Far from the Madding Crowd · Character
Laban Tall
A mild-mannered farm laborer whose domestic life is ruled by his formidable wife Susan, making him the quiet butt of the village's knowing humor.
supporting
Also known as Laban, Tall
First appearance: X: Mistress and Men
As a supporting figure in Far from the Madding Crowd, Laban Tall is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Agrees to stay on working for Bathsheba, with his wife speaking for him.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Laban works the fields at Weatherbury but his real trials begin at home, where his wife Susan's sharp tongue and domineering ways leave him little peace. When Gabriel and Coggan need to send a discreet message, they…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Laban Tall sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Laban Tall in X: Mistress and MenCharacter Web
16 connectionsA slice of how Laban Tall sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Friendship
- Other
Character groups
- Main character circle
- Protagonist
+11 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this scene, Bathsheba reaches an emotional and psychological peak of feverish, impulsive passion as she wri…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Bathsheba Everdene
professional · ambivalent
Laban Tall is a farm laborer employed by Bathsheba, known for his meekness and occasional… How this plays out →
- Jan Coggan
friendship · positive
- Jan Coggan
friendship · positive
- Bathsheba Everdene
professional · ambivalent
Laban Tall is a farm laborer employed by Bathsheba, known for his meekness and occasional… How this plays out →
- Bathsheba Everdene
professional · ambivalent
Laban Tall is a farm laborer employed by Bathsheba, known for his meekness and occasional… How this plays out →
- Jan Coggan
friendship · positive
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Laban Tall in X: Mistress and MenIn the story
Laban Tall appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- X: Mistress and Men
- Troubles in the Fold; A Message
- XXXVI: Wealth in Jeopardy; The Revel
- LIII: Concurritur; Horae Momento
- LVII: A Foggy Night and Morning; Conclusion
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Laban Tall unlock in the free preview.
See Laban Tall in X: Mistress and Men