1) Jane Austen was an English author from 1775-1817 known for her novels depicting middle to upper class social lives, including Pride and Prejudice. 2) Helen Fielding's 1996 novel Bridget Jones's Diary was loosely based on Pride and Prejudice, with similarities including Colin Firth starring in both adaptations and the main male character sharing the name "Mark Darcy". 3) These connections were not coincidental, as Fielding was inspired to write her book after becoming obsessed with the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy.