At 17, Jane Austen is growing up in a small English village; she starts to write stories, culminating in `Pride and Prejudice'.

At 27, Jane Austen stands at a crossroads; after the loss of her father throws the family into turmoil, Jane publishes two successful novels, `Sense and Sensibility' and `Pride and Prejudice'.

At age 38, Austen faces financial disaster despite her publishing success; she writes "Emma," takes control of negotiations with her publisher, and gains endorement from the Prince Regent; her struggles inspire "Persuation," a tale of lost love.