Darcy, upon first impression, came off as a very arrogant and prideful man. His distasteful manners and ways of being did not impress anyone. During the ball, he keeps to himself, refusing to dance most of the time, and hardly talking to anyone. He seems too cocky and self-involved to interact with anyone who is not of the same social status as him. He acts very shallow and selfish throughout the night, as if he cared about no one but himself. It was said of Darcy soon after he arrived at Meryton, "His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and every body hoped that he would never come there again" (page 7). .
It was also at the Meryton Ball that Elizabeth's prejudices towards Darcy are formed. These prejudices stick with Elizabeth for the majority of the novel, and eventually stand in the way of her finding true happiness. At one point in the evening, Elizabeth overhears a conversation that takes place between Bingley and Darcy. Bingley is suggesting to his good friend that he dance more and be a bit more social with the ladies that are present. Bingley, considering that he has become very fond of the eldest Bennet sister, Jane, suggests that he let Jane introduce him to her younger sister, Elizabeth. Darcy responds to this idea by saying, with little feeling at all, "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men" (page 8). Upon hearing this, Elizabeth's mind is made up-Darcy is a distasteful man who has nothing to offer anyone. He is simply self-centered, arrogant, and too prideful for her taste. These opinions of Darcy stick with Elizabeth for the majority of the novel. The prejudices that she formed at this ball eventually led to her ultimate downfall and got in the way of the love that eventually developed between her and Darcy.
