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Quizzes > Books & Literature

Jane Austen quiz: How well do you know her novels and characters?

Quick, free Jane Austen trivia challenge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: David HurwichUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quill and open book on sky blue background with text Free Jane Austen quiz test your novels characters and wit

This Jane Austen quiz helps you check what you remember from her novels, characters, and sparkling wit. If you love Elizabeth and Darcy, try our Pride and Prejudice quiz, explore character matches with which Jane Austen heroine, or pick your next read with which Jane Austen book.

How many novels did Jane Austen publish in her lifetime?
5
6
4
7
Jane Austen published six major novels during her lifetime, all of which have become classics of English literature. These include Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. Her works were published anonymously, often under the title 'By a Lady.' For more details on her publications, see .
Which Jane Austen novel features the character Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy?
Sense and Sensibility
Emma
Pride and Prejudice
Mansfield Park
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is the brooding hero of Pride and Prejudice, first published in 1813. His evolving relationship with Elizabeth Bennet forms the core romance of the novel. Darcy's character has become an iconic figure in English literature. Read more at .
What is the name of Elizabeth Bennet's eldest sister in Pride and Prejudice?
Mary Bennet
Kitty Bennet
Lydia Bennet
Jane Bennet
Jane Bennet is the eldest Bennet sister in Pride and Prejudice, admired for her beauty and sweet temper. She forms a key relationship with Charles Bingley in the novel. Her gentle character complements Elizabeth's liveliness. More about Jane is found at .
Under what authorial name were Jane Austen's novels originally published?
By a Lady
By an Englishwoman
Miss Austen
By the Author
Jane Austen's novels were originally published anonymously under the title 'By a Lady'. This practice was common for female authors of the period. The anonymity added to the novels' modesty while maintaining reader intrigue. Further context is available at .
Which Jane Austen novel opens with the line "It is a truth universally acknowledged..."?
Emma
Mansfield Park
Sense and Sensibility
Pride and Prejudice
The famous opening line 'It is a truth universally acknowledged...' begins Pride and Prejudice. This witty sentence sets the tone for the novel's exploration of social manners and matrimonial concerns. The line remains one of the most recognized in English literature. See more at .
What is the name of the Bennet family home in Pride and Prejudice?
Longbourn
Netherfield
Pemberley
Rosings Park
Longbourn is the family estate where the Bennets reside in Pride and Prejudice. It is entailed away from the female line, creating financial pressure on the Bennet daughters to marry well. The estate's ownership is central to the plot. More information at .
Which Jane Austen novel follows the romantic and social adventures of Emma Woodhouse?
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
Emma
Mansfield Park
Emma Woodhouse is the title character and heroine of the novel Emma. Published in 1815, the novel examines themes of class, marriage, and self-awareness through Emma's matchmaking endeavors. It remains a beloved comedy of manners. Learn more at .
In Sense and Sensibility, which Dashwood sister embodies 'sensibility'?
Margaret Dashwood
Elinor Dashwood
Marianne Dashwood
Fanny Dashwood
Marianne Dashwood represents 'sensibility' - emotional, passionate, and impulsive - while her sister Elinor represents 'sense'. The contrast drives much of the novel's drama. Marianne's temperament leads to intense romance and lessons in restraint. Read more at .
Who is the first character to propose marriage to Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice?
Mr. Bingley
Mr. Darcy
Mr. Wickham
Mr. Collins
Mr. Collins, the Bennet family's clergyman cousin, makes the first proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. His proposal is highly practical but lacks genuine affection, leading to Elizabeth's refusal. This event highlights Elizabeth's independence and discernment. Details at .
Which Jane Austen novel was published posthumously in 1818?
Pride and Prejudice
Emma
Northanger Abbey
Sense and Sensibility
Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were both published posthumously in December 1817, though they bear an 1818 publication date. Northanger Abbey satirizes Gothic novels and reflects Austen's early writing style. It was edited and released by her brother Henry after her death. More at .
In Emma, who is Emma Woodhouse's close friend and eventual love interest?
Mr. Knightley
Mr. Weston
Frank Churchill
Mr. Elton
George Knightley is Emma's brother-in-law and long-time friend who ultimately becomes her love interest. He offers Emma honest counsel and represents moral integrity. Their relationship develops gradually from friendship to mutual respect to romantic love. See .
What is Mr. Darcy's first name in Pride and Prejudice?
George
Fitzwilliam
Edward
John
Mr. Darcy's full name is Fitzwilliam Darcy. The use of his surname and occasional reference to his forename reflect his social status and personal pride in the novel. His aristocratic background is key to the plot's social commentary. More details at .
Which character is the heroine of Persuasion?
Elizabeth Bennet
Anne Elliot
Elinor Dashwood
Fanny Price
Anne Elliot is the protagonist of Persuasion, Austen's last completed novel. Persuaded to reject Captain Wentworth's proposal years earlier, she faces regrets and a second chance at love. Her maturity and reflection are central to the novel's themes of constancy. More at .
Which of the following is NOT a novel written by Jane Austen?
Wuthering Heights
Mansfield Park
Sense and Sensibility
Emma
Wuthering Heights was written by Emily Brontë, not Jane Austen. Austen's six major novels are Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. Brontë's gothic novel was published in 1847. For comparison, see .
In what year was Pride and Prejudice first published?
1817
1815
1813
1811
Pride and Prejudice was first published in January 1813 by Thomas Egerton in London. It was released in two volumes and sold out quickly, marking Austen's first major commercial success. The publication date is often cited as 1813. Additional details at .
Which narrative technique, famously used by Jane Austen, blends a character's thoughts with third-person narration?
Free indirect discourse
Stream of consciousness
Dramatic monologue
Epistolary style
Free indirect discourse allows the narrator to adopt a character's voice and thoughts without direct quotation, creating intimacy and subtle irony. Austen mastered this technique to provide insight into her characters while maintaining authorial control. It has influenced many later novelists. Read more at .
In Mansfield Park, who is the novel's heroine?
Fanny Price
Maria Bertram
Mary Crawford
Julia Bertram
Fanny Price is the gentle and moral heroine of Mansfield Park, first published in 1814. Orphaned and raised by her wealthy relatives, she navigates issues of class, propriety, and familial expectations. Fanny's steadfastness contrasts with more worldly characters. More at .
Which Colonel appears as a significant character in Sense and Sensibility?
Colonel Fitzwilliam
Colonel Brandon
Colonel Campbell
Colonel Bridgerton
Colonel Brandon is the mature, honorable suitor of Marianne Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility. His steadfast affection and past regrets lend depth to the story. He contrasts with the impulsive Willoughby and ultimately wins Marianne's hand. For more, see .
The 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starred which actress as Elizabeth Bennet?
Jennifer Ehle
Greer Garson
Emma Thompson
Keira Knightley
Jennifer Ehle portrayed Elizabeth Bennet in the acclaimed 1995 BBC miniseries adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Her performance is celebrated for capturing Elizabeth's wit and independence. The series remains a benchmark for Austen adaptations. Details at .
In Emma, who does Mr. Elton eventually marry?
Harriet Smith
Mrs. Weston
Augusta Hawkins
Harriet Walter
Mr. Elton, the local vicar in Emma, proposes to Emma Woodhouse but is rebuffed. He then hastily marries Augusta Hawkins, a woman of higher social standing, much to Emma's relief. This subplot critiques social climbing and misguided matchmaking. More information at .
Which unfinished Jane Austen novel was left incomplete at her death?
Lady Susan
The Watsons
Catherine
Sanditon
Sanditon was Austen's final work, left incomplete at her death in 1817. The surviving manuscript covers only twelve chapters and introduces the seaside town of Sanditon and its eccentric inhabitants. It was published posthumously in 1925. Additional context at .
What was the original working title of Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey?
Susan
Eleanor
Margaret
Catherine
Jane Austen originally titled Northanger Abbey as Susan, reflecting her heroine's name. The manuscript satirizes gothic fiction and was revised later to its final title. The original title is noted in Austen's manuscripts. See .
To whom did Jane Austen bequeath the manuscript of her unfinished novel Sanditon?
Henry Austen
Edward Austen
Frank Austen
Cassandra Austen
Jane Austen left her literary effects, including the incomplete Sanditon manuscript, to her sister Cassandra, who preserved many of Jane's letters and papers. Cassandra's stewardship was vital to the posthumous publication of Austen's works. More at .
What is Jane Austen's exact date of birth?
January 3, 1776
December 16, 1775
November 27, 1775
December 5, 1775
Jane Austen was baptized on January 5, 1776, but family records and her memorial plaque confirm her birth date as December 16, 1775. Her birthplace was Steventon, Hampshire. This precise date is widely accepted by scholars. Further reading at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Characters -

    Recall major and minor figures from Austen's novels to excel in the jane austen characters quiz and deepen your character familiarity.

  2. Analyze Memorable Quotes -

    Interpret and attribute famous lines from Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and more, refining your skill in recognizing Austen's wit.

  3. Recall Plot Details -

    Summarize pivotal events and story arcs across Austen's works, ensuring a strong grasp of narrative developments for the jane austen books quiz.

  4. Understand Regency-Era Context -

    Outline key social customs and historical settings of the early 19th century, enriching your appreciation for the world Jane Austen wrote in.

  5. Apply Literary Trivia Knowledge -

    Employ insights from lesser-known facts and behind-the-scenes anecdotes to ace challenging jane austen trivia questions.

  6. Evaluate Quiz Performance -

    Assess your strengths and identify areas for improvement to track progress and boost confidence in your jane austen quiz results.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Regency Historical Context -

    Understanding the social, political, and economic backdrop of 1811 - 1820 is crucial for any jane austen quiz. The British Library outlines how restricted women's roles and strict class hierarchies shape narratives in Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Try the mnemonic R.A.R.E. (Regency, Aristocracy, Roles, Etiquette) to recall key era traits.

  2. Central Themes & Social Commentary -

    Jane Austen's novels consistently explore marriage, class mobility, and wealth - core topics for jane austen trivia and books quiz rounds. Cambridge University Press highlights how characters' financial security often drives plot development, as with Charlotte Lucas's pragmatic match. Remember "MCM" (Marriage, Class, Money) to anchor your thematic insights.

  3. Narrative Style & Free Indirect Discourse -

    A hallmark of Austen's craft is her use of free indirect discourse, blending narrator and character viewpoints - key for any test your jane austen knowledge section. According to a Modern Language Review study, this technique deepens reader empathy, as seen in Emma's inner monologues. Associate "FID" with "Feel It Directly" to spot passages in a jane austen characters quiz.

  4. Iconic Characters & Relationships -

    Mastering profiles of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Emma Woodhouse, and Anne Elliot is essential for jane austen characters quiz success. Oxford University research notes Elizabeth's wit and Darcy's pride serve as foils, driving their dynamic transformation. Use the acronym "LED" (Love, Ego, Development) to map key character arcs.

  5. Signature Wit & Memorable Quotes -

    Austen's razor-sharp humor shines through lines like "It is a truth universally acknowledged…" - a staple in any jane austen trivia challenge. Yale University Press praises her irony as both entertainment and critique, enriching dialogue and narration. Commit "ITATUA" to memory to instantly recall her most famous opening.

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