# The Return of the Native — Character guide

> Key figures in The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy.

- [Eustacia Vye](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/eustacia_vye.md): A passionate, beautiful young woman who longs for love and escape from Egdon Heath.
- [Clym Yeobright](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/clym_yeobright.md): A native of Egdon who returns from Paris with plans to become a schoolmaster.
- [Thomasin Yeobright](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/thomasin_yeobright.md): Clym's gentle, loyal cousin who endures a troubled marriage with Wildeve.
- [Damon Wildeve](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/damon_wildeve.md): A former engineer turned innkeeper, torn between Thomasin and Eustacia.
- [Mrs. Yeobright](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/mrs_yeobright.md): Clym's proud, stern mother who disapproves of his marriage to Eustacia.
- [Diggory Venn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/diggory_venn.md): A reddleman who secretly loves Thomasin and works to protect her.
- [Christian Cantle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/christian_cantle.md): A timid, superstitious local man who often serves as a messenger.
- [Timothy Fairway](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/timothy_fairway.md): A hearty, talkative heath-dweller and leader of local gatherings.
- [Grandfer Cantle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/grandfer_cantle.md): Christian's boastful, elderly father who loves to sing and tell stories.
- [Susan Nunsuch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/susan_nunsuch.md): A superstitious woman who believes Eustacia is a witch and harms her children.
- [Charley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/charley.md): A young, shy local man who becomes infatuated with Eustacia.
- [Sam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/sam.md): A local heath-worker and friend of the Cantles and Fairways.
- [Humphrey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/humphrey.md): A heath-dweller who participates in local events and gossip.
- [Olly Dowden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/olly_dowden.md): An elderly woman who joins the heath community's gatherings.
- [Captain Vye](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/captain_vye.md): Eustacia's grandfather and guardian, a retired naval officer.
- [Johnny Nunsuch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/johnny_nunsuch.md): Susan Nunsuch's young son who often runs errands across the heath.
- [Mr. Yeobright (deceased)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/the_deceased_mr_yeobright.md): Clym and Thomasin's late father, mentioned as a former farmer.

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