# The Mayor of Casterbridge — Character guide

> Key figures in The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy.

- [Elizabeth-Jane Newson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/elizabeth_jane.md): The intelligent and observant daughter of Susan Newson, who becomes a central figure in Henchard's life.
- [Michael Henchard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/michael_henchard.md): A proud, impulsive hay-trusseter who rises to become mayor of Casterbridge, then falls from grace.
- [Donald Farfrae](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/donald_farfrae.md): A charming, business-savvy Scotsman who becomes Henchard's rival and later mayor.
- [Lucetta Templeman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/lucetta_templeman.md): A wealthy, fashionable woman with a secret past involving Henchard, who later marries Farfrae.
- [Susan Henchard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/susan_henchard.md): Henchard's long-estranged wife who returns to Casterbridge with their daughter Elizabeth-Jane.
- [Richard Newson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/richard_newson.md): A sailor who married Susan after she believed Henchard dead, and father of the real Elizabeth-Jane.
- [Abel Whittle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/abel_whittle.md): A slow-witted but loyal workman who endures Henchard's harsh treatment.
- [Joshua Jopp](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/joshua_jopp.md): A disgruntled former employee of Henchard who schemes against him.
- [Christopher Coney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/christopher_coney.md): A local townsman and member of the choir, often found at the Three Mariners.
- [Nance Mockridge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/nance_mockridge.md): A sharp-tongued local woman who works as a servant and gossips.
- [Solomon Longways](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/solomon_longways.md): A thoughtful local tradesman and friend of the Casterbridge community.
- [Stubberd](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/stubberd.md): A constable in Casterbridge who occasionally enforces the law.
- [Mrs. Cuxsom](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/mrs_cuxsom.md): A local woman who runs a lodging house and spreads news.
- [Buzzford](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/buzzford.md): A Casterbridge tradesman and regular at the Three Mariners.
- [Stannidge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/stannidge.md): The landlord and landlady of the Three Mariners inn.
- [Grower](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/grower.md): A local farmer and member of the town council.
- [Jack Griggs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/jack_griggs.md): A local man who participates in town events and gossip.
- [Joan Dummett](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/joan_dummett.md): A local woman mentioned in the town's gossip circles.
- [Samuel Wakely](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/samuel_wakely.md): A local man who appears in the background of town life.
- [Doctor Chalkfield](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/doctor_chalkfield.md): A physician who attends to characters in Casterbridge.
- [Miss Le Sueur](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/miss_le_sueur.md): A Jersey woman who was a former romantic interest of Henchard.
- [Sandy Macfarlane](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/sandy_macfarlane.md): A Scotsman who helps Farfrae with business connections.
- [Mrs. Blowbody](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/mrs_blowbody.md): A local woman who appears in the background of town scenes.
- [Joseph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/joseph.md): A minor character who works as a laborer in Casterbridge.
- [Charl](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mayor_of_casterbridge_se/characters/charl.md): A young man who works as a helper in the town.

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