Character Breakdown: Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice

I'm back with a new character breakdown, and today we have my first book character! It's a bit embarrassing I haven't done one yet, but I guess it's easier to see a character play out onscreen as compared to a book. Today we have one of my favorite heroines, Lizzy Bennet. (And yes, I will be using pictures from the BBC miniseries because Jennifer Ehle to me is Lizzy.)

Personality

• Lively. Lizzy is often shown taking walks across the countryside, unlike many ladies of her time. She's willing to dance and stroll and remain active.

• Spirited. She's also lively in spirit. She doesn't back down from arguments and is willing to stand up to people like her mother.

• Reader. It's shown early on that Lizzy likes to read. Other young women work on improving their skills, while Lizzy improves her mind.

Virtues

• Strong willed. Lizzy certainly won't back down from a challenge and she's the sort of person that won't be put in her place. She knows who she is and what she wants, as well as how to get it.

• Sensible. One of the biggest reasons I admire Lizzy is that she's so level-headed. She's not an optimist like her sister, which is similar to myself. She acts much older than her age and always keeps her head on her shoulders.

Flaws

• Prejudiced. Thus the name of the book. Lizzy has a problem with making snap judgments and sticking with them, which causes problems throughout the book. She learns to put those aside, however, even marrying a man she hates at the beginning.

• Has a temper. Lizzy is generally good natured, but if you tick her off, beware. She has a temper on her. You don't want to be the aim of her wrath.

Skills

• Accomplished. Lizzy might not be as skilled in areas like sewing, painting, and music as other young ladies, but she has her small share of skills. She can sing and play piano, as well as dance, though her real talents lie elsewhere.

• Excellent debater. There's no one to match Lizzy for wits, except maybe Mr. Darcy. All the lines she says are just so good. She certainly knows how to speak and argue.

What Makes Her Interesting

• She's not like other women. As becomes quickly apparent, Lizzy isn't a silly girl like many others in the book. She's got so many better talents and abilities. I can only imagine what she'd be able to do if she lived in today's world.

• Her vibrant character. Finally, Lizzy has always been a favorite of mine because she just comes to life on the page. She shines through her wonderful words and abnormal actions. She's a character any girl can learn from and admire.

Let's talk! What do you like about Lizzy? Do you like outspoken characters or more contemplative ones? Who is your favorite character from Pride and Prejudice? Tell me in the comments.