Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the story of an English family in the early 1800's. The central theme in the story is the necessity of making a good marriage for each of the five daughters in the Bennet family. Elizabeth Bennet is the central character in the novel and the second oldest daughter. The role of her sisters' characters influence Elizabeth's thoughts about her own romantic interest, Fitzwilliam Darcy, throughout the novel. Lydia Bennet, Elizabeth's youngest sister plays an important role in Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy. Ultimately, Lydia's improper behavior brings Elizabeth and Darcy together, justifying Austen's portrayal of Lydia as an uncivilized, idle, and irrational young woman.
             Lydia Bennet's role in Pride and Prejudice is twofold. She is the first of five daughters to be married which supports the novel's main theme of the necessity of making a good marriage. Her elopement with Wickham brings disgrace to the family, nevertheless, she does marry which satisfies her mother's wish to see all of her daughters marry well. "The business of her life was to get her daughters married." (Vol. I, Chapter 1). Lydia's role is also that of her mother's favorite daughter. She is like her mother in many ways; insensitive, simple, and brassy. "In Lydia's imagination, a visit to Brighton comprised every possibility of earthly happiness. She saw herself seated beneath a tent, tenderly flirting with at least six officers at once." (Vol. II, Chapter 18). Lydia is the complete opposite of Elizabeth who is sensitive, intelligent, and considerate.
             Austen uses Lydia's rash behavior as a means for Elizabeth, the central character, to understand that Darcy is "the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her." (Vol. III, Chapter 8) Throughout the novel Elizabeth misunderstands Darcy's intentions and actions, and rejects his initial proposal of marriage believing that they are ill-suited. When Lydi...