Since the publication of Charlotte Collins in 2010, I’ve written stories about five minor characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: Charlotte Collins, Maria Lucas, Caroline Bingley, Mary Bennet, and Lydia Bennet (Coming Soon in Holidays with Jane: Spring Fever). I’ve also written one modern retelling of Persuasion in Holidays with Jane: Christmas Cheer.
I love Austen’s minor characters. Their unique personalities leap off the page, and in my opinion, Pride and Prejudice ended before their stories were complete.
Some of them made poor choices, like Charlotte, who married that oaf Mr. Collins.
Some of them were overlooked, like Mary Bennet.
Two characters in particular left me wondering if they could be redeemed.
For one reason or another, all of these minor characters left me wondering what happened to them next. What was their happily ever after?
I just never felt that way about Lizzie and Darcy.