Eustacia
The pretty raven-haired antagonist, Eustacia Vye is clearly out of place in Egdon. Daughter to a musician from Corfu, Eustacia lives with her grandfather after moving to Egdon from Budmouth. Town gossip suggests that Eustacia may be a witch. Eustacia loves passion rather than people, and her desire for a dramatic life has fatal consequences once Clym, the "native," returns to Egdon.
Captain Vye
A former seaman, Captain Vye lives with his granddaughter Eustacia on the heath, from which he can still see the sea. Captain Vye enjoys entertaining the locals with his embellished stories of his life at sea. Though set in his ways in terms of tradition and education, he affords Eustacia a level of freedom that ultimately allows for tragedy.
Wildeve
Damon Wildeve, the pub owner of the Quiet Woman Inn, is a former engineer and lady's man who has split affections for Thomasin and Eustacia. Though he shares Eustacia's contempt for the heath, he is too fickle in his passions to make significant change in his life, and that vacillation is one of the causes of ultimate tragedy.
Thomasin
A innocent heath girl who nevertheless learns to think pragmatically, Thomasin Yeobright goes against her aunt Mrs. Yeobright’s wishes when she marries Wildeve. She is cousin to Clym Yeobright. Thomasin eventually finds happiness with her dedicated admirer, Diggory Venn.
Clym
The protagonist of the novel, Clym Yeobright turns his back on a life in Paris to return to Egdon to become a schoolteacher. His idealistic ambitions are at odds with those around him, and his allure as a foreigner contrasted with his simple interests ultimately cause tragedy with Eustacia and his mother.
Diggory
Diggory Venn, or the reddleman, is a heroic figure. Spurned by Thomsin Yeobright, he becomes an outcast, taking on the lonely role of reddleman. Forever loyal to Thomasin, he covertly guards her welfare until he emerges back into her life as a wealthy farmer and finally finds happiness as her husband.
Mrs. Yeobright
Aunt of Thomasin and mother to Clym, she is disappointed in both of their marriage choices. Though rather particular and snobbish, she loves her family very much, and they her. She dies tragically, estranged from her son and consumed with bitterness.
Grandfer Cantle
A sprightly but aged local who enjoys the social events in the parish. He is grandfather to Christian Cantle.
Christian Cantle
A superstitious young man used to add comic relief in the text. Christian is asked by Mrs. Yeobright to transport her guineas to Clym and Thomasin.
Fairway
One of the local labourers, Timothy Fairway cuts the men’s hair on Sundays, which provides an important social ritual and a chance for local gossip.
Susan Nunsuch
Mother of Johnny, Susan is a superstitious Christian who believes Eustacia Vye is a witch. She pokes her with a needle in church, and makes a wax effigy of Eustacia right before the latter dies.
Johnny Nunsuch
A young man believed by his mother to be bewitched by Eustacia Vye. He tends Eustacia’s signal fire to Wildeve, and carries Mrs. Yeobright’s final words.
Charley
A stable boy who is obsessed with Eustacia. He allow her his role in the mummer's play, and later takes care of her after her estrangement from Clym.
Olly
The local besom maker, Olly Dowden dances with Grandfer Cantle at the November 5th bonfire, and escorts Mrs. Yeobright to meet the reddleman.
Humphrey
One of the furze cutters. It is Humphrey's parents whom Timothy Fairway saw had signed the marriage register just before he did.
Rachel
Rachel is Thomasin's servant who loses her mistress's glove and thereby sets in motion the final pairing of Thomasin and Diggory.
baby Eustacia
The baby daughter to Thomasin and Wildeve.
