# Mr. Darcy — Pride and Prejudice character guide > Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Darcy, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the late Mr. Darcy **First appearance:** 0002-iii ## Snapshot A wealthy, stiff-necked gentleman whose pride at a country assembly masks a man of principle, and whose interference in his friend's romance earns Elizabeth's lasting contempt. ## Who they are Darcy arrives at Netherfield with ten thousand a year and manners that make him enemies in a single evening. Convinced of his own judgment, he quietly steers Bingley away from Jane Bennet, believing he is protecting his friend from an imprudent connection. His pride and his growing, unwelcome fascination with Elizabeth collide, setting up the misunderstandings that drive the novel's central quarrel. ## In the story ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/iii) Displays proud and disagreeable manners at the ball; refuses to dance with Elizabeth, calling her 'not handsome enough'; is universally disliked by the end of the evening. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/iv) Characterized as clever, haughty, reserved, and fastidious; contrasts with Bingley. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/vi) Begins to admire Elizabeth's intelligence and fine eyes, admits to Miss Bingley that Elizabeth is the lady who inspired his reflections. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/viii) Participates in the conversation on accomplishments, defends Elizabeth's fine eyes, and remains reserved. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/ix) Silently observes Mrs. Bennet's behavior and refuses to join Miss Bingley in criticizing Elizabeth. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/x) Frequently gazes at Elizabeth, engages in a philosophical debate about yielding to friends, and writes letters while enduring Miss Bingley's flattery. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xi) Shows interest in Elizabeth through his attention and conversation; admits to having a resentful temper and a tendency to hold grudges. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xii) Welcomes Elizabeth's departure; resolves to hide his admiration and speaks scarcely ten words to her. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xv) Rides into Meryton with Bingley; reacts with visible agitation upon seeing Mr. Wickham. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xvi) Discussed extensively by Wickham and Elizabeth; Wickham accuses him of pride and dishonesty, while Elizabeth forms a negative opinion based on Wickham's account. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xvii) Discussed as the alleged wrongdoer in Wickham's story; Elizabeth plans to observe his looks and behavior at the ball. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xviii) Remains silent and observant; his expression shifts from contempt to gravity as he overhears Mrs. Bennet. ### [Elizabeth's Visit to Hunsford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxx) Arrives at Rosings with Colonel Fitzwilliam; visits the Parsonage and appears composed but slightly confused when Elizabeth mentions Jane. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxi) Stands near Elizabeth while she plays, engages in a teasing exchange about his social awkwardness, and shows discomfort at Lady Catherine's ill-bred remarks. ### [Chapter XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxii) Visits Elizabeth alone at the parsonage; conversation is awkward; his frequent visits to the parsonage puzzle Charlotte and Elizabeth. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxiii) Repeatedly encounters Elizabeth on her walks; his questions suggest interest in her feelings and future visits to Kent. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxiv) Proposes to Elizabeth, is rejected, and leaves in anger and shame. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxv) Delivers a letter defending his conduct toward Bingley and exposing Wickham's true nature. ### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxvi) His letter provides explanations about Wickham and Jane, leading Elizabeth to reassess his character. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxvii) His letter is studied by Elizabeth; his character and feelings are reconsidered. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xl) His proposal and letter are discussed; Elizabeth and Jane sympathize with his suffering. ### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xliii) Arrives unexpectedly at Pemberley; behaves with surprising civility and gentleness toward Elizabeth, inquires after her family, and expresses a wish to introduce his sister to her. ### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xliv) Shows marked improvement in manners, eager to please Elizabeth and her relations; invites the party to dinner at Pemberley. ### [Chapter XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlv) Defends Elizabeth against Miss Bingley's criticisms; shows anxiety for his sister and Elizabeth to become acquainted. ### [Chapter XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlvi) Learns of Lydia's elopement from Elizabeth, expresses shock and concern, and leaves Pemberley. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/l) Elizabeth regrets having told him of Lydia's elopement and believes any chance of a connection with him is now impossible. ### [Chapter LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lii) Revealed to have tracked down Lydia and Wickham, paid Wickham's debts, and arranged the marriage; acts out of love for Elizabeth. ### [Chapter LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/liii) Visits Longbourn with Bingley; appears serious and thoughtful, causing Elizabeth to doubt his intentions. ### [Chapter LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/liv) Darcy remains distant and formal with Elizabeth, sitting far from her and speaking little, though Elizabeth notes his eyes often turn her way. ### [Chapter LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lvii) Mentioned as the subject of the rumor; Elizabeth fears his aunt's influence may deter him. ### [Chapter LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lviii) Confesses his unchanged affections, proposes to Elizabeth, and explains how Lady Catherine's visit inadvertently gave him hope. ### [Chapter LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lix) Accompanies Bingley to Longbourn; seeks Mr. Bennet's consent to marry Elizabeth. ### [Chapter LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lx) Explains his love for Elizabeth, writes to Lady Catherine, and bears the civility of the Lucases and Philips with composure. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lxi) Married to Elizabeth; assists Wickham for Elizabeth's sake; reconciles with Lady Catherine; loves the Gardiners. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/fitzwilliam_darcy - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters