Character guide

Elizabeth-Jane Newson

major

Also known as Elizabeth Jane, Elizabeth-Jane Farfrae, Jane, Miss Newson, Lizabeth-Jane

The intelligent and observant daughter of Susan Newson, who becomes a central figure in Henchard's life.

Michael Henchard

major

Also known as Henchard, Mike, Mr. Henchard, the Mayor, the downfallen Henchard

A proud, impulsive hay-trusseter who rises to become mayor of Casterbridge, then falls from grace.

Donald Farfrae

major

Also known as Farfrae, Mr. Farfrae, the slim Farfrae, Maister Farfrae

A charming, business-savvy Scotsman who becomes Henchard's rival and later mayor.

Lucetta Templeman

major

Also known as Lucetta, Miss Templeman, Mrs. Farfrae

A wealthy, fashionable woman with a secret past involving Henchard, who later marries Farfrae.

Susan Henchard

supporting

Also known as Susan, Susan Newson, Mrs. Henchard, Mrs. Newson

Henchard's long-estranged wife who returns to Casterbridge with their daughter Elizabeth-Jane.

Richard Newson

supporting

Also known as Newson, Captain Newson, the genial sailor

A sailor who married Susan after she believed Henchard dead, and father of the real Elizabeth-Jane.

Abel Whittle

supporting

Also known as Whittle, Abel, poor Whittle

A slow-witted but loyal workman who endures Henchard's harsh treatment.

Joshua Jopp

supporting

Also known as Jopp, Joshua

A disgruntled former employee of Henchard who schemes against him.

Christopher Coney

minor

Also known as Coney, old Coney

A local townsman and member of the choir, often found at the Three Mariners.

Nance Mockridge

minor

Also known as Mockridge, Nance

A sharp-tongued local woman who works as a servant and gossips.

Solomon Longways

minor

Also known as Longways, old Solomon

A thoughtful local tradesman and friend of the Casterbridge community.

Stubberd

minor

A constable in Casterbridge who occasionally enforces the law.

Mrs. Cuxsom

minor

Also known as Mother Cuxsom

A local woman who runs a lodging house and spreads news.

Buzzford

minor

Also known as Mr. Buzzford

A Casterbridge tradesman and regular at the Three Mariners.

Stannidge

minor

Also known as Mrs. Stannidge, host Stannidge

The landlord and landlady of the Three Mariners inn.

Grower

minor

Also known as Mr. Grower

A local farmer and member of the town council.

Jack Griggs

minor

Also known as Jack

A local man who participates in town events and gossip.

Joan Dummett

minor

A local woman mentioned in the town's gossip circles.

Samuel Wakely

minor

Also known as Samuel

A local man who appears in the background of town life.

Doctor Chalkfield

minor

Also known as Chalkfield

A physician who attends to characters in Casterbridge.

Miss Le Sueur

minor

A Jersey woman who was a former romantic interest of Henchard.

Sandy Macfarlane

minor

A Scotsman who helps Farfrae with business connections.

Mrs. Blowbody

minor

Also known as Blowbody

A local woman who appears in the background of town scenes.

David

minor

Also known as Servant David

A servant in Henchard's household.

Joseph

minor

Also known as Joe, dear Joe

A minor character who works as a laborer in Casterbridge.

Charl

minor

A young man who works as a helper in the town.