Story so far
Caroline Bingley is deeply mortified when Mr. Darcy marries Elizabeth Bennet, destroying the ambition that had shaped her treatment of both Bennet sisters. Yet the prospect of continuing to visit Pemberley proves stronger than resentment: she becomes fonder than ever of Georgiana, remains attentive to Darcy, and pays Elizabeth every civility she once withheld.
Her congratulations to Jane Bennet are affectionate in language and insincere in feeling. Jane does not trust the change, but answers more kindly than Caroline deserves. Caroline remains within the new family circle only by accepting the marriage she most wished to prevent.
Appearance
She is a handsome English gentlewoman with a regular, handsome face, an elegant figure, fashionable dress, and a proud, polished manner. Her hair, eye colour, complexion, and age are not specifically described.
Role
She is the disappointed aspirant who adapts her manners to Elizabeth's victory rather than relinquish social access to Darcy and Pemberley.
Relationships
Mr. Darcy — Mr. Darcy marries the woman Caroline had hoped to displace, yet Caroline remains attentively civil to retain his acquaintance.
Miss Darcy — Miss Darcy receives Caroline's intensified attention as a route to continued welcome at Pemberley.
Jane Bennet — Jane Bennet answers Caroline's insincere professions with characteristic kindness but no reliance.
Sources — 11 recorded facts, by chapter
Chapter 3
- One of Bingley's fashionable sisters, admitted to the assembly only within the Netherfield party.
Chapter 4
- Bingley's beautiful, proud, fashionable sister, prepared to preside over his new household.
Chapter 6
- Bingley's fashionable, proud sister, unsettled by Darcy's newly expressed admiration for Elizabeth.
Chapter 8
- Caroline Bingley, the fashionable Netherfield hostess whose concern for Jane masks contempt for the Bennets and jealousy of Elizabeth.
Chapter 10
- Caroline Bingley, a fashionable hostess whose jealous efforts to ridicule Elizabeth only reveal Darcy's growing fascination.
Chapter 11
- Caroline Bingley, a fashionable hostess whose efforts to seize Darcy's attention fail against his absorption in Elizabeth.
Chapter 12
- Caroline Bingley, a jealous hostess relieved by Elizabeth's departure and extravagantly affectionate only when Jane is leaving.
Chapter 18
- Caroline tries to discredit Wickham and quietly enjoys the Bennets' humiliation, while Darcy's attention to Elizabeth continues to frustrate her.
Chapter 21
- Caroline's affectionate letter to Jane is a polished instrument for announcing the Bingleys' flight to London and promoting Georgiana Darcy as Charles's future wife.
Chapter 43
- Jealousy makes Caroline Bingley openly cruel to Elizabeth, but Darcy's answer leaves her humiliated rather than triumphant.
Chapter 59
- Mortified by Darcy's marriage, Caroline suppresses resentment to preserve her access to Pemberley and pays Elizabeth every overdue civility.