Charles Bingley is 23.He is the closest friend of Mr. Darcy, despite the differences in their personalities.He is an outgoing, extremely good-natured, and wealthy young man who leases property near the Bennets' estate at the beginning of the novel.Unlike many of those in his circle, he is approachable and mingles easily in company the others consider beneath them.He is attracted to Jane Bennet, who reciprocates his feelings but is too shy and reserved to express them fully.