"Under the Greenwood Tree" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Under the Greenwood Tree" by Thomas Hardy, the characters play significant roles in shaping the story. Dick Dewy is the protagonist and a talented musician. Fancy Day is his love interest and the local schoolmistress. Reuben Dewy, Dick's father, is also a musician. Mrs. Penny is the housekeeper of the Dewy family. Mr. Shinar is the church organist, and Thomas Leaf is the church clerk. James Day is Fancy Day's father, a fiddle player, and Squire Day is Fancy Day's grandfather. Lastly, Mr. Maybold is the newly appointed vicar.

Character Descriptions

• Dick Dewy: Dick is a young and talented musician with a kind and gentle nature. He is hardworking, devoted to his family, and deeply in love with Fancy Day. Dick is described as having a handsome appearance and an easy-going personality.
• Fancy Day: Fancy is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who works as a schoolmistress. She is admired by many in the village for her charm and grace. Fancy is depicted as a kind-hearted and independent individual who values her family and her career.
• Reuben Dewy: Reuben is Dick's father and a skilled musician. He is a caring and supportive father who encourages Dick's musical talent. Reuben is a respected member of the community and is known for his musical abilities.
• Mrs. Penny: Mrs. Penny is the housekeeper of the Dewy family. She is portrayed as a warm and nurturing figure who cares deeply for the Dewy family. Mrs. Penny provides emotional support and guidance to Dick and his father.
• Mr. Shinar: Mr. Shinar is the church organist and a close friend of the Dewy family. He is a dedicated musician who takes pride in his role in the church. Mr. Shinar is a loyal and trustworthy character who often provides guidance to Dick.
• Thomas Leaf: Thomas Leaf is the church clerk and a respected member of the village. He is known for his organizational skills and attention to detail. Thomas Leaf is depicted as a reliable and conscientious character who takes his responsibilities seriously.
• James Day: James Day is Fancy Day's father and a talented fiddle player. He is a cheerful and jovial character who enjoys playing music and socializing with others. James Day has a close relationship with his daughter and supports her aspirations.
• Squire Day: Squire Day is Fancy Day's grandfather and a wealthy landowner. He is a traditional and conservative character who values social status and reputation. Squire Day is protective of his family and has high expectations for Fancy's future.
• Mr. Maybold: Mr. Maybold is the newly appointed vicar who brings significant changes to the village. He is an educated and forward-thinking character who introduces modern ideas to the community. Mr. Maybold is depicted as an idealistic and compassionate individual.

Character Traits

• Dick Dewy: Talented, kind, gentle, hardworking, devoted, handsome, easy-going.
• Fancy Day: Beautiful, intelligent, charming, graceful, kind-hearted, independent.
• Reuben Dewy: Skilled, caring, supportive, respected.
• Mrs. Penny: Warm, nurturing, caring, supportive.
• Mr. Shinar: Dedicated, loyal, trustworthy.
• Thomas Leaf: Organized, detail-oriented, reliable.
• James Day: Cheerful, jovial, talented, supportive.
• Squire Day: Traditional, conservative, protective, high expectations.
• Mr. Maybold: Educated, forward-thinking, idealistic, compassionate.

Character Background

• Dick Dewy: Dick comes from a family of musicians and has been exposed to music from a young age. He is well-liked in the village and is known for his musical talent.
• Fancy Day: Fancy grew up in the village and comes from a respected family. She pursued a career as a schoolmistress to follow her passion for education.
• Reuben Dewy: Reuben has been a musician for most of his life and has played in various events and gatherings in the village. He has a close bond with his son, Dick.
• Mrs. Penny: Mrs. Penny has been the housekeeper of the Dewy family for many years. She has seen Dick grow up and cares for him like her own son.
• Mr. Shinar: Mr. Shinar has been the church organist for a long time and is well-known for his musical abilities. He has a close relationship with the Dewy family.
• Thomas Leaf: Thomas Leaf has been the church clerk for many years and is responsible for the smooth running of church affairs. He is respected in the village for his dedication.
• James Day: James Day is a well-known fiddle player in the village and enjoys playing music with his friends and family. He supports his daughter Fancy in pursuing her dreams.
• Squire Day: Squire Day is a wealthy landowner who holds a position of influence in the village. He values tradition and expects his family to maintain their social status.
• Mr. Maybold: Mr. Maybold is a newcomer to the village, having recently been appointed as the vicar. He brings new ideas and perspectives to the community.

Character Arcs

• Dick Dewy: Throughout the story, Dick's character arc revolves around his pursuit of love and his desire to succeed in his musical career. He faces challenges and obstacles but ultimately finds happiness and fulfillment.
• Fancy Day: Fancy's character arc focuses on her journey of self-discovery and independence. She navigates societal expectations and explores her own aspirations, ultimately making choices that align with her values.
• Reuben Dewy: Reuben's character arc highlights his role as a supportive father and mentor to Dick. He encourages his son's musical talent and provides guidance throughout his journey.
• Mrs. Penny: While Mrs. Penny's character arc is not as prominent, she plays a crucial role in providing emotional support and stability to the Dewy family.
• Mr. Shinar: Mr. Shinar's character arc revolves around his friendship with the Dewy family and his dedication to music. He remains a loyal and reliable character throughout the story.
• Thomas Leaf: Thomas Leaf's character arc highlights his commitment to his role as the church clerk and his involvement in the village's affairs.
• James Day: James Day's character arc showcases his support for Fancy and his joy in playing music. He is a constant source of encouragement for his daughter.
• Squire Day: Squire Day's character arc emphasizes his traditional values and protective nature towards his family.
• Mr. Maybold: Mr. Maybold's character arc centers around his introduction of modern ideas to the village and his impact on the community's perceptions and beliefs.

Relationships

• Dick Dewy and Fancy Day: Dick and Fancy's relationship forms the central love story in the book. They share a deep and passionate connection, overcoming societal expectations and challenges.
• Dick Dewy and Reuben Dewy: Dick and Reuben have a close and loving father-son relationship. Reuben supports and guides Dick in his pursuit of love and music.
• Dick Dewy and Mrs. Penny: Mrs. Penny acts as a mother figure to Dick, offering emotional support and guidance throughout his journey.
• Reuben Dewy and Mr. Shinar: Reuben and Mr. Shinar share a strong friendship based on their mutual love for music. They often collaborate and support each other's musical endeavors.
• Mr. Shinar and Thomas Leaf: Mr. Shinar and Thomas Leaf have a professional relationship, working together in the church. They share a mutual respect and work in harmony to ensure the smooth running of church affairs.
• Fancy Day and James Day: Fancy and James have a loving father-daughter relationship. James supports Fancy's aspirations and enjoys playing music with her.
• Fancy Day and Squire Day: Fancy and Squire Day have a complex relationship influenced by societal expectations and the desire to maintain the family's social status.
• Mr. Maybold and the villagers: Mr. Maybold's arrival in the village sparks curiosity and interest among the villagers. His relationships with the villagers evolve as he introduces new ideas and challenges the traditional way of life.