I’ve read Pride and Prejudice twice, both times going into it with the intention of hating Mr. Darcy. After all, why would anybody like the guy? He’s arrogant, tactless, and altogether unpleasant. But both times, I closed the book with a wholehearted love of that stiff, prickly Englishman.
This time, I picked it up to find out just how Jane Austen managed to make thousands of women, young and old, swoon for a complete jerk, especially when there’s the oh-so-perfect Mr. Bingley at his side.
Here’s the thing about Bingley: he’s boring. So boring. He’s handsome and kind and friendly; he’s already where he’s supposed to be. And he’s kind of a dope. Totally clueless about his psycho sisters. Clueless about Darcy. Clueless about Jane.
Darcy has great flaws. He’s insufferably rude, with no tolerance for anyone but himself, his family, and Bingley. But nobody would love Darcy if that were all the book was about. He gets startled out of his complacent jerkhood by a pair of fine eyes. He fights it, long and hard; and even when he gives in, it’s utterly without grace. When you finally begin to see the goodness buried deep inside of him, it’s certainly not before he’s a smooth talker. It’s because he acts, because he does everything in his power to protect a hopelessly silly girl just to see Elizabeth’s worries eased.
We love Darcy because he wins. He’s crippled by his own weaknesses, but he gets past them. He lets go of his pride. He changes.
So what are your characters’ flaws? How do they get past them? What motivates them to change?
BumblesBooks 
I never wondered why I love Mr. Darcy. Now I know. Well-done commentary.
Thanks! 🙂
I do love Darcy, but my favorite Austen hero is Captain Wentworth. Great argument for Darcy, though!
My MC’s biggest flaws are stubbornness, a quick temper, and brash impulsivity. She does work through them somewhat with the help of her friends and family, but they’re what make her who she is. And sometimes, those flaws save her life. Good food for thought!
I just watched Persuasion for the first time with my sister and loved it! I need to read the book, though–I feel like I never get the whole story until I’ve read it.
That’s a great point–flaws shouldn’t always be eliminated, and what is sometimes a flaw may also turn into a saving grace. Thanks for sharing!
I totally agree about Captain Wentworth! Persuasion is my second-favorite Austen. It’s polished and almost flawless.
I’m really going to have to read Persuasion now. So if that’s you’re second favorite, what’s your first favorite?
Pride and Prejudice, no question. It’s not perfect but I love all its interesting flaws. I think Elizabeth as a character, and Darcy clearly, are both proud and prejudiced, but I love how they grow and change during the novel. Pride and Prejudice is raw and real. Plus it’s hysterical!
Yes indeed! It’s a great one. I can’t say it’s my favorite, because the mother and the two little sisters are so ridiculously obnoxious. But yes, Darcy and Elizabeth are fantastic characters.
What is your favorite Austen? And I agree about the mother/sisters but I related to that so much because of my own family life!
I think I would have to go with Sense and Sensibility. I haven’t actually read many of Austen’s works–the mood for it just doesn’t come too often for me–but I love the characters and the development and the great contrasts in that one. And the awkward moments. I’m a sucker for awkward moments.