William Boldwood

Bathsheba Everdene

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

Bathsheba Everdene

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

Bathsheba Everdene

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

IX: The Homestead; A Visitor; Half-Confidences

Visits the farm to inquire about Fanny Robin; described as handsome, stern, and wealthy, but hopeless for women.

XII: Farmers; A Rule; An Exception

Introduced as the dignified, reserved farmer who takes no notice of Bathsheba, sparking her curiosity.

XIII: Sortes Sanctorum; The Valentine

Mentioned as the object of Bathsheba's valentine; his aloofness in church piques her interest and leads to the impulsive gesture.

XIV: Effect of the Letter; Sunrise

Boldwood is deeply affected by Bathsheba's valentine, obsessing over the letter and its implications. He experiences sleeplessness, distorted perceptions, and a growing infatuation, culminating in his decision to personally deliver a misdirected letter to Gabriel Oak.

XV: A Morning Meeting; The Letter Again

Returns Fanny's letter to Oak and later inquires about Bathsheba's valentine.

XVII: In the Market-Place

Boldwood, for the first time, truly looks at Bathsheba and becomes infatuated, experiencing jealousy and the 'injured lover's hell.'

XVIII: Boldwood in Meditation; Regret

Boldwood is shown in deep meditation, his calm exterior masking intense inner turmoil. He is described as a man of strong, latent emotions, now stirred by Bathsheba's attention.

XIX: The Sheep-Washing; The Offer

Makes a heartfelt marriage proposal to Bathsheba at the sheep-washing, revealing his deep infatuation and idealization of her.

The Great Barn and the Sheep-Shearers

Present at the shearing, escorts Bathsheba to see his Leicesters, deepening the workers' belief that marriage is imminent.

Eventide; A Second Declaration

Arrives late by arrangement, sits near Bathsheba, sings bass during her song, and later privately declares his love, receiving a conditional promise of marriage.

XXIX: Particulars of a Twilight Walk

Mentioned as the man Gabriel believes Bathsheba should marry; he is absent from home.

XXX: Hot Cheeks and Tearful Eyes

Addressee of Bathsheba's rejection letter; not physically present in the chapter.

XXXI: Blame; Fury

Devastated by Bathsheba's rejection, he pleads with her and reveals the depth of his obsession.

Night; Horses Tramping

Mentioned as being away from home; his horses Tidy and Moll are borrowed without his knowledge for the pursuit.

Home Again; A Trickster

Seeks forgiveness from Bathsheba, is refused, then negotiates with Troy to marry her.

At an Upper Window

Boldwood rides past Gabriel and Coggan, his face pale and strained, showing signs of deep sorrow and despair after learning of Bathsheba's marriage.

XXXVIII: Rain; One Solitary Meets Another

Meets Oak on the lane, confesses his neglect of the ricks and his profound grief over losing Bathsheba, comparing his suffering to the biblical story of Jonah.

XLI: Suspicion; Fanny Is Sent For

Plans to bring Fanny's body to Weatherbury, but Bathsheba takes over the responsibility.

XLVIII: Doubts Arise; Doubts Linger

Boldwood catches Bathsheba when she faints upon hearing of Troy's drowning, briefly holding her and feeling a surge of emotion, then assists her with arrangements.

Oak’s Advancement; A Great Hope

Nurtures a desperate hope that Bathsheba will marry him after six years; he questions Liddy about Bathsheba's feelings and feels ashamed of his underhanded tactics.

The Sheep Fair; Troy Touches His Wife’s Hand

Watches for an opportunity to speak to Bathsheba; offers her tea and bread-and-butter; offers to destroy the note.

Bathsheba Talks with Her Outrider

Escorts Bathsheba home and presses her for a promise of marriage in six years, driven by his enduring love and hope.

Converging Courses

Boldwood reveals his obsession with Bathsheba, planning to increase Oak's share and secretly possessing a diamond ring for her.

LIII: Concurritur; Horae Momento

In a state of intense emotion, he extracts a promise of marriage from Bathsheba and slips a ring on her finger, unaware of the rumors about Troy.

After the Shock

Walks to Casterbridge and surrenders himself at the gaol after shooting Troy.

LV: The March Following; “Bathsheba Boldwood”

Sentenced to death for killing Troy, but later reprieved to life imprisonment; his locked closet reveals obsessive gifts for Bathsheba.