Pride and Prejudice is the best known of Jane Austen’s six novels, and was first published in 1813. It is highly regarded for the acute description of its characters and because of its ironic style. The novel tells about the relation-ship which ensues when Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr Darcy. There are many notable characters in the novel, in particular beautiful and affectionate Jane, Elizabeth’s older sister; Mrs Bennet, their foolish mother; and their wild and unruly younger sister Lydia. The other memorable actors in the story include gentle and amiable Mr Bingley; Mr Wickam, the plausible scoundrel; William Collins, the ridiculous clergyman; and his appalling patronness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.