Includes abstract nouns referring to moral qualities (‘pride’) and judgmental adjectives (‘a woman of mean intelligence’). Careful choice of words indicates intelligence (‘Can he be a sensible man?’).

Intended to be read aloud as well as privately. Narrator’s ironic comments can undercut a character. Exclamations indicate ignorance (Mrs Bennet) or unusually extreme emotion (Elizabeth).

Polite language inadequate to express private feelings. Feelings shown through movement, change of position (as in a play). Body language (e.g. blushing) reveals physical attraction.

Blends realism and romance (as in later novels, e.g. 'Jane Eyre' ). Comic – irony and caricature. Importance of letters (link to earlier epistolary novels). Novel of manners (analyses behaviour).

Three-volume narrative follows events in chronological (time) order. Letters move action forward. Changes of location prompt plot developments. Various points of view plus omniscient narrator.