Behind the names: The Austen characters you need to know

Feisty feminist heroines and dashing handsome heros.

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Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

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The most popular Austen heroine, Lizzy’s headstrong nature and complex relationship with Mr Darcy have captivated and inspired generations

Elinor Dashwood, Sense and Sensibility

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One of Austen’s most complex characters (Emma Thompson was nominated for an Oscar in the role). She is as passionate as her sister and is governed by her strict sense of propriety

Mary Crawford, Mansfield Park

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Curiously, it’s more tempting to side with her than with the heroine, Fanny. Mary is intelligent and captivating, but her shallow nature lets her down

Emma Woodhouse, Emma

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She isn’t interested in getting married, making for a fascinating heroine of the time. Her flaws are flaunted from the start, but her warm heart makes you eager to forgive them

Isabella Thorpe, Northanger Abbey

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The scenes describing her quite literal pursuits of men on the streets of Bath will make you laugh out loud

Capt Frederick Wentworth, Persuasion

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The last hero Austen created before her death, he’s different to the rest—he’s not a member of the landed gentry, but makes his own fortune through hard work and good sense

Katy Birchall
Katy Birchall

Katy Birchall is a journalist and the author of several young adult and teen novels, including The It Girl series and the Hotel Royale series. She has written a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma for the Awesomely Austen series and the Netflix spin-off novel Sex Education: The Road Trip. She is also the author of several romantic comedies for adults including The Secret Bridesmaid and The Wedding Season. She writes romantic fiction for young adults under the name Ivy Bailey, romantic-comedy under the name Katrina Logan, and romantic sports fiction for adults under Katherine Reilly. She lives in London with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.