Tess of the d'Urbervilles (Adaptation) characters

Appears from the start

The eldest daughter of the poor Durbeyfield family. Tess is responsible, hardworking, and more cautious than her parents about their newly discovered connection to the ancient d'Urberville name.

Also known as Sir John d'Urberville

Appears from the start

Tess's poor and impractical father. After learning that the Durbeyfields descend from a noble family, he treats the information as a title and a reason to expect better fortune.

Appears from the start

Tess's optimistic mother, who manages the large Durbeyfield household and hopes the family's old name can be turned to practical advantage through Tess.

Appears from the start

A young man who briefly notices Tess at a village dance. At this first encounter he and Tess remain strangers, and he leaves without choosing her as a partner.

First appears in chapter 2

Tess's young brother, who accompanies her when she takes the family's beehives to market. His dependence on her helps explain why she feels personally responsible for the household's welfare.

First appears in chapter 3

The confident young heir of a wealthy family that purchased the d'Urberville name. He is not actually related to Tess, despite the pretext for her visit, and takes an immediate interest in her.

First appears in chapter 4

Alec's elderly, blind mother. She employs Tess to care for her poultry but shows little interest in the supposed family relationship that Tess's parents hoped to claim.

First appears in chapter 6

Tess's infant son. When he falls dangerously ill, she baptizes him herself and names him Sorrow.

First appears in chapter 7

The friendly master of Talbothays dairy, where Tess goes to begin a new phase of her life. He runs a busy household of milkers and values Tess as a capable worker.

First appears in chapter 8

A dairymaid at Talbothays and one of Tess's companions. Marian shares the other women's affection for Angel Clare but sees that his attention is directed toward Tess.

First appears in chapter 8

A reserved dairymaid at Talbothays who becomes Tess's friend. She quietly loves Angel but recognizes his preference for Tess.

First appears in chapter 17

Tess's younger sister, who increasingly shares the burden of the family's poverty. She resembles Tess and helps Joan care for the younger children after the family loses its home.