Characters
Adam Bede
Adam Bede is a skilled young carpenter respected by everyone in the village of Hayslope. Acknowledged for his intelligence and integrity, he is appointed by Arthur Donnithorne, the heir to Donnithorne Chase, to manage the estate's wooded areas. His life takes a tumultuous turn when he witnesses Arthur kissing Hetty Sorrel, the woman he loves. Recognizing that Arthur will not marry Hetty, Adam's anger leads to a confrontation with Arthur. This results in Arthur leaving to join his regiment. Though Hetty, abandoned and pregnant, promises to marry Adam, she eventually flees in desperation. Adam remains steadfast and supports Hetty during her trial for the murder of her child. Through these events, he evolves from a harsh judge of others, including his drunken father, Arthur, and Hetty, into someone capable of tolerance and forgiveness. Eventually, he develops feelings for Dinah Morris and marries her, finding a new chapter of happiness.
Dinah Morris
Dinah Morris, a fervent Methodist preacher, is the compassionate niece of Mrs. Poyser, a farmer’s wife in Hayslope. Known for her empathy, she assists those who are ill or in distress. When not attending to her family or friends in Hayslope, she preaches at Snowfield, a bleak industrial town. Seth Bede, Adam’s younger brother, pursues her several times, but Dinah prioritizes her religious mission over personal feelings. Her compassion for Hetty Sorrel leads to Hetty's confession about abandoning her baby. Ultimately, Dinah opens her heart to personal emotions and marries Adam Bede, leading a life intertwined with both personal and spiritual fulfillment.
Captain Arthur Donnithorne
Captain Arthur Donnithorne is the amiable yet impulsive young heir to Donnithorne Chase. He plays a pivotal role in advancing Adam Bede’s career by placing him in charge of the estate's woods. Arthur is drawn to Hetty Sorrel but has no intention of marrying her. After learning about Hetty's illegitimate child, whom she subsequently abandons, he becomes aware of the grave impact of his actions on others. The scandal forces him to leave Hayslope in disgrace, not returning for several years.
Hester (Hetty) Sorrel
Hester (Hetty) Sorrel is Mr. Poyser’s niece, known for her vanity and attraction to trinkets and finery. Her vanity makes her susceptible to the charms of Arthur Donnithorne, despite Arthur's lack of intention to marry her. Once she realizes this, she agrees to marry Adam Bede but later, in a state of desperation during her pregnancy, attempts to locate Arthur, only to discover he is in Ireland. On her way to seek Dinah Morris, she gives birth and, overwhelmed, abandons the child, resulting in its death. She is tried for the child's murder and sentenced to death, but Arthur's intervention reduces her sentence to deportation. Tragically, Hetty dies a few years later as she attempts to return home to Hayslope.
Mrs. Rachel Poyser
Mrs. Rachel Poyser is a dynamic and efficient farmer’s wife, known for her generosity and loyalty. Although she can be meddling and talkative, she stands firm on her principles, refusing to let the elder Squire Donnithorne alter her and her husband’s farming arrangements. Rachel is delighted when her niece Dinah marries Adam Bede, seeing it as a positive union.
Martin Poyser
Martin Poyser, the husband of Mrs. Poyser, manages the successful Hall Farm. He is well-regarded as a leader among the local farmers and tradespeople of Hayslope. A genial and understanding man, he has a strong rapport with Adam Bede and holds unfavorable views about Hetty and Arthur’s deceitful actions.
Seth Bede
Seth Bede is Adam’s younger brother, characterized by his dreamy nature and lesser efficacy compared to Adam. Despite these differences, Seth is a...
(This entire section contains 1470 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
kind-hearted and generous young man who follows the Methodist faith. He harbors feelings for Dinah Morris, though she does not reciprocate his affections.
Jonathan Burge
Jonathan Burge, Adam's employer, owns a prosperous carpentry and building firm. He recognizes Adam's talents and dedication by making him a partner in his business.
Mrs. Lisbeth Bede
Mrs. Lisbeth Bede is the devoted, albeit cantankerous mother to Adam and Seth. She shows a strong preference for Adam and encourages his relationship with Dinah Morris, desiring a happy future for him.
The Reverend Adolphus Irwine
The Reverend Adolphus Irwine serves as the rector of Broxton and vicar of Hayslope. As a genial Anglican clergyman, he is not overly concerned with doctrine but maintains friendly relations with both Arthur Donnithorne and Adam Bede. Horrified by Arthur's betrayal of Hetty, he does all he can to support her during her trial.
Bartle Massey
Bartle Massey is the knowledgeable, misogynistic local schoolmaster who holds Adam Bede in high regard, considering him his star pupil. He imparts mathematical knowledge to Adam during night school sessions.
Matthias Bede
Matthias Bede is the father of Adam and Seth, once a skilled carpenter himself. Unfortunately, he succumbs to alcoholism, and in a drunken state, meets his demise by drowning in a creek.
Squire Donnithorne
Squire Donnithorne, Arthur’s elderly and miserly grandfather, owns Donnithorne Chase. He passes away shortly before Hetty’s trial, leaving behind a legacy of frugality.
Joshua Rann
Joshua Rann is a shoemaker in Hayslope who serves as the parish clerk and is a staunch supporter of the Anglican Church.
Ben Cranage
Ben Cranage works as a carpenter at Burge’s firm. Known for his iconoclastic views and lively dancing, he is unique in favoring Seth over Adam among the villagers.
Jim Salt
Jim Salt is another carpenter employed by Burge, contributing to the firm's operations without distinction.
Mum Taft
Mum Taft is a quiet carpenter working for Burge, noted for his silence over his carpentry skills.
Chad Cranage
Chad Cranage, cousin to Ben, works as a blacksmith and opposes Methodism vehemently.
Bess Cranage
Bess Cranage, known as Chad’s Bess, is Chad Cranage's daughter. She takes pleasure in finery but experiences sporadic conversions to Methodism, reflecting her inner conflict.
Bess Salt
Bess Salt, referred to as Timothy’s Bess, is Jim Salt’s wife and cousin to Bess Cranage, contributing to the family’s interconnected community dynamics.
Will Maskery
Will Maskery is the wheelwright in Hayslope and one of the few local practitioners of Methodism, distinguishing him in the community.
Mr. Casson
Mr. Casson is the cheerful, red-faced landlord of the Donnithorne Arms, a central figure in the social life of Hayslope.
Mary Burge
Mary Burge, Jonathan Burge’s daughter, is expected by the townspeople to be a suitable match for Adam Bede, though this expectation remains unfulfilled.
Mrs. Irwine
Mrs. Irwine is the charming and refined mother of Mr. Irwine, adding an element of sophistication to the family.
Miss Lydia Donnithorne
Miss Lydia Donnithorne, Arthur’s aunt and the daughter of the late Squire Donnithorne, becomes a source of conflict with Adam when his insistence on receiving fair payment for a screen he crafted leads to the squire's animosity.
Sarah Stone
Sarah Stone is a widow residing in Stoniton who provides shelter to Hetty Sorrel and assists her during the birth of her child.
John Olding
John Olding is the farm laborer who discovers Hetty’s deceased child, a pivotal moment in the narrative.
Marty Poyser
Marty Poyser, the Poysers’ eldest son, is noted for his literal-mindedness, shaping his interactions with the world.
Tommy Poyser
Tommy Poyser, the second son in the Poyser family, is characterized by his dependency and strong attachment to his mother.
Charlotte “Totty” Poyser
Charlotte “Totty” Poyser, the youngest Poyser child, is doted upon and indulged, leading to a somewhat spoiled disposition.
Martin Poyser, Sr.
Martin Poyser, Sr. is the elderly father of Marty Poyser, representing the older generation of the Poyser lineage.
Alick
Alick serves as a shepherd on the Poyser farm, contributing to the agricultural operations.
Pym
Pym is the loyal servant to Arthur Donnithorne, demonstrating steadfast dedication to his employer.
Satchell
Satchell is the steward at Donnithorne Chase, whose tenure ends abruptly due to a stroke.
Mrs. Pomfret
Mrs. Pomfret is a lady’s maid at Donnithorne Chase, responsible for teaching Hetty the intricacies of mending lace.
Mrs. Best
Mrs. Best, the housekeeper at Donnithorne Chase, maintains the household's order and cleanliness.
Mr. Craig
Mr. Craig, a gardener at Donnithorne Chase, harbors unrequited affection for Hetty Sorrel, adding to the layers of romantic intrigue.
Dolly
Dolly is the housekeeper for the Burge family, ensuring the smooth running of their household.
Miss Kate Irwine
Miss Kate Irwine, the elder daughter of Mrs. Irwine, plays a part in the familial backdrop of the Irwine household.
Miss Anne Irwine
Miss Anne Irwine, her younger sister, frequently battles headaches, affecting her participation in family affairs.
Lisbeth Bede
Lisbeth Bede is the child of Dinah and Adam Bede, representing the continuation of their family legacy.
Adam Bede, Jr.
Adam Bede, Jr., is the son of Dinah and Adam Bede, carrying forward his father’s name and heritage.
