01. Lady Catherine de Bourgh

A wealthy, aristocratic, and domineering woman who represents the ultimate expression of class snobbery and social privilege. Her attempt to interfere with Darcy and Elizabeth's engagement provides a climactic moment that inadvertently brings them together.
Background and Character

• Social Status: She is the daughter of an earl, which gives her a high rank in society, reflected in the way she is always addressed as "Lady Catherine" rather than "Lady de Bourgh." She inherited her grand estate, Rosings Park, from her late husband, Sir Lewis de Bourgh.

• Personality: She is the epitome of haughtiness, pomp, and snobbery. She is accustomed to having her judgment respected and her opinions followed without question. Mr. Collins describes her as "affable and condescending," but her actions show her to be domineering and fond of dictating to everyone around her—from her clergyman (Mr. Collins) to her dinner guests (Elizabeth).

• Representation: Lady Catherine perfectly embodies the pride and prejudice of the aristocratic class and the entrenched social divisions of the time. She represents the old-world values that Elizabeth and Darcy must overcome to find happiness.