# Bathsheba Everdene — Far from the Madding Crowd character guide

> Bathsheba Everdene in Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Bathsheba, Farmer Everdene, Miss Everdene, Mistress Everdene, Bathsheba Boldwood

**First appearance:** 0004-iii-a-girl-on-horseback-conversation

## Snapshot

A proud, quick-witted young woman who inherits a farm and must prove her nerve running it while three very different men pursue her.

## Who they are

Bathsheba arrives in Weatherbury with more beauty and self-possession than her neighbors expect from a woman, and the agent's doubts about her youth and sex only sharpen her resolve to manage the Upper Farm herself. Her vanity and hunger for admiration pull against a genuine capacity for feeling, so she sends a reckless valentine and then finds herself entangled with men she cannot easily dismiss. Her choices drive the novel's central collisions between love, pride, and the price of being noticed.

## Relationships

### [Gabriel Oak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/gabriel_oak)

_romantic_

Bathsheba and Gabriel share a deep, evolving romantic bond that begins with her rejection of his proposal and culminates in marriage after years of loyalty and mutual respect.

### [Frank Troy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/frank_troy)

_romantic_

Bathsheba is infatuated with the dashing but manipulative Frank Troy, leading to a disastrous marriage marked by his cruelty and her eventual disillusionment.

### [Liddy Smallbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/liddy_smallbury)

_professional_

Liddy is Bathsheba's loyal maid and confidante, providing companionship and gossip while serving her mistress faithfully.

### [Fanny Robin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/fanny_robin)

_social_

Bathsheba and Fanny are acquaintances with a tense dynamic, as Fanny is a former servant and Troy's abandoned lover, creating jealousy and guilt for Bathsheba.

### [Jan Coggan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/jan_coggan)

_professional_

Jan Coggan is a loyal employee on Bathsheba's farm, working under her management with respect and reliability.

### [Joseph Poorgrass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/joseph_poorgrass)

_professional_

Joseph Poorgrass is a timid, superstitious worker on Bathsheba's farm, often causing frustration with his inefficiency.

### [Benjy Pennyways](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/benjy_pennyways)

_professional_

Benjy Pennyways is Bathsheba's dishonest bailiff, whom she fires for embezzlement, creating ongoing animosity.

### [Laban Tall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/laban_tall)

_professional_

Laban Tall is a farm laborer employed by Bathsheba, known for his meekness and occasional incompetence.

### [William Boldwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/william_boldwood)

_psychological_

William Boldwood becomes obsessively fixated on Bathsheba after she sends him a valentine as a joke, leading to his tragic downfall.

### [Maryann Money](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/maryann_money)

_professional_

Maryann Money is a loyal female servant on Bathsheba's farm, assisting with household and dairy work.

### [Henery Fray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/henery_fray)

_professional_

Henery Fray is a grumbling farmhand who often complains about his work but remains employed by Bathsheba.

### [Frank Troy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/frank_troy)

_romantic_

Bathsheba is infatuated with the dashing but manipulative Frank Troy, leading to a disastrous marriage marked by his cruelty and her eventual disillusionment.

## In the story

### [I: Description of Farmer Oak; An Incident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/i-description-of-farmer-oak-an-incident)

First appears as a young woman riding atop a wagon of household goods; she secretly admires herself in a mirror and shows indifference to Gabriel's favor.

### [III: A Girl on Horseback; Conversation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/iii-a-girl-on-horseback-conversation)

Rides through the plantation in an unconventional manner, milks a cow, and later saves Gabriel from suffocation.

### [IV: Gabriel’s Resolve; The Visit; The Mistake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/iv-gabriel-s-resolve-the-visit-the-mistake)

Runs after Gabriel to correct her aunt's false claim about having a sweetheart, but ultimately rejects his proposal.

### [Departure of Bathsheba; A Pastoral Tragedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/v-departure-of-bathsheba-a-pastoral-tragedy)

Bathsheba has left the neighborhood for Weatherbury, though her exact role there is unknown to Gabriel.

### [VI: The Fair; The Journey; The Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/vi-the-fair-the-journey-the-fire)

Bathsheba is mentioned indirectly by the wagoners as a vain, handsome woman who plays the piano and looks in the mirror before bed, leading Gabriel to suspect they are speaking of her.

### [Recognition; A Timid Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/vii-recognition-a-timid-girl)

Hires Gabriel Oak as her shepherd after recognizing him; shows coolness and authority.

### [The Malthouse; The Chat; News](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/viii-the-malthouse-the-chat-news)

Anxiously inquires about Fanny Robin's disappearance and gives orders to her men from her bedroom window.

### [IX: The Homestead; A Visitor; Half-Confidences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/ix-the-homestead-a-visitor-half-confidences)

Flustered by her appearance and Boldwood's visit; admits to having rejected a suitor (Gabriel Oak).

### [X: Mistress and Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/x-mistress-and-men)

Assumes control of the farm, dismisses the bailiff, pays the workers, and inquires about Fanny Robin.

### [XII: Farmers; A Rule; An Exception](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xii-farmers-a-rule-an-exception)

Makes her debut as a farmer at the Casterbridge corn market, handling business with confidence and attracting attention as the only woman present.

### [XIII: Sortes Sanctorum; The Valentine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xiii-sortes-sanctorum-the-valentine)

Engages in superstitious divination and impulsively sends a valentine to Mr. Boldwood, reflecting her capricious and independent spirit.

### [XVII: In the Market-Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xvii-in-the-market-place)

Bathsheba is aware of Boldwood's attention and regrets her earlier prank, considering an apology but fearing misinterpretation.

### [XVIII: Boldwood in Meditation; Regret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xviii-boldwood-in-meditation-regret)

Bathsheba is troubled by the effect she has had on Boldwood, realizing her flirtation has unintended consequences. She resolves to avoid further interference but feels the situation is already beyond control.

### [XIX: The Sheep-Washing; The Offer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xix-the-sheep-washing-the-offer)

Stands by the sheep-washing in a new riding-habit, receives Boldwood's proposal with surprise and regret over the valentine, and asks for time to think.

### [Troubles in the Fold; A Message](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxi-troubles-in-the-fold-a-message)

Distraught over the sheep's condition, she initially refuses to send for Gabriel but eventually relents and writes a note pleading for his help.

### [The Great Barn and the Sheep-Shearers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxii-the-great-barn-and-the-sheep-shearers)

Appears in a myrtle-green riding-habit, departs with Boldwood after a brief, sharp exchange with Gabriel over a wounded sheep.

### [Eventide; A Second Declaration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxiii-eventide-a-second-declaration)

Presides over the shearing-supper from the window, sings for the workers, and later privately agrees to consider marrying Boldwood after a few weeks.

### [XXIV: The Same Night; The Fir Plantation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxiv-the-same-night-the-fir-plantation)

Conducts her nightly farm inspection, becomes entangled with Sergeant Troy in the fir plantation, and later questions Liddy about him.

### [XXV: The New Acquaintance Described](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxv-the-new-acquaintance-described)

Observes Troy from a distance and feels a nameless relief at Boldwood's absence; she blushes with half-angry embarrassment when Troy approaches her in the hayfield.

### [Scene on the Verge of the Hay-Mead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxvi-scene-on-the-verge-of-the-hay-mead)

Bathsheba is conflicted, alternately repulsed and fascinated by Troy's advances; she tries to maintain her dignity but is visibly affected.

### [XXVII: Hiving the Bees](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxvii-hiving-the-bees)

Attempts to hive the bees herself; becomes flustered and agrees to a private meeting with Troy to see his sword-exercise.

### [XXVIII: The Hollow Amid the Ferns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxviii-the-hollow-amid-the-ferns)

Meets Troy in the fern hollow, trembles at her own temerity, is awed and frightened by his swordplay, and is kissed by him.

### [XXIX: Particulars of a Twilight Walk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxix-particulars-of-a-twilight-walk)

Shown as self-reliant yet foolishly infatuated with Troy, she defends him passionately and tries to dismiss Gabriel.

### [XXX: Hot Cheeks and Tearful Eyes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxx-hot-cheeks-and-tearful-eyes)

Flushed and excited after Troy's kiss; writes to reject Boldwood; denies then confesses her love for Troy; volatile and tearful.

### [XXXI: Blame; Fury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxxi-blame-fury)

Struggles with guilt and fear after rejecting Boldwood, anxiously anticipating Troy's return.

### [Night; Horses Tramping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxxii-night-horses-tramping)

Devises a risky plan to drive to Bath alone at night to confront Sergeant Troy and end their relationship.

### [XXXIII: In the Sun; A Harbinger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxxiii-in-the-sun-a-harbinger)

Bathsheba is absent in Bath, and Cain Ball reports seeing her walking arm-in-arm with Sergeant Troy.

### [Home Again; A Trickster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxxiv-home-again-a-trickster)

Returns from Bath, weary, and later meets Troy secretly at night.

### [XXXVI: Wealth in Jeopardy; The Revel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxxvi-wealth-in-jeopardy-the-revel)

Attends the dance as Troy's wife, protests the distribution of brandy, and leaves indignantly when Troy sends the women home.

### [The Storm; The Two Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-storm-the-two-together)

Works alongside Gabriel to save the ricks, reveals the true story of her marriage to Troy, and shows vulnerability and gratitude.

### [XXXIX: Coming Home; A Cry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxxix-coming-home-a-cry)

Listless and sad, she confronts Troy about his gambling and later suspects his connection to the mysterious woman.

### [XLI: Suspicion; Fanny Is Sent For](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xli-suspicion-fanny-is-sent-for)

Feels humiliated and trapped in her marriage, yet asserts her authority by arranging Fanny's funeral.

### [XLII: Joseph and His Burden; Buck’s Head](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xlii-joseph-and-his-burden-buck-s-head)

Insists Fanny's body be brought into the house, shows solicitousness despite earlier indifference.

### [Fanny's Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xliii-fanny-s-revenge)

Devastated by Troy's rejection and his declaration that Fanny is his true wife; she struggles with loneliness and suspicion about Fanny's death.

### [Under a Tree; Reaction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xliv-under-a-tree-reaction)

Flees to a wood after a conflict with Troy, resolves to stay and endure her marriage with pride, hides in an attic, and struggles with her emotions.

### [Troy's Romanticism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xlv-troy-s-romanticism)

Bathsheba has left the house after confronting Troy; Troy is indifferent to her whereabouts.

### [The Gurgoyle: Its Doings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xlvi-the-gurgoyle-its-doings)

Visits Fanny's grave, discovers Troy's tombstone, and directs Gabriel to fix the gurgoyle.

### [XLVII: Adventures by the Shore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xlvii-adventures-by-the-shore)

Troy finds life in her house intolerable, contributing to his decision to leave.

### [XLVIII: Doubts Arise; Doubts Linger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xlviii-doubts-arise-doubts-linger)

Bathsheba grapples with her husband's absence and apparent death, experiencing a range of emotions from indifference to shock, and ultimately doubts the news of his drowning.

### [Oak’s Advancement; A Great Hope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xlix-oak-s-advancement-a-great-hope)

Returns from visiting her aunt; she is in a quiet, apathetic mood, mourning Troy and managing the farm without enthusiasm.

### [The Sheep Fair; Troy Touches His Wife’s Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/l-the-sheep-fair-troy-touches-his-wife-s-hand)

Attends the fair with Joseph Poorgrass; sells her sheep; is approached by Boldwood; receives Pennyways' note but does not read it; screams when the note is snatched from her hand.

### [Bathsheba Talks with Her Outrider](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/li-bathsheba-talks-with-her-outrider)

Drives home from the fair, troubled by Boldwood's persistent devotion and her own guilt; she promises to marry him if she ever remarries, then seeks Gabriel's advice.

### [Converging Courses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/lii-converging-courses)

Bathsheba prepares for Boldwood's party, feeling conflicted and anxious about the social expectations and her own emotions.

### [LIII: Concurritur; Horae Momento](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/liii-concurritur-horae-momento)

Pressured by Boldwood into a six-year engagement, she reluctantly accepts a ring while weeping and expressing doubt about Troy's death.

### [After the Shock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/liv-after-the-shock)

Sits on the floor with Troy's head in her lap, directs Gabriel to fetch a surgeon, later has the body brought home, prepares it for burial alone, and collapses from exhaustion.

### [LV: The March Following; “Bathsheba Boldwood”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/lv-the-march-following-bathsheba-boldwood)

Remains in a deeply depressed state, barely improved since Christmas, constantly asking for news of Boldwood's fate.

### [LVI: Beauty in Loneliness; After All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/lvi-beauty-in-loneliness-after-all)

Suffers from loneliness and a sense of being despised; visits Gabriel's home and later the churchyard where she weeps at Fanny and Troy's grave.

### [LVII: A Foggy Night and Morning; Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/lvii-a-foggy-night-and-morning-conclusion)

Wakes early, prepares for the wedding, and marries Gabriel in a quiet ceremony.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters/bathsheba_everdene
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/characters