The Tenant of Wildfell Hall characters

Appears from the start

A young farmer at Linden-Car who tells his brother-in-law the history of his attachment to the mysterious tenant of Wildfell Hall. Sociable, proud, and sometimes impulsive, he initially knows little of the costs behind her reserve.

Appears from the start

The reserved young widow who has recently taken Wildfell Hall with her small son and a servant. She supports herself by painting, protects her privacy fiercely, and is unusually strict about keeping alcohol from her child.

Appears from the start

Helen Graham's young son, whom she guards closely from influences she considers harmful. His presence guides many of her decisions and is central to local curiosity about her household.

Appears from the start

Gilbert's widowed mother, a conventional and attentive manager of her family. She values local respectability and expects her children to follow familiar social roles.

Appears from the start

Gilbert's sensible sister. She shares the neighborhood's news but is less frivolous than many around her and often observes Gilbert's changing behavior closely.

Appears from the start

Gilbert's younger brother, lively, teasing, and inclined to avoid serious responsibility. He participates eagerly in the social life and gossip of the neighborhood.

Appears from the start

Helen's faithful servant and the only adult companion she brings to Wildfell Hall. Her place within the small household suggests a longer bond than the neighbors can explain.

First appears in chapter 2

The vicar's attractive younger daughter and an early object of Gilbert's attention. Playful and skilled at encouraging admiration, she quickly notices his growing interest in the new tenant.

First appears in chapter 3

A neighboring gentleman who is quiet and difficult for Gilbert to read. He appears to have a private understanding with Helen Graham that fuels local speculation.

First appears in chapter 16

A charming, confident young gentleman whom Helen meets while staying with her aunt and uncle. His wit and attention attract her even as more experienced relatives question his principles.

First appears in chapter 18

A fashionable, self-assured woman in Helen's wider social circle. She enjoys admiration and brings glamour as well as rivalry into the company around Arthur Huntingdon.

Also known as Lord Lowborough

First appears in chapter 18

A serious nobleman moving among Huntingdon's friends. He is attempting to master destructive habits and hopes that honorable attachments will support his reform.

First appears in chapter 18

A mild, anxious friend of Helen's whose compliant nature leaves her vulnerable to stronger personalities. Helen feels protective toward her as marriages are arranged within their social circle.

First appears in chapter 18

Milicent's forceful and hard-living suitor, one of Huntingdon's companions. His loud confidence and appetite for amusement make him a troubling prospective husband for the gentle Milicent.

First appears in chapter 27

Milicent's brother and a frequent visitor in Helen's married life. More polished and self-controlled than Huntingdon's other companions, he presents himself as sympathetic to her unhappiness.