# Jane Bennet — Pride and Prejudice character guide > Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Bennet, Dearest Jane **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot The eldest Bennet sister, whose beauty and unshakable goodwill make her the family's best hope—and whose quiet reserve leaves her feelings dangerously unreadable. ## Who they are Jane falls for Mr. Bingley with a sincerity that her sister Elizabeth fears is too well hidden to be believed. When his sisters and Mr. Darcy work to separate them, Jane suffers without complaint, refusing to think ill of anyone. Her gentle refusal to interfere in Elizabeth's standoff with their mother shows the same temperament that will be tested by the novel's central separation. ## Relationships ### [Elizabeth Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/elizabeth_bennet) _family_ Close, loving sisters who confide in each other and support one another through romantic trials. ### [Mrs. Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/mrs_bennet) _family_ Mrs. Bennet is proud of Jane's beauty and pushes her toward Bingley, while Jane remains gentle and dutiful. ### [Lydia Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/lydia_bennet) _family_ Jane is kind and forgiving toward Lydia's reckless elopement, while Lydia is thoughtless and self-centered. ### [Elizabeth Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/elizabeth_bennet) _family_ Close, loving sisters who confide in each other and support one another through romantic trials. ### [Elizabeth Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/elizabeth_bennet) _family_ Close, loving sisters who confide in each other and support one another through romantic trials. ### [Mrs. Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/mrs_bennet) _family_ Mrs. Bennet is proud of Jane's beauty and pushes her toward Bingley, while Jane remains gentle and dutiful. ### [Lydia Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/lydia_bennet) _family_ Jane is kind and forgiving toward Lydia's reckless elopement, while Lydia is thoughtless and self-centered. ### [Mrs. Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/mrs_bennet) _family_ Mrs. Bennet is proud of Jane's beauty and pushes her toward Bingley, while Jane remains gentle and dutiful. ### [Lydia Bennet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/lydia_bennet) _family_ Jane is kind and forgiving toward Lydia's reckless elopement, while Lydia is thoughtless and self-centered. ## In the story ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/i) Referenced by Mrs. Bennet as the handsomest daughter, setting up her potential match with Mr. Bingley. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/iii) Admired by Mr. Bingley, who dances with her twice; is gratified by the attention in her quiet way. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/iv) Expresses admiration for Mr. Bingley's character and manners. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/v) Defends Mr. Darcy's reserve, noting he is agreeable among intimate acquaintance. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/vi) Receives attention from Mr. Bingley; Elizabeth notes her guarded but growing affection. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/vii) Falls ill after riding to Netherfield in the rain, and is cared for by Elizabeth and the Bingley sisters. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/viii) Remains ill in bed, the object of concern for Bingley and Elizabeth, but dismissed by the Bingley sisters. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/ix) Recovering from illness, she remains in bed while her mother visits and Elizabeth stays by her side. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/x) Continues to recover from her illness, spending time with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley during the day. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xi) Recovering from illness, she is the center of Bingley's attention and receives warm care from him. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xii) Firm in her decision to leave, though Bingley urges her to stay for her health. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xiii) Attempts to explain the entail to Mrs. Bennet and finds Mr. Collins's wish to make amends creditable. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xv) Initially Mr. Collins's chosen bride; Elizabeth later relates to her the encounter between Darcy and Wickham. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xvii) Listens to Elizabeth's account of Wickham with astonishment; tries to think well of both Darcy and Wickham; worries about Bingley being imposed upon. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xviii) Shares hopeful feelings about Mr. Bingley and relays his defense of Mr. Darcy regarding Mr. Wickham. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xx) Declines to interfere in the dispute between Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxi) Receives and reads Caroline Bingley's letter, feeling distressed by its implications about Mr. Bingley's affections. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxiii) Expresses surprise at the match but earnestly desires the couple's happiness; anxiously awaits news of Mr. Bingley. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxiv) Heartbroken after receiving Miss Bingley's letter confirming Bingley's departure; tries to maintain her composure and see the best in everyone. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxv) Subject of discussion regarding her disappointment with Bingley; accepts invitation to visit the Gardiners in London. ### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxvi) Writes to Elizabeth from London, reporting Miss Bingley's coldness and her own growing disillusionment. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxvii) Greets Elizabeth in London; appears healthful but shows periods of dejection over Bingley. ### [Chapter XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxii) Elizabeth is writing a letter to her at the start of the chapter. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxiii) Mentioned as the victim of Darcy's interference; Elizabeth reflects on her suffering. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxiv) Her letters are read by Elizabeth, revealing her unhappiness after Bingley's departure. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxv) Referenced in Darcy's letter as the object of Bingley's affection, whose apparent indifference he misinterpreted. ### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxvi) Elizabeth reflects on Jane's reserved nature and the injustice done to her by their family's behavior. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxvii) Elizabeth's anxiety for Jane is heightened by Darcy's explanation of Bingley's affection. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxviii) Seen in London; Elizabeth observes her looks but has little chance to study her spirits. ### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxxix) Listens to Lydia's news with concern; hopes there is no strong attachment between Wickham and Mary King. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xl) Shocked by Wickham's true nature, grieved for Darcy's disappointment, and still pines for Bingley. ### [Chapter XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlvi) Writes two letters to Elizabeth detailing the elopement and its aftermath. ### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlvii) Meets Elizabeth at Longbourn; shares Lydia's letter and details of the family's distress. ### [Chapter XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlviii) Almost hopeless about Lydia's situation, she reads Mr. Collins' letter with horror. ### [Chapter XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlix) Walks with Elizabeth, reads the letter aloud to Mrs. Bennet, and tries to comfort her mother and sister by hoping for Wickham's reformation and the couple's future happiness. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/l) Urges Mr. Bennet to receive Lydia and Wickham at Longbourn after the wedding. ### [Chapter LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/li) Feels deep distress for Lydia's situation and is shocked by her sister's lack of shame. ### [Chapter LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lii) Mentioned in Mrs. Gardiner's letter as having written about Lydia's conduct; Elizabeth is to share the secret with her. ### [Chapter LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/liii) Struggles to appear composed upon seeing Bingley again, though she claims indifference. ### [Chapter LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/liv) Jane feels at ease after the first meeting with Bingley, insisting she is indifferent, though Elizabeth teases her about still being in love. ### [Chapter LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lv) Accepts Mr. Bingley's proposal, declaring herself the happiest creature. ### [Chapter LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lvi) Accompanies Mr. Bingley into the shrubbery to avoid Lady Catherine's visit. ### [Chapter LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lviii) Walks alone with Bingley, allowing the others to fall behind. ### [Chapter LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lix) Initially disbelieves Elizabeth's engagement but becomes happy and supportive after being convinced. ### [Chapter LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lx) Receives insincere congratulations from Miss Bingley and writes a kind response. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lxi) Mrs. Bingley; leaves Netherfield after a year; lives near Elizabeth. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/jane_bennet - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters