Mr Darcy

Age and build

Fine, tall person

“his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 3)

Face and hair

Handsome features and noble bearing

“handsome features, noble mien” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 3)

Initially forbidding countenance due to proud manner

“a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 3)

Dress

The book says little here, so we use a plain choice that fits the period.

Voice and speech

Writes with difficulty, preferring words of four syllables

“he does not write with ease. He studies too much for words of four syllables” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 10)

Speaks with sedateness and formality

“when he spoke, his accent had none of its usual sedateness” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 43)

Often silent and reserved in company

“he merely answered her question and read on” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 11)

Signature words

Employs 'disguise' as a key concept in his moral philosophy

“disguise of every sort is my abhorrence” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 34)

References his 'duty' repeatedly

“I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 18)

Speaks of 'principle' and moral conviction

“I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 11)

Uses formal, measured language

“I am sorry, exceedingly sorry” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 58)

Speaks of 'resentment' as a defining trait

“My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost is lost for ever” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 11)

Gait and mannerisms

Stands apart from company, avoiding social engagement

“the man who made himself agreeable nowhere” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 6)

Walks with quick, agitated steps when emotionally disturbed

“he walked with quick steps across the room” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 34)

Leans against furniture in a posture of controlled emotion

“leaning against the mantel-piece with his eyes fixed on her face” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 34)

Struggles visibly for composure when emotionally affected

“He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips till he believed himself to have attained it” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 34)

Strengths

Possesses genuine understanding and sound judgment

“I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 11)

Capable of great kindness and generosity when he chooses

“Mr. Darcy can please where he chooses. He does not want abilities” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 16)

Devoted to his sister's welfare and happiness

“Whatever can give his sister any pleasure, is sure to be done in a moment. There is nothing he would not do for her” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 43)

Capable of profound self-examination and reform

“your reproofs had been attended to” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 58)

Demonstrates integrity in handling difficult moral situations

“Regard for my sister’s credit and feelings prevented any public exposure” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 35)

Flaws

Excessive pride and sense of superiority

“he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 3)

Resentful temperament that holds grudges

“My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost is lost for ever” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 11)

Inflexible and unyielding in his opinions

“It is, I believe, too little yielding; certainly too little for the convenience of the world” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 11)

Obstinate in pursuing his own course

“obstinacy is the real defect of his character, after all” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 52)

Traits

Observant and analytical of others' behaviour

“I observed my friend’s behaviour attentively” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 35)

Intellectually engaged, fond of reading

“he merely answered her question and read on” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 11)

Values poetry and literature

“I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 9)

Deeply principled and concerned with honour

“in defiance of honour and humanity” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 35)

Capable of genuine affection once engaged

“in Darcy’s breast there was a tolerably powerful feeling towards her” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 18)

Protective of those under his care

“I am joined with him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 33)

Lines in their own words

On his own temperament

“My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding; certainly too little for the convenience of the world” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 11)

On his lack of social ease

“I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 31)

On his changed feelings toward Elizabeth

“it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 45)

On his motivation for helping Lydia

“The motive professed was his conviction of its being owing to himself that Wickham’s worthlessness had not been so well known” (Pride And Prejudice, chapter 52)