Jude the Obscure Characters

Jude Fawley—The title character. He begins life as a poor ward in a quiet village and becomes a stonecutter. He dreams of being an educated man and falls in love with his cousin, Sue Bridehead.

Richard Phillotson—Schoolmaster who is Jude’s early mentor. He marries Sue Bridehead. He nurtures his own dreams of social and intellectual advancement.

Blacksmith and Farm Bailiff—Villagers who help Phillotson move.

Drusilla Fawley—Jude’s great-aunt; she raises him after his parents die. She is coarse and ignorant.

Farmer Troutham—The farmer who catches Jude encouraging birds to eat his grain.

Villagers—People to whom the Fawley’s familys history is told.

Carter—A workman who meets Jude on the road.

Two Workmen—Help Jude climb on the roof of a barn to see Christminster.

Physician Vilbert—The quack doctor who promises and fails to deliver Greek and Latin texts to Jude.

Arabella Donn—The pig-keeper’s daughter. An ambitious, coarse, materialistic, deceitful woman. Jude’s wife.
Mr. Donn & Mrs. Donn—Arabella’s parents, pig-keepers. Jude and Arabella live with them after they are married the second time.

Anny and Sarah—Young women; Arabella’s friends and confidantes.

Challow—The pig killer who arrives late, forcing Jude and Arabella to kill the pig.

Sue Bridehead—Jude’s cousin, true love, and soul-mate. Impulsive, idealistic, intellectual, school-teacher. She marries Phillotson.

Mrs. Edlin—Friend of Jude’s aunt.

Vendor—Marketer of religious icons. He sells pagan statues to Sue.

Miss Fontover—Sue’s employer and first landlady in Christminster. She breaks Sue’s statues.

Mrs. Hawes—Sue’s second landlady in Christminster. Chaperones Phillotson’s...