Jane Austen's Men Trivia Quiz

Answer: "flaxen haired"

Mr. Darcy is one of the richest Austen heroes from any novel. His wealth, however, doesn't soften Elizabeth Bennet towards him. She considers him proud and rude. Mr. Darcy is first introduced to the reader as an eye-catching man, with his "fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien..." Of course, he is also called "proud", "above his company", and "above being pleased".

As Elizabeth begins to learn more about him, though, she finds that he is a caring brother, fair landlord, and kind master.

His apparent coldness masks an inherently reserved, but not mean, nature.

Answer: Friendly and unreserved

"Pride and Prejudice" opens with Mrs. Bennet informing her spouse that a wealthy bachelor has taken residence into their neighborhood. She gushes about his "large fortune" and is determined that one of her daughters should marry the newcomer. Fortunately, Mr. Bingley is attracted to the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, from the onset.

Answer: Lucy Steele

Mr. Ferrars is engaged to Lucy, but he loves Elinor. He became engaged to Lucy while he was young, and five years before he met Elinor. He internally battles feelings of loyalty and desire, but is eventually saved by Lucy's own fickle nature!

Answer: She thinks he's too old.

Colonel Brandon appears in the novel as a staid, sensible, and somewhat morose figure. The Dashwoods later learn of his painful history: his first love, Eliza, had been forced into an arranged marriage with his brother. She ended up dying in a very sorry state, and left behind an illegitimate child. Colonel Brandon finds love again in the arms of Marianne Dashwood.

Answer: He rescues her when she sprains her ankle

Mr. Willoughby literally sweeps Marianne off her feet. When he lifts her in his arms, she instantly falls in love. Mr. Willoughby is like any storybook hero--without the happily ever after.

Answer: Her candid and artless nature

Mr. Tilney is a well-read gentleman, fond of making absurd small talk. He enjoys wordplay, particularly with the innocent Catherine. Most of his double entendres are missed by Catherine, and she is frank enough to admit it.

One famous dialogue between Catherine and Henry:

Catherine: "I do not understand you".

Henry: "Then we are on very unequal terms, for I understand you perfectly well".

Catherine: "Me? Yes; I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible".

Answer: He openly points out her faults

Mr. Knightly is closely tied to the Woodhouse family, being their neighbor and kinsman-by-marriage. He is attracted to Emma, but clearly sees her many character flaws. He is the only person who dares voice an opinion when she behaves badly, and professes "Emma knows I never flatter her". Emma eventually learns to value his honesty, and strives to be worthy of his love and respect.

Answer: Robert Martin

When the reader first meets Harriet Smith, she is already in love with a farmer named Robert Martin. Emma Woodhouse thinks that Harriet can contract a much better alliance, though, and convinces Harriet to turn her attention to Mr. Elton. Unfortunately, Mr. Elton has his sights on Emma, not Harriet, so that love affair dies before it can even begin. Harriet later becomes fond of Frank Churchill, and then Mr. Knightley, only to return to Robert Martin in the end!

Answer: Naval Officer

Anne's family frowns upon her unsuitable attachment to Captain Wentworth. They cannot, however, overlook the fact that the captain has become very wealthy in the Royal Navy. While it is an occupation that Mr. Elliot finds beneath him, he does approve of Captain Wentworth's good looks and deep pockets.

Answer: Protective kindness

When Fanny Price is sent to live with her rich relatives at Mansfield Park, she is overcome with homesickness and fear. Her aunt and uncle are remote figures, and neither exerts any real effort to comfort Fanny. Her wealthy cousins are imperious and condescending. Only Edmund treats her as a friend.

He is kind and protective towards his young kinswoman. She cannot help but love him, and he eventually returns that love.