Jane Austen

Who the Jane Austen type is

People who match the Austen type tend to be excellent observers of social life. At a party, they quietly track who is trying to impress whom and what is really going on beneath the small talk. They enjoy these insights more than the spotlight, and they often share them later with a perfectly timed remark.

This type values independence and honesty. Austen-style personalities have a sharp sense of humor that is clever without being cruel, and they like making up their own minds. Friends treasure them for their candid opinions, their loyalty and their ability to make an ordinary afternoon feel like the best chapter of a novel.

Signature traits

Dry wit

The Austen type's humor is understated, observant and usually delivered with a straight face.

People-reader

People of this type pick up on motives, moods and social undercurrents with ease.

Independent

This type forms its own opinions and values the freedom to live on its own terms.

What Jane Austen is known for

Regency England, 1775–1817

• The novels Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma and Persuasion
• Witty, ironic portraits of everyday life in Regency England
• Creating memorable characters such as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy
• Shaping the modern romantic comedy, with countless film and TV adaptations

Fun facts about Jane Austen

• Her novels were published anonymously during her lifetime, the first credited simply to A Lady.
• She wrote many of her books at a small table in her home in Chawton, Hampshire.
• Her portrait appears on the Bank of England 10-pound note, introduced in 2017.
• The Prince Regent was an admirer, and Emma was dedicated to him at his request.