months ago would have been a disgrace—when she saw him thus civil, not only to herself, but to the very relations whom he had openly disdained ... the difference, the change was so great, and struck so forcibly on her mind, that she could hardly restrain her astonishment from being visible.

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Page Number and Citation: 251

Explanation and Analysis:

They owed the restoration of Lydia, her character, every thing, to him. Oh! how heartily did she grieve over every ungracious sensation she had ever encouraged, every saucy speech she had ever directed towards him. For herself she was humbled; but she was proud of him. Proud that in a cause of compassion and honour, he had been able to get the better of himself.

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Page Number and Citation: 309

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That is what makes it amusing. Had they fixed on any other man it would have been nothing; but his perfect indifference, and your pointed dislike, make it so delightfully absurd!

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Page Number and Citation: 344

Explanation and Analysis:

What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.

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Page Number and Citation: 349

Explanation and Analysis:

The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention. You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking, and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused, and interested you, because I was so unlike them.

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Page Number and Citation: 359

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Fitzwilliam Darcy Character Timeline in Pride and Prejudice

The timeline below shows where the character Fitzwilliam Darcy appears in Pride and Prejudice. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...with his sister Mrs. Hurst and her husband, his youngest sister Caroline, and his friend Darcy for the upcoming ball. (full context)

The ball takes place at Meryton, where the locals gossip about the newcomers. Darcy is handsome but proud and aloof. Bingley makes friends with everyone, dancing every dance, including... (full context)

Elizabeth overhears Bingley tell Darcy that Jane is the most beautiful girl he's ever seen. Bingley demands that Darcy find... (full context)

...details. She is excited for Jane and convinced of Bingley's interest in her, and detests Darcy for his attitude about Elizabeth. (full context)

Bingley and Darcy's friendship is explained as a meeting of opposites: Bingley's easy manner and Darcy's more stringent... (full context)

Everyone agrees that Bingley liked Jane. The conversation quickly shifts to Darcy. Apparently he offended everyone who tried to speak with him. Charlotte consoles Elizabeth about Darcy's... (full context)

Meanwhile, as he spends more time with her, Darcy begins to notice Elizabeth's beauty and verve. At a party, Sir William Lucas tries to... (full context)

...Netherfield to care for Jane, arriving dirty and tired. Caroline later mocks Elizabeth's appearance, but Darcy is moved by the glow of exercise on Elizabeth's face. Jane's condition soon worsens and... (full context)

...family situation—having few connections and no money—will block her hopes of making a good match. Darcy agrees. (full context)

...look through some books instead of joining in cards. Caroline, who has been absorbed with Darcy, asks him about his estate, Pemberley, and about his sister, who she deems a very... (full context)

...Jane's status, tries to impress Bingley about her family and their situation in the country. Darcy suggests that one finds more variety of character in town than in the country, but... (full context)

...next day, Elizabeth joins the evening party in the drawing room. Caroline looks on as Darcy tries to write a letter. Trying to flatter him, she offers empty compliments about his... (full context)

Elizabeth and Darcy get into an argument about Bingley's character. Darcy says that people should always follow their... (full context)

As Bingley's sisters sing at the piano, Elizabeth notices that she seems to fascinate Darcy. He asks her to dance and she playfully refuses. Still, Darcy is bewitched: he thinks... (full context)

Caroline is increasingly jealous. The next day, she takes Darcy on a walk to tease him about marrying Elizabeth and about the awful family he... (full context)

...join the group. Bingley dotes on her and talks to no one else. Caroline, watching Darcy read, pretends to be absorbed in reading a book. But she's soon bored and suggests... (full context)

Caroline invites Darcy to join them, but he says he doesn't want to interfere: they must either be... (full context)

...to laugh at what is ridiculous, which leads to a discussion of the aspects of Darcy's character that might be ridiculed. Darcy claims that his main fault is that "my good... (full context)

Darcy is relieved: he is starting to worry that his attraction to Elizabeth might show, so... (full context)

Just then, Bingley and Darcy come up the street and stop to chat. When Darcy and Wickham see each other,... (full context)

...pleasant demeanor. The two of them easily fall into conversation and Wickham soon asks about Darcy. Elizabeth says he is widely disliked for his pride. Wickham withholds an opinion out of... (full context)

Wickham explains that he was the son of one of Darcy's father's employees, and that he and Darcy grew up together. Darcy's father died and left... (full context)

...hearing Mr. Collins go on about Lady Catherine, informs Elizabeth that Lady Catherine is actually Darcy's aunt. He adds that Lady Catherine apparently hopes to marry Darcy to her daughter. (full context)

The next day, Elizabeth tells Jane what she learned. Jane cannot believe that Darcy could be so blameworthy and that there must be other parts to the story. But... (full context)

...Netherfield, Elizabeth is disappointed to realize that Wickham is not at the party. Elizabeth blames Darcy for Wickham's absence. She endures two dreadful dances with Mr. Collins. (full context)

Darcy then asks Elizabeth for a dance. Caught by surprise, she accepts. Their conversation is short... (full context)

Afterwards, Caroline approaches Elizabeth about Wickham. He wasn't wronged by Darcy, she says. On the contrary, Wickham treated Darcy terribly and now Darcy has nothing to... (full context)

The rest of the evening is a disaster. Mr. Collins rudely introduces himself to Darcy and later pontificates to the whole assembly. Darcy overhears Mrs. Bennet talking about Jane and... (full context)

...sisters walk to Meryton and meet Wickham who confirms to Elizabeth that he was avoiding Darcy at the ball. He walks them home and Elizabeth introduces him to her parents. (full context)

...ever. Caroline ends the letter by saying that she will be delighted to see Georgiana Darcy again, who she hopes will become Bingley's wife. Jane is despondent and refuses to believe... (full context)

...to Caroline. Elizabeth believes that Bingley truly cares for Jane, but fears that his sisters, Darcy, and London will prove stronger than his love for Jane. (full context)

Caroline writes back: Bingley will certainly be gone for awhile and everyone is delighted with Darcy's sister, Georgiana. Jane tries to put on a brave face, telling Elizabeth that Bingley has... (full context)

...Rosings. Elizabeth smirks that the sickly Miss De Bourgh will make the perfect wife for Darcy. (full context)

Lady Catherine has arranged a visit from her nephews: Darcy (her favorite) and Colonel Fitzwilliam, his cousin. Upon their arrival, Mr. Collins brings them home... (full context)

...along very well. During one visit to Rosings, he asks Elizabeth to play the piano. Darcy leaves his aunt to watch, and Elizabeth playfully accuses him of spreading her poor musical... (full context)

Darcy tries to excuse his behavior at the ball by saying that he lacks the conversational... (full context)

...the conversation, and praises her daughter's musical potential—if only she were healthy. Elizabeth notices that Darcy is totally uninterested in Miss De Bourgh. (full context)

The next morning, Elizabeth is surprised by a visit from Darcy. Conversation is awkward, and they struggle to avoid awkward silences. Elizabeth asks Darcy about suddenly... (full context)

When she goes on walks in the countryside near Rosings, Elizabeth keeps running into Darcy by chance. During one meeting, he questions her about Charlotte's happiness and about her own... (full context)

...As they talk, he tells her that as a younger son, he has concerns that Darcy does not have: for instance, about having to marry for money. Elizabeth blushes. (full context)

During the same conversation, Colonel Fitzwilliam relates a story about how Darcy intervened before one of his friends made an "imprudent marriage." Elizabeth realizes that Fitzwilliam is... (full context)

...Elizabeth stays behind. The doorbell rings: expecting Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth is surprised to find Mr. Darcy. (full context)

...shock when he passionately confesses his love for her and asks her to marry him. Darcy then explains how his affection outgrew his concerns about Elizabeth and her family's inferiority. Elizabeth... (full context)

Darcy is astonished and demands an explanation. Elizabeth blasts him for insulting her, for ruining Jane's... (full context)

Darcy stands by his decision to break up Bingley and Jane. He is sarcastic about Wickham's... (full context)

Elizabeth assures Darcy that he's the last man she would ever marry. Darcy leaves angrily and Elizabeth breaks... (full context)

The next day, Elizabeth takes a walk. She finds Darcy waiting for her. He gives her a letter of explanation. In the letter, Darcy answers... (full context)

Regarding Wickham, Darcy says that after Darcy's father died, Wickham resigned his opportunity with the church in exchange... (full context)

Years passed. Wickham saw an opportunity with Darcy's sister Georgiana, who was both rich and, at age 15, naÏve. Wickham charmed her into... (full context)

...is stunned. At first, she doesn't believe any of this information because she thinks that Darcy's tone in the letter seems unrepentant and haughty. But, upon rereading the letter, she starts... (full context)

...also rereads the part of the letter about Jane, and realizes that she can't blame Darcy for intervening: Jane was reserved, as Charlotte had pointed out; and she must admit that... (full context)

On returning to the parsonage house, Elizabeth learns that Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had both visited to say good-bye. (full context)

Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam leave the next morning. Lady Catherine, now bored, requests to see Mr.... (full context)

Elizabeth keeps thinking about Darcy's letter. She decides that she respects Darcy but hopes never to see him again. (full context)

Later, Elizabeth tells Jane how Darcy proposed to her and also shares the part of Darcy's letter about Wickham. Elizabeth says... (full context)

...Jane's advice: should they publicize Wickham's faults? They agree not to, for the sake of Darcy and his sister. Besides, no one would believe that Darcy is actually the good guy.... (full context)

...event. He blushes when she asks if he knows Colonel Fitzwilliam. When Wickham asks how Darcy is doing, Elizabeth responds that she understands Darcy better now. Wickham gets the point, and... (full context)

...Elizabeth imagines what it would have been like to be mistress of the place as Darcy's wife. (full context)

...Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are escorted around the rooms by a housekeeper who praises Mr. Darcy as a kind and generous man: good to his servants, his tenants, and especially his... (full context)

Elizabeth notices a portrait of Darcy. As she stares at it, the housekeeper asks if she thinks Darcy is handsome. Elizabeth... (full context)

As they walk, Darcy suddenly appears—he came home a day earlier than scheduled. Elizabeth is stunned and embarrassed, but... (full context)

Darcy says he is expecting guests the next day: Bingley and his sisters, and Georgiana. He... (full context)

The next day, Elizabeth and the Gardiners are again surprised when Darcy shows up with Georgiana and Bingley for a visit. The Gardiners note Darcy's eagerness and... (full context)

Elizabeth is amazed at the change in Darcy. His pride has turned into tenderness. If he was embarrassed by Elizabeth's relations before, Darcy... (full context)

The next morning, Mr. Gardiner joins Bingley and Darcy to fish, and Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner visit the women at Pemberley. Caroline Bingley and... (full context)

When Darcy arrives, Caroline tries to embarrass Elizabeth by bringing up her connection with Wickham. The plan... (full context)

Elizabeth meets Darcy as she is running out the door and tells him the story. Elizabeth blames herself... (full context)

Looking serious, Darcy wishes he could offer help, and leaves. Elizabeth worries that this new disgrace to her... (full context)

As Mrs. Bennet makes plans for Lydia's wedding, Elizabeth regrets having told Darcy about the scandal. She expects him to distance himself from her now that Wickham will... (full context)

While gloating about the details of her wedding, Lydia reveals to Elizabeth that Darcy attended the ceremony. Lydia quickly apologizes: it was supposed to be a secret. Elizabeth burns... (full context)

Mrs. Gardiner sends a long reply detailing how Darcy went to London, tracked down Wickham and stopped him from abandoning Lydia and escaping to... (full context)

Not long after, however, Bingley and Darcy visit the Bennets. Mrs. Bennet gives a warm welcome to Bingley and almost none to... (full context)

Darcy is not so congenial as he was at Pemberley, and Elizabeth doubts he has returned... (full context)

Darcy, however, sits at the far end of the table from Elizabeth, next to Mrs. Bennet,... (full context)

Bingley tells Jane that he didn't know she was in London, but—to Elizabeth's relief—he leaves Darcy out of it. Jane realizes that Caroline and Mrs. Hurst had worked against her, but... (full context)

...point: she knows of Jane's engagement; she also knows that Elizabeth has tricked her nephew, Darcy, into proposing as well. Elizabeth denies having done any such thing. Lady Catherine demands that... (full context)

Lady Catherine is shocked at Elizabeth's nerve. She says that Darcy was always intended for her daughter, Miss De Bourgh. And that Darcy's connection to the... (full context)

Mr. Bennet thinks the rumor about Elizabeth and Darcy is hilarious because he is certain that Elizabeth hates Darcy and that Darcy is indifferent... (full context)

Only days later, Darcy comes to Longbourn with Bingley. They all go for a walk and Elizabeth and Darcy... (full context)

Darcy says his feelings for her have not changed since his rejected proposal, and asks about... (full context)

Darcy explains that he started to hope after Lady Catherine informed him about Elizabeth's stubborn refusal... (full context)

Darcy regrets his first proposal to Elizabeth. He's been prideful since childhood and presumed that she... (full context)

Darcy explains that he told Bingley the truth about Jane and advised him to return to... (full context)

Mrs. Bennet is annoyed when Darcy returns the next day with Bingley. She apologizes to Elizabeth for the inconvenience of having... (full context)

Later Darcy visits Mr. Bennet in private to ask his consent to marry Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet calls... (full context)

...genteel and rich—even richer than Jane! Elizabeth fears that her mother will continue to embarrass Darcy, but Mrs. Bennet, because she's intimidated, treats him with uncharacteristic respect. (full context)

Elizabeth asks Darcy how he ever fell in love with her. He points to her liveliness of mind,... (full context)

Elizabeth writes to tell Mrs. Gardiner of her engagement, as does Darcy to Lady Catherine. Mr. Bennet writes to Mr. Collins who, along with Charlotte, soon return... (full context)

Elizabeth tries to insulate Darcy from the foolishness of Mr. Collins, Sir William Lucas, and Mrs. Philips, but Darcy tolerates... (full context)

A year later, Jane and Bingley move into an estate near Elizabeth and Darcy at Pemberley. Mrs. Bennet, extremely proud, visits them often. Mr. Bennet misses Elizabeth and visits... (full context)

Lydia writes to Elizabeth with congratulations and asks if Darcy could pitch in some money for them. Elizabeth is annoyed, but sends them the money... (full context)

Even though Caroline Bingley is disappointed by Darcy's marriage, she tries to make nice with Elizabeth. Georgiana and Elizabeth get along wonderfully, just... (full context)

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Fitzwilliam Darcy Character Analysis

Fitzwilliam Darcy Quotes in Pride and Prejudice

Fitzwilliam Darcy Character Timeline in Pride and Prejudice

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