Jane Austen never married and had to rely on the goodwill of relatives to keep her. This is why marriage was so important to women at the time and she must have felt her position keenly as it features in several of her books, especially Pride and Prejudice (look at the opening sentence).
Also her father was a clergyman and they had to move parishes. When he died, her brother had to keep her, her sister (who also never married as her fiancee died in the West Indies) and her mother.
She was also a very lively character and adored her elder sister (like Lizzie). I don't know how much time you have for your essay. but if you could read Claire Timalin's biography of Jane, it would be a great help to you.
Good Luck!
carolegif