Mr. Collins

Also known as: Mr Collins / William Collins · Family: Collins · Role: clergyman · First appears: Chapter 13

In chapter 13, Mr. Collins is introduced as the clergyman who stands next in the entail of Longbourn, so Mr. Bennet warns that he may one day turn the family out. Having received ordination at Easter, he has gained Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s patronage and the valuable rectory at Hunsford; he also wishes to heal the disagreement between Mr. Bennet and his late honoured father. He visits Longbourn, where he is received by his cousins, and declares, “But I can assure the young ladies that I come prepared to admire them.”

The next morning, Mr. Collins changes his intention from Jane Bennet to Elizabeth Bennet, then solicits Elizabeth Bennet for the first two dances at Netherfield. The following day he proposes marriage, saying, “Almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life.” Elizabeth Bennet refuses him, and he accepts her rejection before transferring his attentions to Charlotte Lucas. Their engagement is quickly settled, with the approval of Sir William Lucas, Lady Lucas, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh; they marry in chapter 26 and leave for Kent.

At Rosings, Mr. Collins presents the household party to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and takes his seat at the bottom of her table by her desire, appearing fully satisfied with the occasion. He later attends Elizabeth Bennet to her carriage when she leaves Hunsford, sending respects to her family. In chapter 48, he writes to Mr. Bennet to offer condolences, and in chapter 57 reports that Lady Catherine de Bourgh will not consent to Elizabeth Bennet’s marriage to Fitzwilliam Darcy. After Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s anger leads Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins to leave for Lucas Lodge, he remains connected to the matter through his wife’s move.