# Edlin — Jude the Obscure character guide

> Edlin in Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mrs. Edlin, the Widow Edlin, Widow Edlin

**First appearance:** 0001-jude-the-obscure

## Who they are

A kind elderly neighbor who helps Jude and Sue in times of need.

## Relationships

### [Jude Fawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/jude_fawley)

_friendship_

Kindly neighbor who offers Jude practical help and emotional support during his hardships.

### [Sue Bridehead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/sue_bridehead)

_friendship_

Sympathetic older woman who provides shelter and understanding to Sue in her darkest moments.

### [Jude Fawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/jude_fawley)

_friendship_

Kindly neighbor who offers Jude practical help and emotional support during his hardships.

### [Sue Bridehead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/sue_bridehead)

_friendship_

Sympathetic older woman who provides shelter and understanding to Sue in her darkest moments.

### [Jude Fawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/jude_fawley)

_friendship_

Kindly neighbor who offers Jude practical help and emotional support during his hardships.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/viii)

Referenced by Arabella's mother as a neighbor whose health might be inquired about, providing a pretext for the parents to leave the house.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ii)

Mrs. Edlin provides lodging for Sue after the funeral and is mentioned as the widow living next door.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iv)

The Widow Edlin accompanies them and shares the grim family tale of a hanged ancestor.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/v)

The Widow Edlin, who provides lodging for Sue and openly criticizes the remarriage, arguing that Sue is forcing herself.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ix)

Visits Sue to help with housework, listens to her confession, and stays overnight at Sue's request.

### [Jude's Decline and Arabella's Schemes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/x)

Visits Jude and reveals that Sue has begun a physical relationship with Phillotson, triggering Jude's anguish.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/xi)

Mentioned as having spoken to Arabella about Sue's state; present in the earlier conversation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/edlin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters