I think it is a requirement for a modern woman to love Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I do like him, and there being a series where he is portrayed by Colin Firth certainly helps, but I must say that my fangirl fawning is mostly aimed at the girl he admires, Elizabeth Bennet (who is, well, the main character). I admire her wit and her capacity to stand up for herself in a world that does not favor independent thinking in women. It is true that she is, at first, mistaken in her opinion of a certain Darcy, but she learns better.
So, while the women and girls of this world will sigh and all for Darcy, I will snatch Elizabeth away and no one will notice.
Tags: attraction, jane austen, pride and prejudice
I LOVE both characters...but definitely not the Lizzy played by Keira Knightley. Jennifer Ehle as Lizzy is much lovelier, or going back even to Greer Garson as Lizzy.
I'll taken Colin Firth ANY day though.
There's a really good English Mini-TV show called 'Lost in Austen' where a contemporary English girl (who idolizes Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy) gets transported into the world of the Bennets and accidentally takes Elizabeth's place. I recommend it, it's a really good romantic comedy, you should watch it
Actually, the BBC version with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth is the only adaptation I've seen.
I dread the thought of Keira Knightley as Elizabeth. I don't hate her, but it just...doesn't sound right. And I think, Amanda, that I have heard some rumors as to your interest in Colin Firth (and Mr. Darcy, including fluffy versions). 
I've heard of Lost in Austen before. I think many modern women (myself included) woud be quite lost in the Regency era. Such different social expectations and whatnot.