Wuthering Heights (novel)/Characters

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Heathcliff

Catherine Earnshaw-Linton

Hindley Earnshaw

Catherine's older brother and after his father's death, the owner of Wuthering Heights.

  • The Alcoholic
  • Aloof Older Brother: He and Catherine are not particularly close.
  • Asshole Victim: If you subscribe to the theory that Hindley is murdered by Heathcliff.
  • Dramatic Irony Heathcliff's later treatment of his son Hareton mirrors the way Hindley himself treats Heathcliff when his father dies and he inherits the estate.
  • Dropped a Bridge on Him: Hindley's death occurs off-page but is assumed to be a result of his drunkenness. Only Heathcliff is said to be with him when he dies and it is implied that he gambles away ownership of Wuthering Heights to the latter during this period.
  • Drowning My Sorrows: After his wife's death in childbirth. Its also strongly implied that Heathcliff encourages this.
  • Hoist by His Own Petard: For some readers, the manner of his death.
  • Inadequate Inheritor
  • Jerkass: His treatment of Heathcliff is largely what shapes the latter into the cruel and bitter person of the second half of the novel.
  • Sibling Rivalry: Hindley hates Heathcliff because his father preferred Heathcliff to him.

Edgar Linton

Isabella Linton-Heathcliff

Nellie Dean

Mr. Lockwood


Generation Xerox

Cathy Linton

Linton Heathcliff

Hareton Earnshaw

  1. With doctor's orders, nonetheless!