# A Pair of Blue Eyes — Character guide

> Key figures in A Pair of Blue Eyes by Thomas Hardy.

- [Elfride Swancourt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/elfride_swancourt.md): The young, beautiful, and impulsive heroine of the novel, courted by two men.
- [Stephen Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/stephen_smith.md): A humble young architect and Elfride's first love, whose secret past complicates their romance.
- [Henry Knight](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/henry_knight.md): A sophisticated London literary critic who becomes Elfride's second suitor.
- [Mr. Swancourt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/mr_swancourt.md): Elfride's widowed father, a vicar with social ambitions and a sharp temper.
- [Mrs. Swancourt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/mrs_swancourt.md): Elfride's stepmother, who arrives later and influences the household dynamics.
- [John Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/john_smith.md): Stephen Smith's father, a stonemason with a hidden past connected to the Swancourts.
- [Mrs. Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/mrs_smith.md): Stephen Smith's mother, a kind and practical woman.
- [Mrs. Jethway](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/poor_mrs_jethway.md): A mysterious widow whose son died under tragic circumstances linked to Elfride.
- [William Worm](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/william_worm.md): The Swancourts' loyal but eccentric and superstitious servant.
- [Unity](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/unity.md): A maid in the Swancourt household, often flustered by events.
- [Lord Luxellian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/lord_luxellian.md): A local nobleman and relative of the Swancourts, whose title Elfride eventually inherits.
- [Miss Swancourt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/miss_swancourt.md): An older unmarried relative of the Swancourt family, often visiting.
- [Martin Cannister](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/martin_cannister.md): A local farmer and neighbor of the Swancourts.
- [Mr. Hewby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/mr_hewby.md): An architect in London who employs Stephen Smith.
- [Felix Jethway](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/felix_jethway.md): Mrs. Jethway's deceased son, who was once engaged to Elfride.
- [Lord George](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/lord_george.md): A young nobleman who briefly courts Elfride.
- [Mrs. Snewson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/mrs_snewson.md): A dressmaker who helps Elfride prepare for her London visit.
- [Robert Lickpan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/robert_lickpan.md): The local carrier who transports goods and people.
- [Mrs. Troyton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/mrs_troyton.md): A wealthy widow and friend of the Swancourts.
- [Charlotte Troyton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/charlotte_troyton.md): Mrs. Troyton's daughter, a friend of Elfride.
- [General Sir Stephen Fitzmaurice Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/general_sir_stephen_fitzmaurice_smith.md): A distinguished military officer and relative of the Smith family.
- [Christopher Swancourt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/christopher_swancourt.md): A distant cousin of Elfride, mentioned in family discussions.
- [Hedger Luxellian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/hedger_luxellian.md): A relative of Lord Luxellian, involved in estate matters.
- [Levi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/levi.md): An elderly uncle of Stephen Smith, living in the countryside.
- [Mary](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/mary.md): A young woman of noble birth, briefly mentioned as a potential match.
- [Mamma](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/mamma.md): Elfride's deceased mother, mentioned in memories.
- [Naomi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters/naomi.md): A local woman, briefly mentioned in village gossip.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_pair_of_blue_eyes_se/characters