The theme of pride is central to Pride and Prejudice, influencing characters' actions and relationships. Pride leads to misunderstandings and conflicts, particularly between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Both characters must overcome their pride to find happiness and mutual respect.

Mr. Darcy's pride is evident from his first appearance. His wealth and social status contribute to his aloofness and disdain for those he deems beneath him. At the Meryton Assembly, he dismisses Elizabeth as "not handsome enough to tempt me," showcasing his arrogance. This pride blinds him to Elizabeth's qualities and initially prevents him from pursuing her.

"I certainly have not the talent which some people possess," said Darcy, "of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done."

Elizabeth's pride is wounded by Darcy's dismissive attitude, leading her to form a prejudice against him. Her initial impression of Darcy as arrogant and unkind is reinforced by Mr. Wickham's deceitful tales. Elizabeth's pride and prejudice cloud her judgment, causing her to reject Darcy's first proposal.

"That is very true," replied Elizabeth, "and I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine."

Both characters undergo significant growth. Darcy learns humility and seeks to amend his past behavior, while Elizabeth recognizes her misjudgments. Their journey illustrates the dangers of excessive pride and the importance of self-awareness and change. Darcy's eventual remorse for his earlier conduct highlights his transformation.

The recollection of what I then said, of my conduct, my manners, my expressions during the whole of it, is now, and has been many months, inexpressibly painful to me. Your reproof, so well applied, I shall never forget: 'had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.' Those were your words. You know not, you can scarcely conceive, how they have tortured me.

While Darcy and Elizabeth overcome their pride, other characters remain unchanged. Mr. Collins, for example, is a blend of pride and obsequiousness, never evolving beyond his foolishness. His character contrasts with the growth seen in Darcy and Elizabeth, emphasizing the novel's moral lesson on the pitfalls of pride.