Final answer:
Jane Austen began working on Pride and Prejudice in 1797. The story was first drafted as 'First Impressions' and published in 1813. It features characters like the flat Mrs. Bennet and the round Elizabeth Bennet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jane Austen began working on Pride and Prejudice in 1796, and the first draft, initially titled First Impressions, was completed in 1797. It was only after significant revisions that the novel was eventually published in 1813. Therefore, the correct answer to when Jane Austen started working on Pride and Prejudice is 1797 (option b). While it was published in 1813, the actual work on the book commenced much earlier. This novel showcases a variety of characters, such as the flat character of Mrs. Bennet, and the round character of her daughter Elizabeth. The characterization in Austen's writing contributes to the richness of the narrative and engages readers in the detailed lives of the characters.