Pride and Prejudice question

I like the mother. Not because I think she moves the plot, or as a character with a driving force... she couldn't drive a shopping cart, let's be honest. But I think as a comic foil and jester she's fun for the audience to read. There are a lot of great lines that come from her that are really funny and I think she made that book. We would never see Lizzie and Jane as so superior if we didn't know the handicap that the mother presented in their lives. We also wouldn't be so accepting of Lydia's naughtiness (and complete obliviousness to this) without seeing how the mother just glosses it over.

Darcy was the most influential character, not counting the sisters. He influenced Bingley to forget about Jane. He convinced Elizabeth to finally marry him. He encouraged Bingley to pursue Jane, again. He arranged for Lydia and Wickham to marry, etc.

I know, it's not a proper character but I think Regency society, personified in Miss Bingley, Lady Catherine and the ton in general, has the greatest influence on the story. If not for society belief about rank, wealth and obbligations, Darcy would not have any problem about Elizabeth (and Jane) station in life.

I feel it was Elizabeth and Jane's father. Always in the background, it was his choices which determined what their family was like. His deliberate lack of control over their mother, his lack of action in the training of his daughters (which might have counteracted their mother's disposition) and most of all his influence on Elizabeth and Jane were very telling. They both grew up to become highly principled women, and let’s face it; they sure didn't get that from their mother!

Mr. Bennet. He was always quite with not much to say and leaving most of the talking to his wife, but still remains his grounds with great love and care to his girls. The best part was when he indirectly defied his wife by saying to Elizabeth "From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins, and I will never see you again if you do"

You could always argue that it's Ms. Bingley.

Wickham is the first who popped into my head when I read the question; he influences so much of what goes on among everyone's interactions, sometimes as this almost ghostly force who is always there even when not directly involved.

I think you could probably argue that many characters were very influential. In some ways you could say Mr Darcy because without Darcy there would be much less of a story. Mr Bingley because without him buying Pemberly and his connection with Jane and all that results from this there too would be considerable less story to tell. You could say that Mrs Bennet because one of Darcy's main objections to feeling affection for Elizabeth and his friend's attachment to Jane was because of her family and without some of the things he said or did because of this the story just wouldn't be without.
So I basically think that every character in a way is very necessary and influential to the plot. The book is written in a way that it seems, after finishing it that every detail written was incredibly important to the story.

Darcy!

Mr.Darcy & Lady Catherine . such strong and captivating characters!

I have to say Mrs. Bennet. While on occasion throughout the book you couldn’t help wondering how Lizzie and Jane were related to her, she was a comical character. But you had to give Mrs. Bennet some credit. In having no sons who could keep the estate from being entailed but having five daughters, she made it her mission to find a suitable match for at least one of the girls.

I would love to say Mr. Bennet because through out all of the book he was always there.Always in the background but you could always feel his presence.I really loved him as a character but somehow it seemed that he mostly influenced Lizzy and Jane.
And even though I love Mr.Darcy I have to agree that were it not for Mr. Bingley, Lizzy and Darcy might have never met.Also with his relationship with Jane he influenced pretty much the whole family , including his own.

I think Lady Catherine had a huge influence on the story. It was her invitations to Rosings which brought Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy together. Her forcefulness inspired Elizabeth to rebel and refuse to make any promises not to marry Mr. Darcy. That refusal inspired Mr. Darcy to return and propose a second time. Without Lady Catherine, Elizabeth may have remained silent, believing that Mr. Darcy did not love her anymore.

For sure Wickham influences so much in the events of the novel ,he is the only cause for both Elizabeth and Darcy to overcome their Pride and Prejudice ..

Mrs Bennett! she both pushes the lovers (Jane and Bingley, Lizzie and Darcy even Lydia and Wickham)together and pulls them apart; even if it's only distaste for her behaviour. She is also the only one concerned for the future, however inappropriately expressed, the only one who seems to acknowledge and actively(if in a limited fashion) try do do something about the imminent danger her daughters face of real poverty. The other character is Wickham his actions and Lizzie's and Darcy's reactions enable the each of them to come to see the "worth" of the other beyond the initial attraction. She sees he's not just a rich handsome obnoxious prig, he sees the estimable woman who makes tolerating her family worth it

The ever supporting father Mr.Bennet. Jane has managed to create the most loving and supportive father that can be imagined.

I think that Darcy exercised the most influence apart from the sisters. Darcy influences Bingley to let go then go after Jane. He affects Elizabeth through his presence, letter and eventual acceptance of his hand. He impresses on Wickham to marry Lydia and before that saved his sister's innocence by catching Wickham before his elopement with her.He goes against the ton through his engagement to Elizabeth which we see in the behaviour of Lady Catherine. Mr Bennet is forever in his debt due to Darcy paying off Wickham's debtors and buys his commission. His influence pervades the whole work and maybe that is due to the fact that he is the most important person in terms of the ton, his position and wealth compared to all other characters in the novel.

I think it's Wickham because I think Lizzy's misjudgement of him causes her to be a little less prideful and allows Mr. Darcy to slip in, plus the way Mr. Darcy handled the whole situation proved he was gentlemanly.

I would say Darcy had the greatest influence outside of the sisters.

I'd choose Mr. Darcy. I liked his character, he doesn't reveal much about himself which makes him interesting. Basically he lived in his own bubble. He was also very proud of his social status which leads to the rejection of his proposal. Judging from different situation, he really seemed to be a real gentleman.

Darcy and Mrs. Bennet

I want to answer Darcy. But Bingley and Wickham also are.

Driving force? The characters are all so beautifully builted that almost everyone was a driving force.

Would have to say Whickham and his rush towards the top of the society, that prompt most of the actions,likes and dislikes and the very good ending.

But i just adore the father, although he couldn´t care less about his wife or to control his girls and the cousin, Mr Collins.

Mr.Darcy and that's for sure cz He is the one who likes to live in his own shell and not much interested to show his real shades very rapidly!

I would opt for Whickam as his behaviour with Darcy's sister drives much of Darcy's negative view of Elizabeth and the Bennett family and his subsequent actions with Lydia is the catalyst for the resolution of the Darcy/Elizabeth relationship.

When did Darcy ever arrange for Lydia and whickam to be married?

I feel like Whickam was a pretty strong driving force in the developement of the story, on a couple of different occassions.

Also, please only vote up or down a comment once, for accuracy's sake.