Character guide

Bathsheba Everdene

major

Also known as Bathsheba, Farmer Everdene, Miss Everdene, Mistress Everdene, Bathsheba Boldwood

Proud and independent young woman who inherits a farm and becomes the object of multiple suitors.

Gabriel Oak

major

Also known as Gabriel, Oak, Farmer Oak, Shepherd Oak, Mr. Oak, Gabe

Steadfast shepherd and bailiff whose quiet devotion to Bathsheba endures through many trials.

William Boldwood

major

Also known as Mr. Boldwood, Boldwood, Farmer Boldwood

Wealthy, reserved farmer whose obsessive love for Bathsheba leads to tragedy.

Frank Troy

major

Also known as Sergeant Troy, Troy, Francis Troy, Mr. Troy

Charming but reckless soldier who marries Bathsheba and harbors a secret past with Fanny Robin.

Fanny Robin

supporting

Also known as Fanny, Fan, Little Fanny Robin, Fanny Robin Oak

Poor young woman seduced and abandoned by Troy, whose fate haunts the story.

Liddy Smallbury

supporting

Also known as Liddy, Lydia Smallbury, Lydia

Bathsheba's loyal maid and confidante, often providing comic relief.

Jan Coggan

supporting

Also known as Mr. Jan Coggan, Mr. Coggan, Coggan

Chatty farm laborer and church singer, one of Gabriel's loyal friends.

Joseph Poorgrass

supporting

Also known as Joseph, Poorgrass, neighbour Poorgrass

Timid, stammering farmhand with a tendency to drink and moralize.

Henery Fray

supporting

Also known as Henery, Fray

Self-important farm worker who often complains about his treatment.

Laban Tall

supporting

Also known as Laban, Tall

Farm laborer married to the domineering Susan Tall.

Mark Clark

minor

Also known as Clark, Mr. Clark, Mr. Mark Clark

One of Bathsheba's farm workers, often seen in group scenes.

Benjy Pennyways

minor

Also known as Pennyways

Dishonest former bailiff of Bathsheba's farm, dismissed for theft.

Billy Smallbury

minor

Also known as Billy, William Smallbury, Smallbury

Elderly farmhand and father of Liddy, part of the Weatherbury community.

Matthew Moon

minor

Also known as Matthew, Moon

Aged farm laborer with a philosophical bent.

Cainy Ball

minor

Also known as Cainy, Cain Ball, Young Cain Ball

Young farm boy who works as a shepherd's assistant.

Maryann Money

minor

Also known as Maryann

Female servant at Bathsheba's farm, helps with household chores.

Jacob Smallbury

minor

Also known as Jacob, Smallbury

Relative of Billy Smallbury, another farm worker.

Sam Samway

minor

Also known as Samway

Farmhand who helps with sheep shearing and other tasks.

Bob Coggan

minor

Also known as young Bob Coggan, Bob, Robin

Young relative of Jan Coggan, works on the farm.

Susan Tall

minor

Also known as Susan, Mrs. Tall, Mrs. Susan Tall

Laban Tall's domineering wife, known for her sharp tongue.

George

minor

Also known as old George

An elderly farm worker mentioned in passing.

Andrew Randle

minor

Also known as Andrew, Randle

A farm laborer who appears in group scenes.

Tom King

minor

Also known as Tom

A soldier and friend of Troy, briefly mentioned.

Mrs. Hurst

minor

A neighbor woman who appears at the sheep-washing.

Mr. Aldritch

minor

A farmer who bids at the sheep fair.

Charlotte

minor

Also known as poor Charlotte

A servant girl at the farm, briefly mentioned.

Teddy Coggan

minor

Also known as little Teddy Coggan

Jan Coggan's young son.

Mr. Barker

minor

Also known as a young Mr. Barker

A young man who courts Bathsheba before the story begins.

John Everdene

minor

Also known as Mister Everdene, the late Mr. John Everdene

Bathsheba's deceased uncle who left her the farm.

Host Trencher

minor

Innkeeper at the Weatherbury inn.

Parson Thirdly

minor

Also known as Pa'son Thirdly

The local vicar who performs marriages and burials.