Pride and Prejudice, though now considered a classic, was not always known by its current title. When originally published, Jane Austen's novel was titled First Impressions. Though later renamed, first impressions play a major role in Pride and Prejudice, specifically in the development of three of the main characters. Though Elizebeth Bennet accurately appraises the character of people such as Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh, she greatly misjudges the characters of both Darcy and Wickham due to deceptive first impressions.

Darcy, a close friend of the admired Mr. Bingley, was initially perceived as an arrogant and rich snob. During his first appearance at a particular ball, Darcy appeared even more attractive than his friend Mr. Bingley but quickly turned all opinions of him for the worse with his contentious demeanor. "The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he...