Charlotte is the daughter of Sir William and Lady Lucas and best friend of Elizabeth Bennet in the novel Pride and Prejudice. She represents the many women who married for financial security in the 19th century. She welcomes the advances of Mr Collins after he is refused by Elizabeth, provoking Elizabeth's shock and confusion. Charlotte explains that she is not like Lizzy: she does not think love or respect is important in marriage ("Love in marriage is entirely a matter of chance"), and knows her chances in the marriage market to be slim because she is not beautiful, accomplished, wealthy or young. Elizabeth judges Charlotte at first but accepts her friend's choice after Charlotte explains her point of view.