Elizabeth is certainly the person in the novel who holds the most prejudice. The idea of ​​prejudice and naivety is shown in the novel first when she meets Mr. Darcy and then when she meets Mr. Wickham. Austen's powerful and masterful art of shifting our allegiances is clearly seen in her portrayal of Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy. We are positioned to be for the former and against the latter until the turning point later in the story, when Elizabeth's eyes are opened to their true character. Elizabeth initially believes that Mr. Darcy is "very unpleasant" after he insults her at the Netherfield ball. Elizabeth is also easily smitten by Wickham's charm and accepts everything he says as accurate. Later in the novel it becomes apparent that Mr. Darcy has a better character than initially believed when he saves Bennet's reputation from being perpetually tarnished. The Bennets' reputation is saved when Darcy comes to their aid after Wickham runs away with Lydia. Darcy forces them to marry to save the family's embarrassment and pays for the wedding. Mrs. Gardiner explains this to Elizabeth in a letter. Elizabeth immediately feels foolish for judging Mr. Darcy this way. "How despicably I have behaved!" she exclaimed. -- ``I, who boasted of my discernment! --I who valued myself for my abilities! who have often disdained my sister's generous candour, and gratified mine