Pride and Prejudice · Character

Mr. Bingley

A good-humored, easily led young man of fortune whose open admiration for Jane Bennet makes him the prize of Meryton—and the pawn of stronger wills.

major

Also known as Bingley, Charles

First appearance: Chapter III

As a major figure in Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Lively and unreserved; dances every dance, admires Jane Bennet, and talks of giving a ball at Netherfield; contrasts sharply with his friend Darcy.

In the storyChapter IIIOpen this moment free

See Mr. Bingley in Chapter III Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Bingley leases Netherfield, throws the neighborhood into a flutter, and falls for Jane Bennet with an openness that delights her family. His amiable pliability, however, leaves him vulnerable to Darcy's persuasion and…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Mr. Bingley sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mr. Bingley in Chapter III

Character Web

20 connections

A slice of how Mr. Bingley sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Major Characters and Key Allies
Minor Characters and Background Figures
Protagonist

+15 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this scene, Elizabeth reaches the emotional peak of her internal conflict as she transitions from agitation…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Mr. Bingley appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
Lively and unreserved; dances every dance, admires Jane Bennet, and talks of giving a ball at Netherfield; contrasts sharply with his friend Darcy.
Chapter IV
Described as easygoing, open, and amiable; his friendship with Darcy is highlighted.
Chapter VIII
Shows genuine anxiety for Jane and offers kind attentions to Elizabeth, contrasting with his sisters' disdain.
Chapter IX
Politely responds to Mrs. Bennet's comments and agrees to hold a ball once Jane recovers.
Chapter X
Plays piquet with Mr. Hurst and participates in the conversation about humility and precipitance.
Chapter XI
Devoted to Jane, he plans a ball at Netherfield and dismisses his sister's objections.
Chapter XII
Truly sorry to see Jane go and tries to persuade her to stay.
Chapter XV
Rides with Darcy and greets the Bennet sisters; inquires after Jane's health.
Chapter XVII
Arrives with his sisters to personally invite the Bennets to the Netherfield ball; Jane worries he may have been deceived by Darcy.
Chapter XVIII
Engages warmly with Jane and agrees to visit Longbourn after his return from London.
Chapter XXXIII
Implied as the friend Darcy saved from an imprudent marriage.
Chapter XXXV
Mentioned as having been persuaded by Darcy to leave Netherfield due to perceived indifference from Jane.
Chapter XXXVI
Mentioned in the context of Darcy's explanation about his separation from Jane.
Chapter XL
Mentioned as the object of Jane's continued affection and as having left Netherfield.
Chapter XLIII
Mentioned by Darcy as part of the party expected to join him the next day, claiming an acquaintance with Elizabeth.
Chapter XLIV
Visits Elizabeth at the inn; expresses pleasure at seeing her and asks about her family, hinting at continued regard for Jane.
Chapter LIII
Returns to Netherfield and shows renewed admiration for Jane during the visit.
Chapter LIV
Bingley shows admiration for Jane during dinner, sitting by her and behaving in a way that suggests his affection is still strong.
Chapter LV
Proposes to Jane, showing cheerfulness and affection.
Chapter LVI
Leaves with Jane to avoid the intrusion, as he and Jane are recently engaged.
Chapter LVIII
Proposes a walk to be alone with Jane, and later is guided by Darcy's assurance of Jane's affection.
Chapter LIX
Shows warmth and hints at knowing about the engagement during the visit.
Chapter LX
Receives congratulations from his sister on his approaching marriage to Jane.
LXI
Leaves Netherfield after a year; buys an estate near Derbyshire; sometimes overwhelmed by Lydia and Wickham's visits.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Bingley unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Bingley in Chapter III