Austen creates characters with contrasting opinions, personalities, and values.

This provides her with so many opportunities to show rather than tell and to forward her subplots. She uses this strategy frequently throughout Pride and Prejudice (and all of her books) to excellent effect.

Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas side by side. — Creating opposing personalities

**Elizabeth believes you can only be happy in marriage if you can esteem, respect, and love your husband - though he should also be financially stable.**
**Charlotte believes happiness in marriage is financial stability and your own established home - the husband is someone to tolerate.**

“I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connection, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state." - Charlotte Lucas

Contrast your characters and …

Within one scene, you can compare two characters’ actions and behavior which provides an excellent opportunity to show their personalities. This is particularly useful if you’re introducing your characters for the first time.
Two characters (even best friends) may disagree on a topic, and by each discussing their point of view, you can create conflict and tension and subtly push forward a subplot.
You can have two characters witness the same event - and each can come to very different conclusions. As the author, you can ensure one is right and the other wrong, which can be very effective in creating or seeding future obstacles.

Austen creates characters with contrasting opinions, personalities, and values.

This provides her with so many opportunities to show rather than tell and to forward her subplots. She uses this strategy frequently throughout Pride and Prejudice (and all of her books) to excellent effect.

“I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connection, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state." - Charlotte Lucas

Contrast your characters and …

Within one scene, you can compare two characters’ actions and behavior which provides an excellent opportunity to show their personalities. This is particularly useful if you’re introducing your characters for the first time.

Two characters (even best friends) may disagree on a topic, and by each discussing their point of view, you can create conflict and tension and subtly push forward a subplot.

You can have two characters witness the same event - and each can come to very different conclusions. As the author, you can ensure one is right and the other wrong, which can be very effective in creating or seeding future obstacles.