Character guide

Gilbert Markham

major

Also known as Gilbert, Robert, Markham, Robert Wilson, dear Gilbert

A young farmer and the narrator of the outer frame story, who becomes obsessed with the mysterious Mrs. Graham.

Helen Huntingdon

major

Also known as Helen, Helen Graham, dear Helen, Miss Helen, dearest Helen, Little Helen, little Helen, Poor Helen, Nell

The titular tenant of Wildfell Hall, a strong-willed woman who flees her abusive husband to protect her son.

Arthur Huntingdon

major

Also known as Mr. Huntingdon, young Mr. Huntingdon, Huntingdon, the lively Huntingdon

Helen's charming but dissolute husband, whose alcoholism and cruelty drive the central conflict.

Little Arthur

supporting

Also known as Arthur, little Arthur, Arthur Graham, Arthur Huntingdon, Little Arthur, Dear Arthur

Helen and Arthur's young son, whose welfare motivates much of Helen's actions.

Walter Hargrave

supporting

Also known as Mr. Hargrave, Hargrave, Walter

A gentleman who pursues Helen romantically, revealing his own moral weaknesses.

Frederick Lawrence

supporting

Also known as Mr. Lawrence, Lawrence, the unfortunate Lawrence, Richard, Frederick, poor Frederick

Helen's brother, a quiet landowner who supports her during her flight.

Eliza Millward

supporting

Also known as Eliza, Miss Eliza, Miss Millward, Millward, Miss Eliza Millward

A gossipy young woman who spreads rumors about Helen and vies for Gilbert's attention.

Ralph Hattersley

supporting

Also known as Mr. Hattersley, Hattersley, Ralph, Ralph Hattersley

A boisterous friend of Huntingdon who eventually reforms under Milicent's influence.

Lord Lowborough

supporting

Also known as Lowborough

A melancholic nobleman married to the flirtatious Annabella, trapped in an unhappy marriage.

Milicent Hargrave

supporting

Also known as Poor Milicent, Milicent, dear Milicent, Milly, Milicent Hargrave, poor Milicent Hargrave

A gentle, long-suffering woman married to Ralph Hattersley, later finding happiness.

Annabella Wilmot

supporting

Also known as Annabella, Wilmot, the unfortunate little Annabella, Miss Wilmot

A beautiful but shallow woman who becomes Lord Lowborough's wife and Huntingdon's mistress.

Rachel

supporting

Also known as Dismissing Rachel

Helen's loyal maid who accompanies her to Wildfell Hall and supports her throughout.

Frank Grimsby

supporting

Also known as Mr. Grimsby, Grimsby

A dissolute friend of Huntingdon, known for his cynical and immoral behavior.

Jane Wilson

minor

Also known as Jane

A sharp-tongued young woman who gossips about Helen and later marries Richard Wilson.

Rose Markham

minor

Also known as bonny Miss Rose, Rose

Gilbert's lively younger sister, who eventually marries Fergus.

Fergus Markham

minor

Also known as Fergus, Mr. Fergus

Gilbert's younger brother, a cheerful and practical farmer.

Mrs. Markham

minor

Gilbert's mother, a conventional and somewhat meddling parent.

Richard Wilson

minor

Also known as Richard Wilson, Frederick, the Reverend Richard Wilson

A clergyman and father of Jane and Mary Wilson, a minor figure in the community.

Mary Millward

minor

Also known as Mary

Eliza's quieter, more sensible sister, who later marries a local farmer.

Michael Millward

minor

Also known as The Reverend Michael Millward

The local vicar and father of Eliza and Mary, a stern but well-meaning man.

Esther Hargrave

minor

Also known as little Esther, Esther, Esther Hargrave

Walter's younger sister, a spirited girl who later marries and moves away.

Mrs. Hargrave

minor

Walter and Esther's mother, a social-climbing widow.

Arthur Huntingdon Sr.

minor

Also known as Mr. Huntingdon, Huntingdon

Arthur Huntingdon's father, mentioned as a wealthy but indulgent parent.

Aunt Maxwell

minor

Also known as Mrs. Maxwell, Maxwell

Helen's aunt and guardian, who raises her after her parents' death.

Mr. Boarham

minor

Also known as Boarham

An older, pompous suitor of Helen's before her marriage, whom she rejects.

Myers

minor

Also known as Miss Myers

A governess or companion figure in the Huntingdon household.

Benson

minor

A servant at Wildfell Hall, loyal to Helen.

Halford

minor

Gilbert's friend and the recipient of his written narrative.

Sancho

minor

Gilbert's dog, mentioned in passing.

Dash

minor

A dog belonging to the Huntingdon household.

John

minor

A servant or farmhand, briefly mentioned.

Sarah

minor

A maid in the Markham household.

Peggy

minor

A servant at Wildfell Hall.

Mr. Oldfield

minor

A local doctor who attends to Arthur Huntingdon in his final illness.

Mr. Leighton

minor

A neighbor of the Markhams, briefly mentioned.

Lady F—

minor

Also known as F—

A society acquaintance of Annabella's, mentioned in gossip.

Mrs. Wilson

minor

Richard Wilson's wife, a minor character in the community.