Wuthering Heights Character Flashcards

Study Notes

Main Characters in Wuthering Heights

Heathcliff
An orphan taken in by Mr. Earnshaw, he develops an intense love for Catherine Earnshaw, deeply impacting the story.
Catherine Earnshaw
The daughter of Mr. Earnshaw, she shares a passionate bond with Heathcliff but later marries Edgar Linton, creating conflict.
Edgar Linton
Comes from a privileged background; he is loving yet weak, ultimately marrying Catherine and becoming her rival for Heathcliff's affection.
Nelly Dean (Ellen Dean)
Acts as the primary narrator, providing insight into the events and characters while serving as a caretaker in the Earnshaw household.
Lockwood
Introduces the story as a secondary narrator, bridging the gap between the reader and Nelly's unfolding account.
Young Catherine
The offspring of Edgar and Catherine, she continues the generational themes of love and conflict in the novel.
Hareton Earnshaw
The son of Hindley Earnshaw and Frances, he initially faces cruelty but plays a crucial role in the story’s later developments.
Linton Heathcliff
The son of Heathcliff and Isabella Linton, representing the next generation of the complex relationships established in the book.
Hindley Earnshaw
Catherine’s brother, whose jealousy and resentment towards Heathcliff lead to severe consequences for all involved.
Isabella Linton
Edgar Linton’s sister, who becomes Heathcliff’s wife, adding layers to the overarching family tensions.
Mr. Earnshaw
The patriarch who first brings Heathcliff into the family, setting the stage for the existing tensions.
Mrs. Earnshaw
Catherine and Hindley’s mother, who distrusts Heathcliff, reflecting the social prejudices of the time.
Joseph
An elderly servant at Wuthering Heights, known for his religious fervor and long-winded nature, adding to the setting's atmosphere.
Frances Earnshaw
Hindley's wife, who is portrayed negatively due to her treatment of Heathcliff, contributing to the family dynamics.
Mr. Linton
Owner of Thrushcross Grange and parent to Edgar and Isabella; his position influences the interactions between characters.
Mrs. Linton
Snobbish and protective, she disapproves of Heathcliff's presence around her children, reflecting class distinctions.
Zillah
The housekeeper at Wuthering Heights later in the narrative, providing a different perspective on the household.
Mr. Green
Edgar Linton’s lawyer who arrives too late to heed Edgar’s wishes regarding his will, influencing the power struggle with Heathcliff.