The Bennets have five daughters, all without dowries, so they have limited chances of marrying. Then the rich Charles Bingley arrives in the district and takes a keen interest in Jane Bennet. At Bingley's house, Jane's sharp-tongued sister Elizabeth sees more of his friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy - but she finds him too arrogant for her.

A visit from the Bennets' cousin, Mr Collins, throws the family into disarray, while Elizabeth's acquaintance with Wickham solidifies her distrust and dislike of Darcy.

Darcy defends himself against Elizabeth's accusations, and later they meet at his house, Pemberley. While there, Elizabeth makes an astonishing discovery about Darcy which changes her feelings about him.