Character Analysis

Ashley Ducrepin
AP English – Mr. George
11.30.09
Character Analysis: Mr. Wickham

Mr. Wickham is a con man who uses his notable appearance to trick people into becoming acquainted with him.

When Mr. Wickham is initially introduced, he is described as “the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned” (Austen 57). It is no secret that his attractiveness appealed to pretty much all the women he met; in other words, he “had them at hello”. With enthralling physical appearance established, he used that to make women believe that he was a genuine gentleman. One of the few characters who fell for Wickham’s charm was Elizabeth, but as the novel went on, Wickham’s true character began to unveil itself. The inconsistency in his character is shown when he goes back on his words. Initially, Wickham asserted that he would attend the ball despite Darcy’s appearance, ultimately implying that Darcy is the impertinent one in their dispute. On the contrary, Wickham turns out to be the fake and is exposed: “his resentment was in proportion to the distress of his circumstances – and he was doubtless as violent in his abuse of [Mr. Darcy] to others, as in his reproaches to [Darcy]” (154). With substantial evidence, Darcy was able to demonstrate the greedy nature of Wickham and his impudent course of actions that followed as a result.

Mr. Wickham’s physical appearance that blinds people making them unable to see his fallacies is similar to shoes sold at Payless Shoesource stores. Consumers, more specifically women, are effortlessly lured in by the splendor of these shoes just as these women are easily captivated by Wickham’s good looks only to later find out that the object of their affection was a mistake. The feelings that arise when a woman sees something that is so appealing to the eye is enough to make her act on impulse – solely on emotion. After a while, she’s left to finally realize the unsatisfying quality of the shoes she has indulged herself in. In some cases, some women are not easily conned because of their prudence and remaining are those who’s reason is clouded by emotion. Very few of these irrational women are fortunate enough to encounter someone smart enough to rid them of their foolish ignorance.

In the biopic film Notorious, the film based on the life of rap superstar Notorious B.I.G, the rapper’s excessive love for women exemplified his ability to con women. While Biggie Smalls lacked the attractive nature that Wickham possessed, he appealed to women through his personality, his humor, his wealth, and his fame. That was enough to gain women’s trust and he used that to his advantage by satisfying every physical need he yearned for.


Ashley Ducrepin
AP English – Mr. George
11.30.09
Character Analysis – Mrs. Bennet

Mrs. Bennet is a foolish, simple-minded mother who serves no purpose but to cause irritation and discomfort to those around her.

Mrs. Bennet is overly and annoyingly obsessed with moving up in society based on her class. The key to achieving this is through her daughters. The potential marriage between one of her daughters and a wealthy man aroused Mrs. Bennet and it was her sole interest and objective: “‘If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield,’ said Mrs. Bennet to her husband, ‘and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for’” (Austen 5). Her obsessive nature causes her to stop at nothing to achieve a higher class, including making impertinent remarks: “‘[Charlotte] is very plain. Lady Lucas herself has often said so, and envied me Jane’s beauty’” (33). While Mrs. Bennet’s comments proved often to be true, she is unknowingly crude, completely oblivious of those around her. Mrs. Bennet is so indulged in her pointless and absent-minded thoughts that she fails to see how irksome she is to anyone associated with her.

Mrs. Bennet’s constant officious and offensive remarks make her voice the most intolerable thing to hear. She is extremely obnoxious and is embarrassing to her family members. Her boisterous and vexatious personality is that of a rustic hinge door that constantly creates an obtrusive sound when opened. A rustic hinge door causes much humiliation. Everytime Mrs. Bennet’s crevice is ajar, the irritable sounds that arise are unbearable. It is best for everyone if her mouth remains shut.

A woman that is similar to Mrs. Bennet is Janice Dickinson. Janice Dickinson is extremely boisterous and blunt, she is inconsiderate of people around her, let alone their feelings. Her obnoxiousness is embarrassing to those who are close to her, specifically her children.