Colonel Fitzwilliam is an intriguing figure
in Pride and Prejudice. He appears for a rather short time in the
novel, and his main function is to inform Elizabeth of Darcy’s role in
separating Jane from Bingley. We never
even learn his first name. Austen makes
it clear, however, that Elizabeth and the Colonel get along well, in part
because he enjoys the “easy manners” Darcy does not possess. Thus, the Colonel serves to emphasize Darcy’s
introverted, socially awkward nature while highlighting Elizabeth’s
gregariousness. Austen hints at the
potential for a romance between Elizabeth and the Colonel, but he tells her he must
marry an heiress, so any attraction goes nowhere.
In the world of Jane Austen fan fiction,
Colonel Fitzwilliam has a much more varied and extensive role than in the
original novel. He acquires a first name
(Richard) which is used almost universally.
He is paired with Georgiana, Anne de Bourgh, Jane Bennet, or any number
of other women. He goes to war, inherits
the earldom, fights with Wickham, and becomes involved in many other plots. Because he is the son of an earl and a
soldier, his character offers a lot of potential for interesting
storylines. But, above all in JAFF, the
Colonel is always Darcy’s friend and confidante. More than Bingley, he is the person Darcy can
talk to about his conflicts over Elizabeth and his obligations to his family.
