Pride and Prejudice · Character

Mr. Wickham

A charming militia officer whose easy manners and flattering attentions make him Meryton's favorite—and whose polished surface conceals a profligate with neither honor nor integrity.

supporting

Also known as Wickham, George Wickham, dear Wickham, poor Wickham

First appearance: Chapter XV

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

Newly arrived officer introduced to the Bennet sisters; shares a tense moment with Mr.

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Wickham captivates every woman in Hertfordshire, including Elizabeth, with a plausible tale of ill-treatment at Darcy's hands. His charm is his weapon: he insinuates himself into the Bennet family's trust while pursuing his own interests without scruple. Elizabeth's later discovery that he is 'as false and deceitful as he is insinuating' makes him the novel's study in the danger of trusting a pleasing address.

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See Mr. Wickham in Chapter XV

Character Web

12 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Minor Characters and Background Figures
Major Characters and Key Allies
Protagonist

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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…

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In the story

Mr. Wickham appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XV
Newly arrived officer introduced to the Bennet sisters; shares a tense moment with Mr. Darcy.
Chapter XVI
Shares his version of his history with Mr. Darcy, portraying himself as a victim of Darcy's pride and dishonesty, and charms Elizabeth with his manners.
Chapter XVII
His story is recounted by Elizabeth; Elizabeth hopes to dance with him at the ball.
Chapter XXI
Joins the Bennet sisters in Meryton and explains his absence from the Netherfield ball was to avoid Mr. Darcy.
Chapter XXIV
His society helps dispel gloom at Longbourn; he openly shares his grievances against Mr. Darcy, gaining public sympathy.
Chapter XXV
Frequently present at Longbourn during the Gardiners' visit; shares memories of Derbyshire with Mrs. Gardiner and discusses Mr. Darcy.
Chapter XXVI
Discussed by Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth; Elizabeth admits he is agreeable but resolves to be cautious.
Chapter XXVII
Bids Elizabeth a friendly farewell; his pursuit of Miss King is discussed as mercenary.
Chapter XXXV
Accused by Darcy of profligacy, debt, and attempting to elope with Georgiana Darcy.
Chapter XXXVI
His past actions and character are revealed through Darcy's letter, causing Elizabeth to see his duplicity.
Chapter XXXIX
Frequently mentioned by Lydia; Elizabeth dreads seeing him; Lydia reports he is safe from marrying Mary King.
Chapter XL
Revealed as deceitful through Darcy's letter; Elizabeth decides not to expose him publicly.
Chapter XLI
Attempts to renew his attentions toward Elizabeth but is met with her coldness; becomes alarmed when she mentions Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Chapter XLVI
Elopes with Lydia, raising fears that he may not intend to marry her.
Chapter XLVII
Discussed as the man who eloped with Lydia; Elizabeth details his lack of integrity and honour.
Chapter XLIX
Discovered in London with Lydia; he agrees to marry her under terms negotiated by Mr. Gardiner, though Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet doubt his sincerity and character.
Chapter L
Agrees to marry Lydia and plans to leave the militia for a regular army regiment in the North.
Chapter LI
Accompanies Lydia with easy assurance, his pleasing manners masking the impropriety of their elopement.
Chapter LII
Confesses to Darcy that he never intended to marry Lydia; accepts Darcy's financial settlement; later speaks with Elizabeth, trying to justify himself.
LXI
His character unchanged; hopes Darcy will help his fortune; his affection for Lydia sinks into indifference.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Wickham in Chapter XV