Character guide

Catherine Linton

major

Also known as Cathy, Miss Cathy, Miss Catherine, young Linton, Miss Linton

The daughter of Catherine Earnshaw and Edgar Linton, later married to Linton Heathcliff.

Heathcliff

major

Also known as Mr. Heathcliff, Poor Heathcliff, cruel Heathcliff, bonny lad Heathcliff, young Heathcliff, Master Heathcliff

A foundling brought to Wuthering Heights who becomes a brooding, vengeful master.

Hareton Earnshaw

major

Also known as Hareton, Earnshaw, Mr. Earnshaw, Poor Hareton, little Hareton, Little Hareton, Mr. Hareton

The son of Hindley Earnshaw, raised as a rough laborer by Heathcliff.

Joseph

supporting

Also known as Vinegar-faced Joseph, old Joseph

A pious, ill-tempered servant at Wuthering Heights who speaks in a thick dialect.

Nelly Dean

major

Also known as Ellen, Nell, Ellen Dean, Dear Ellen, Wicked Ellen

The housekeeper and primary narrator who recounts the story to Mr. Lockwood.

Edgar Linton

major

Also known as Edgar, young Linton, Linton

The gentle, refined master of Thrushcross Grange who marries Catherine Earnshaw.

Hindley Earnshaw

supporting

Also known as Mr. Hindley Earnshaw, Mr. Earnshaw, old Earnshaw, young Earnshaw, Earnshaw, Mr. Hindley, old Mr. Earnshaw

Catherine's brother who becomes a bitter, abusive drunkard after his wife's death.

Catherine Earnshaw

major

Also known as Earnshaw, Catherine, Cathy

The passionate, headstrong daughter of the Earnshaw family who loves Heathcliff.

Mr. Linton

minor

Also known as Old Mr. and Mrs. Linton, Mrs. Linton, Master Linton, Every Linton, Old Mrs. Linton, Linton, old Linton

The patriarch of the Linton family at Thrushcross Grange.

Linton Heathcliff

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Heathcliff, the late Mrs. Linton, Linton, Mrs. Linton, Linton Heathcliff, Mrs. Linton Heathcliff

The sickly son of Heathcliff and Isabella, forced into marriage with young Cathy.

Isabella Linton

supporting

Also known as Isabella, a Linton, Isabella . XIV, Miss Isabella

Edgar's sister who elopes with Heathcliff and later flees him.

Zillah

minor

A servant at Wuthering Heights who assists Nelly and Lockwood.

Mr. Lockwood

supporting

The narrator who rents Thrushcross Grange and hears the story from Nelly.

Kenneth

minor

Also known as Mr. Kenneth

The local doctor who attends the Earnshaws and Lintons.

Jabez Branderham

minor

Also known as the Reverend Jabez Branderham, Jabez, Branderham

A clergyman who preaches a long sermon in Lockwood's dream.

Frances Earnshaw

minor

Also known as Frances, Fanny

Hindley's wife who dies shortly after giving birth to Hareton.

Michael

minor

A servant at Wuthering Heights mentioned in passing.

Mr. Green

minor

Also known as Green

A lawyer who handles legal matters for the Linton and Earnshaw families.

Robert

minor

A servant at Thrushcross Grange.

Mary

minor

A servant at Wuthering Heights.