What’s wrong with Lydia and Wickham in Pride and Prejudice?

In this episode I explain the flaws in Lydia and Wickham's characters, and how Lydia's decision to run away with Wickham nearly ruins the lives of the whole family. Thankfully, Darcy comes to the rescue as the true hero of the story, not even seeking credit for his actions. Austen uses Lydia and Wickham to show the severe consequences of impropriety, and to display more brightly the better moral conduct of Elizabeth and Darcy.