Behind the names: characters you need to know

Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

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

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

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

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

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

Capt Frederick Wentworth, Persuasion

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