Character Analysis: The Mayor of Casterbridge

List of Characters

Role Identification

Michael Henchard

Michael Henchard is the main character in the novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge." He is a complex character who starts as a poor hay-trusser but later becomes the influential Mayor of Casterbridge.

Elizabeth-Jane

Elizabeth-Jane is another main character in the book. She is Michael Henchard's daughter, initially unaware of her true parentage. Elizabeth-Jane is depicted as a kind, honest, and virtuous young woman.

Donald Farfrae

Donald Farfrae is a supporting character who becomes one of Henchard's main rivals. He is a Scottish businessman who brings new ideas to Casterbridge and competes with Henchard in numerous ways.

Lucetta Templeman

Lucetta Templeman is another supporting character in the story. She is a young woman who has a romantic relationship with both Henchard and Farfrae, leading to significant conflicts and consequences.

Susan Henchard

Susan Henchard is Michael Henchard's estranged wife who re-enters his life after many years. Her presence triggers a series of events that change the course of the story and affect the lives of the other characters.

Abel Whittle

Abel Whittle is a minor character who works for Michael Henchard. He provides insights into the working class and the challenges they face.

Joshua Jopp

Joshua Jopp is another minor character who works for Henchard. Although he plays a small role, his interactions with Henchard shed light on their complex dynamics.

Character Descriptions

Michael Henchard

Michael Henchard is described as a tall and strong man with a face that shows both strength and suffering. He has a commanding presence and a forceful personality, often characterized by impulsiveness and a quick temper. His appearance depicts a man who has endured hardships.

Elizabeth-Jane

Elizabeth-Jane is described as a beautiful and fair young woman with a delicate appearance. She has soft features and a gentle demeanor, which are mirrored in her moral character.

Donald Farfrae

Donald Farfrae is described as a handsome and energetic man with a charismatic personality. His Scottish background is evident in his accent and his forward-thinking attitude.

Lucetta Templeman

Lucetta Templeman is described as an attractive and fashionable woman with a lively and flirtatious manner. She is elegant and sophisticated, and her beauty captures the attention of both Henchard and Farfrae.

Susan Henchard

Susan Henchard is described as a plain-looking woman who has aged prematurely due to a difficult life. Her eyes reflect sadness and her body has been worn down by labor.

Abel Whittle

Abel Whittle is described as a small and timid man with a weather-worn face. He is physically weak with signs of a difficult life.

Joshua Jopp

Joshua Jopp is described as a grizzled and unkempt man. His appearance reflects a rough and unrefined character.

Character Traits

Michael Henchard

• Impulsive
• Quick-tempered
• Proud
• Determined
• Ambitious

Elizabeth-Jane

• Kind-hearted
• Honest
• Loyal
• Forgiving
• Naïve

Donald Farfrae

• Charismatic
• Intelligent
• Energetic
• Innovative
• Competitive

Lucetta Templeman

• Flirtatious
• Romantic
• Manipulative
• Impulsive
• Secretive

Susan Henchard

• Submissive
• Forgiving
• Guilty
• Resigned
• Strong-willed

Abel Whittle

• Timid
• Loyal
• Hardworking
• Simple-minded
• Trusting

Joshua Jopp

• Shrewd
• Manipulative
• Opportunistic
• Miserly
• Disloyal

Character Background

Michael Henchard

Michael Henchard was born into a poor family and worked as a hay-trusser. After a night of heavy drinking, he impulsively sells his wife and infant daughter, leading to a deep sense of guilt and regret. Determined to turn his life around, he rises through the ranks of society and becomes the Mayor of Casterbridge.

Elizabeth-Jane

Elizabeth-Jane is the daughter of Michael Henchard and Susan Henchard. Unaware of her true parentage, she is raised by Susan and her stepfather, Newson. After her mother's death, Elizabeth-Jane seeks out her biological father and becomes entangled in the complex relationships of the story.

Donald Farfrae

Donald Farfrae is a Scottish entrepreneur who comes to Casterbridge seeking job opportunities. He quickly impresses Henchard with his intelligence and innovative ideas, leading to a fast rise in power and wealth. Farfrae's background provides a contrast to the traditional English society portrayed in the novel.

Lucetta Templeman

Lucetta Templeman is a young woman from Jersey who moves to Casterbridge. She has a romantic past with Henchard and later becomes involved with Farfrae. Her background is characterized by social mobility and a desire for a higher social status.

Susan Henchard

Susan Henchard is Michael Henchard's estranged wife. After losing touch with her husband, she remarries and has a daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, with her second husband. Her background is marked by her loyalty to Henchard and her conflicted feelings about their past.

Abel Whittle

Abel Whittle is a loyal employee of Henchard and represents the working-class population. His background is reflective of the struggles faced by the working class during that time, as he works long hours for minimal pay.

Joshua Jopp

Joshua Jopp is another employee of Henchard who takes advantage of his position for personal gain. His background is not explored in-depth, but his actions suggest a selfish and untrustworthy character.

Character Arcs

Michael Henchard

Henchard's character arc is one of rise and fall. He starts as a poor hay-trusser, becomes the powerful Mayor of Casterbridge, but ultimately sees his life crumble due to his impulsive actions and the consequences of his past. Although he seeks redemption, he is unable to fully escape his tragic destiny.

Elizabeth-Jane

Elizabeth-Jane's character arc revolves around her discovery of the truth about her parentage and her growth from a naïve and obedient girl to an independent and resilient woman. She learns to navigate complex relationships and becomes a source of stability amidst the chaos of the story.

Donald Farfrae

Farfrae's character arc follows his rapid rise to success and his increasing rivalry with Henchard. As he becomes more involved in the power dynamics of Casterbridge, he must make difficult choices that test his morals and challenge his friendship with Henchard.

Lucetta Templeman

Lucetta's character arc is centered around her pursuit of wealth, status, and love. Her actions lead to devastating consequences for herself and others, and she must confront the consequences of her impulsive decisions and deceit.

Susan Henchard

Susan's character arc is primarily focused on her reconciliation with Michael Henchard and the impact it has on her life and the lives of those around her. Her journey highlights themes of forgiveness, guilt, and the consequences of past actions.

Abel Whittle

Although Abel Whittle has a minor role, his character arc involves loyalty and perseverance. He remains steadfast in his dedication to Henchard, even when faced with adversity and mistreatment.

Joshua Jopp

Joshua Jopp's character arc is limited, but it showcases his opportunistic nature and his willingness to exploit others for personal gain. He serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature.

Relationships

Michael Henchard and Elizabeth-Jane

The relationship between Henchard and Elizabeth-Jane is initially strained due to Henchard's guilt and the secrecy surrounding her parentage. However, they gradually develop a bond based on mutual understanding and forgiveness.

Elizabeth-Jane and Donald Farfrae

Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae share a close friendship that develops into a romantic relationship. Their love becomes a source of conflict between Farfrae and Henchard, testing their loyalty and trust.

Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae

Henchard's relationship with Farfrae evolves from mentorship to rivalry. As Farfrae rises in power and popularity, Henchard's jealousy and pride drive a wedge between them, leading to a bitter rivalry.

Michael Henchard and Lucetta Templeman

Henchard's relationship with Lucetta is marked by passion, manipulation, and deceit. Their relationship brings out the worst in both characters and ultimately leads to tragic consequences.

Michael Henchard and Susan Henchard

The relationship between Michael and Susan Henchard is complex and shaped by their past. Their reunion triggers a series of events that expose their unresolved feelings and the consequences of their actions.

Elizabeth-Jane and Lucetta Templeman

Elizabeth-Jane and Lucetta initially form a close friendship, but their relationship becomes strained as they both vie for the affections of Henchard and later Farfrae. Their friendship is tested by secrets and unrequited love.

Michael Henchard and Abel Whittle

The relationship between Henchard and Abel Whittle is one of employer and employee. Henchard's treatment of Abel reflects his impulsive nature and reinforces the power dynamics between the classes.

Michael Henchard and Joshua Jopp

Henchard's relationship with Joshua Jopp is characterized by manipulation and exploitation. Jopp serves as a reminder of the moral compromises made by Henchard in his pursuit of power.

In conclusion, "The Mayor of Casterbridge" features a diverse cast of characters with unique backgrounds, traits, and complex relationships. Their distinctive arcs and interactions contribute to the compelling narrative of Thomas Hardy's novel.