"Two on a Tower" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Thomas Hardy's novel "Two on a Tower," the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story. Lady Constantine and Swithin St. Cleeve take on the roles of the protagonists, while Viviette Constantine serves as the antagonist. Reverend Maybold, Captain De Stancy, and Mrs. Martin are supporting characters who impact the lives and decisions of the main characters.

Character Descriptions

• Lady Constantine: Lady Constantine is a wealthy and independent woman who finds herself entangled in a forbidden love affair with Swithin St. Cleeve. She is described as intelligent, beautiful, and unconventional for her time. Lady Constantine is known for her strong will and determination.
• Swithin St. Cleeve: Swithin St. Cleeve is a young and ambitious astronomer. He is depicted as a dreamy and idealistic character, passionately dedicated to his scientific pursuits. Swithin is described as physically attractive, with a sensitive and introspective nature.
• Viviette Constantine: Viviette Constantine is the wife of Lady Constantine's deceased cousin and becomes the primary obstacle in the relationship between Lady Constantine and Swithin. She is portrayed as a possessive and jealous character, unwilling to let go of her husband's memory.
• Reverend Maybold: Reverend Maybold is the local vicar who falls in love with Lady Constantine. He is depicted as a kind and gentle character, contrasting with the passionate and tempestuous nature of Lady Constantine's other love interests.
• Captain De Stancy: Captain De Stancy is a military officer who becomes infatuated with Lady Constantine. He is described as a dashing and impulsive character, representing the allure of adventure and excitement in Lady Constantine's life.
• Mrs. Martin: Mrs. Martin is Lady Constantine's loyal and trustworthy housekeeper. She is depicted as a wise and practical character, offering guidance and support to Lady Constantine throughout the story.

Character Traits

• Lady Constantine: Lady Constantine is determined, independent, and passionate. She possesses a strong sense of self and is willing to defy societal expectations to pursue her desires.
• Swithin St. Cleeve: Swithin St. Cleeve is dreamy, idealistic, and dedicated to his scientific pursuits. He is deeply curious and has a thirst for knowledge.
• Viviette Constantine: Viviette Constantine is possessive, jealous, and unwilling to let go of her husband's memory. She is driven by her insecurities and fear of losing control.
• Reverend Maybold: Reverend Maybold is kind, gentle, and selfless. He is motivated by his love for Lady Constantine and his desire to make her happy.
• Captain De Stancy: Captain De Stancy is impulsive, adventurous, and captivated by Lady Constantine's charm. He represents the allure of a thrilling and passionate romance.
• Mrs. Martin: Mrs. Martin is wise, practical, and loyal. She serves as a confidante and source of guidance for Lady Constantine.

Character Background

• Lady Constantine: Lady Constantine comes from a wealthy and influential family. She has inherited her fortune and enjoys a position of privilege in society. Widowed at a young age, Lady Constantine finds herself in search of love and fulfillment.
• Swithin St. Cleeve: Swithin St. Cleeve is the son of a country doctor. He possesses a keen interest in astronomy and dreams of making significant scientific discoveries. Despite his humble background, he is determined to pursue his passion and make a name for himself.
• Viviette Constantine: Viviette Constantine is the wife of Lady Constantine's deceased cousin. She has a troubled past and has struggled with her mental health. Viviette's marriage was not a happy one, and she clings onto her husband's memory as a source of stability.
• Reverend Maybold: Reverend Maybold comes from a modest background and has dedicated his life to serving the church. He is a kind-hearted man who finds himself drawn to Lady Constantine's charisma and beauty.
• Captain De Stancy: Captain De Stancy comes from a military background and has seen his fair share of adventure and danger. He is intrigued by Lady Constantine's unconventional nature and seeks to win her affection.
• Mrs. Martin: Mrs. Martin has been in Lady Constantine's service for many years. She is a trusted confidante and has witnessed Lady Constantine's journey of love and self-discovery.

Character Arcs

• Lady Constantine: Lady Constantine experiences a transformative character arc throughout the novel. Initially, she is torn between societal expectations and her desire for love and fulfillment. As the story progresses, she becomes more assertive and embraces her own desires, defying conventions and pursuing her passions.
• Swithin St. Cleeve: Swithin St. Cleeve's character arc revolves around his pursuit of scientific knowledge and his romantic entanglements. He starts as a dreamy and idealistic young man, driven by his curiosity and ambition. However, his relationships with Lady Constantine and Viviette Constantine challenge his priorities and force him to confront his own desires.
• Viviette Constantine: Viviette Constantine's character arc is shaped by her possessiveness and jealousy. Initially, she clings onto her husband's memory and tries to control Lady Constantine and Swithin's relationship. As the story progresses, she is forced to confront her insecurities and face the reality of her situation.
• Reverend Maybold: Reverend Maybold's character arc revolves around his unrequited love for Lady Constantine. He starts as a kind and selfless character, willing to sacrifice his own happiness for her. However, as the story unfolds, he learns to let go and find his own path to fulfillment.
• Captain De Stancy: Captain De Stancy's character arc is driven by his infatuation with Lady Constantine. Initially, he is captivated by her charm and seeks to win her affection. However, as the story progresses, he realizes that his pursuit of Lady Constantine may not lead to the happiness he desires.

Relationships

• Lady Constantine and Swithin St. Cleeve: Lady Constantine and Swithin St. Cleeve share a forbidden love affair that challenges societal norms and expectations. Their relationship is passionate and intense, but they face numerous obstacles that test their commitment to each other.
• Lady Constantine and Viviette Constantine: Lady Constantine and Viviette Constantine have a complicated relationship as they both have a connection to the same deceased man. Viviette's jealousy and possessiveness create tension between them, leading to conflict and emotional turmoil.
• Lady Constantine and Reverend Maybold: Lady Constantine and Reverend Maybold share a genuine and heartfelt connection. Reverend Maybold's love for Lady Constantine is selfless and pure, although it remains unrequited. Their relationship highlights the complexities of love and the sacrifices one may make for it.
• Lady Constantine and Captain De Stancy: Lady Constantine and Captain De Stancy are attracted to each other's adventurous spirits. Their relationship is characterized by passion and excitement, but they also face challenges that force them to question the nature of their connection.
• Lady Constantine and Mrs. Martin: Lady Constantine and Mrs. Martin have a close bond built on trust and loyalty. Mrs. Martin serves as a confidante and advisor to Lady Constantine, offering guidance and support throughout her romantic journey.

In conclusion, "Two on a Tower" by Thomas Hardy explores the lives and relationships of its characters in a Victorian society. Lady Constantine, Swithin St. Cleeve, Viviette Constantine, Reverend Maybold, Captain De Stancy, and Mrs. Martin each contribute to the story's development through their roles, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships. The novel delves into themes of love, desire, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.