The Bennets have five daughters, all without dowries, so they have limited chances of marrying. Then the rich Charles Bingley arrives in the district and takes a keen interest in Jane Bennet. At Bingley's house, Jane's sharp-tongued sister Elizabeth sees more of his friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy - but she finds him too arrogant for her.

A visit from the Bennets' cousin, Mr Collins, throws the family into disarray, while Elizabeth's acquaintance with Wickham solidifies her distrust and dislike of Darcy.

Bingley and his household return to London suddenly, leaving Jane to suppose he does not care about her after all. Lizzie discovers who was behind the separation and receives another surprising offer.

Darcy defends himself against Elizabeth's accusations, and later they meet at his house, Pemberley. While there, Elizabeth makes an astonishing discovery about Darcy which changes her feelings about him.

Elizabeth meets Darcy's younger sister, Georgiana. Then news comes that Lydia has eloped with Wickham, and the Bennets fear she is lost. Darcy decides to help Lydia - but without telling the Bennet family or Elizabeth.

Lydia comes home in triumph with Wickham, who has married her. Lydia has been sworn to secrecy about the secret help from Darcy, but in her muddle-headed way she lets the secret slip to Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Bingley comes back to the Longbourne neighbourhood - and he wants to see Jane again. Bingley is followed by a very angry Lady Catherine, who reveals another secret. Finally, Elizabeth admits to Darcy that she has changed her view of him - and he gets the answer he is hardly hoping for.