What is the name of Elizabeth's best friend?

Elizabeth Bennet’s best friend is Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte is the daughter of Sir William and Lady Lucas, and her family lives near the Bennets in Hertfordshire.

Charlotte is 27, making her several years older than Elizabeth. Her age and limited financial prospects shape her practical view of marriage. Unlike Elizabeth, who rejects Mr Collins because she finds him unsuitable, Charlotte accepts his proposal after Elizabeth turns him down. She chooses the security of marriage and a home at Hunsford rather than waiting for romantic love.

Elizabeth is initially shocked by Charlotte’s decision, but the friendship does not completely disappear. During Elizabeth’s visit to Hunsford, she sees how Charlotte manages her marriage and household with considerable independence. A common mix-up is identifying Jane Bennet as Elizabeth’s best friend: Jane is Elizabeth’s beloved elder sister, while Charlotte is her close friend outside the family. Caroline Bingley and Georgiana Darcy are important figures in the story, but neither occupies Charlotte’s role.