# Jude Fawley — Jude the Obscure character guide > Jude Fawley in Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Jude, Mrs. Fawley, young Fawley, Fawley, Mrs. Jude Fawley, Mr. Jude Fawley, little Jude, the impulsive Jude, The boy Jude, Jude the Obscure **First appearance:** 0001-jude-the-obscure ## Who they are A village boy who dreams of university scholarship, Jude Fawley becomes a stonemason caught between impossible ambition and the women who undo him. ## Relationships ### [Sue Bridehead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/sue_bridehead) _romantic_ Intense, tragic love affair marked by intellectual kinship, emotional turmoil, and societal persecution. ### [Arabella Donn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/arabella_donn) _romantic_ Manipulative and carnal relationship initiated by Arabella's deception, leading to marriage and repeated entanglements. ### [Richard Phillotson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/richard_phillotson) _friendship_ Respectful but strained friendship, with Jude initially idolizing Phillotson and later becoming his rival for Sue. ### [Father Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/father_time) _family_ Tragic father-son bond, with Jude trying to love the melancholic boy who ultimately destroys their family. ### [Edlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/edlin) _friendship_ Kindly neighbor who offers Jude practical help and emotional support during his hardships. ### [Aunt Drusilla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/aunt_drusilla) _family_ Strict, superstitious aunt who raises Jude but warns him against marriage and the Fawley family curse. ### [Physician Vilbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/physician_vilbert) _social_ Casual acquaintance from Jude's youth, later a source of medical aid and ironic commentary. ### [Anny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/anny) _social_ Acquaintance who participates in Arabella's schemes to entrap Jude. ### [Farmer Troutham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/farmer_troutham) _professional_ Harsh employer who fires young Jude for negligence, reinforcing Jude's sense of failure. ### [Sue Bridehead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/sue_bridehead) _romantic_ Intense, tragic love affair marked by intellectual kinship, emotional turmoil, and societal persecution. ### [Sue Bridehead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/sue_bridehead) _romantic_ Intense, tragic love affair marked by intellectual kinship, emotional turmoil, and societal persecution. ### [Arabella Donn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/arabella_donn) _romantic_ Manipulative and carnal relationship initiated by Arabella's deception, leading to marriage and repeated entanglements. ## In the story ### [Jude the Obscure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/jude-the-obscure) Young orphan boy, deeply impressed by his schoolmaster and dreaming of Christminster. ### [Part I: At Marygreen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/part-i-at-marygreen) A sensitive and ambitious young boy, orphaned and living with his aunt, who idealizes his schoolmaster and dreams of a scholarly future in Christminster. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/i) An eleven-year-old boy who assists Mr. Phillotson with packing and is deeply affected by his departure. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ii) A sensitive boy who is punished for letting birds eat corn and becomes curious about Christminster. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iii) Jude's yearning for Christminster intensifies; he prays for a view of the city and romanticizes it as a 'city of light' and 'tree of knowledge.' ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iv) Jude is a young boy, deeply idealistic about education, who experiences both hope and crushing disappointment in his quest to learn Latin and Greek. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/v) Now about sixteen, Jude balances his bakery work with intense self-study of Latin and Greek, often reading while driving his cart. He experiences a crisis of conscience over his pagan readings and shifts to Christian texts, while also learning stonemasonry as a practical trade. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vi) Jude is walking and dreaming of Christminster when he is struck by a piece of pig offal thrown by Arabella. He crosses a bridge to talk with her and agrees to meet her on Sunday, feeling a strange new attraction that conflicts with his scholarly ambitions. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vii) Struggles with his conscience as he prioritizes Arabella over his Greek Testament studies, feeling both exhilaration and guilt. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/viii) Jude is increasingly drawn to Arabella, neglecting his studies and following her lead in their playful and physical interactions. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ix) Jude marries Arabella under false pretenses, feeling trapped and disillusioned as his scholarly ambitions are crushed. ### [The Pig-Killing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/x) Jude is forced to kill the pig himself, showing his tenderheartedness and revulsion at the cruelty. He overhears gossip about Arabella's scheme to trap him into marriage, deepening his bitterness. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/xi) Jude experiences the final breakdown of his marriage, sells his belongings, burns his portrait, and learns from Aunt Drusilla about his parents' tragic separation. ### [Part II: At Christminster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/part-ii-at-christminster) Arrives in Christminster, works as a stonemason, and becomes obsessed with the university and Sue Bridehead. ### [Jude's Arrival in Christminster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/i) Jude arrives in Christminster, having completed his apprenticeship and left his marriage to Arabella behind. He is driven by the memory of his cousin Sue's photograph and his old schoolmaster. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ii) Jude arrives in Christminster, seeks stonemason work, experiences disillusionment with the colleges, obtains a job, receives and kisses Sue's photograph, sees Sue in person, and begins a regimen of night study. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iii) Attends cathedral service hoping to see Sue; reflects on his past sins and his growing feelings for her. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iv) Arranges for Sue to work with Phillotson; struggles with his love for Sue and moral guilt over his marriage to Arabella. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/v) Attends the model of Jerusalem exhibition, deeply absorbed in it; later walks to Lumsdon to see Sue but is devastated to see Phillotson with his arm around her. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vi) Visits his aunt, struggles with his feelings for Sue and his academic aspirations. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vii) Jude is in a state of profound despair, having been rejected by the university and feeling hopeless about his relationship with Sue. He gets drunk, recites the Nicene Creed in a tavern, and later seeks comfort from Sue before fleeing to Marygreen. ### [Part III: At Melchester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/part-iii-at-melchester) Moves to Melchester to be near Sue, works as a stonemason, and becomes more entangled in his feelings for her. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/i) Visits Sue in Melchester, struggles with his feelings for her and his past, and considers a new ecclesiastical path. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ii) Jude organizes the outing, admires devotional art, and feels conflicted about his relationship with Sue. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iii) Jude is in his lodgings by the Close Gate, studying, when Sue arrives after escaping the training school. He helps her dry off and gives her his clothes. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iv) Engages in theological debate with Sue, struggles with his feelings for her, and maintains his religious practices. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/v) Accompanies Sue to the station, receives her letter, visits her in Shaston, and struggles with his love for her while hiding his marriage. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vi) Works as a stonecutter at the cathedral; he reassures Phillotson about Sue and later confesses his marriage to Arabella to Sue. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vii) Staggered by Sue's marriage news, he struggles with his emotions but agrees to give her away, moving to new lodgings to accommodate her stay. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/viii) Returns to Christminster, feels estranged, meets Arabella, and travels to Aldbrickham with her. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ix) Jude is conflicted after spending the night with Arabella, feeling degraded and pitiful. He meets Sue and is ashamed of his recent actions. ### [Jude's Spiritual and Emotional Turmoil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/x) Returns to Melchester, struggles with his passions, and pursues his priestly studies; travels to Kennetbridge to meet a composer. ### [Part IV: At Shaston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/part-iv-at-shaston) Struggles with his feelings for Sue and the societal pressures of their relationship. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/i) Visits Sue at the schoolhouse, plays the piano, and confronts her about her behavior. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ii) Jude comforts Sue after Aunt Drusilla's funeral, expresses his love, and begins to abandon his religious doctrines. He kills a trapped rabbit, reflecting his empathy and inner turmoil. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iii) Burns his theological books after kissing Sue, feeling he cannot be a religious teacher while loving her. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/v) Travels with Sue to Aldbrickham, reveals Arabella's request for a divorce, and struggles with Sue's emotional inconsistency. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vi) Jude is mentioned as Sue's lover and is reportedly also seeking to dissolve his marriage to Arabella, paralleling Phillotson's situation. ### [Part V: At Aldbrickham and Elsewhere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/part-v-at-aldbrickham-and-elsewhere) Continues his relationship with Sue, grappling with his ambitions and the consequences of their choices. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/i) Jude discusses marriage with Sue, expressing his love and frustration at her reluctance to marry. He works as a monumental mason and lives with Sue in Aldbrickham. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ii) Jude returns from a lecture and is drawn into a conflict between Sue and Arabella, ultimately deciding to go out to help Arabella despite Sue's objections. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iii) Jude receives Arabella's letter about their son and decides to take the boy in, despite doubts about paternity. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iv) Accompanies Sue to the registry office and church, sharing her doubts about remarrying and feeling the weight of their past. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/v) Attends the show with Sue and Father Time; admires a model of Cardinal College he and Sue made; shows affection toward Sue. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vi) Struggles with social ostracism and financial strain; takes on church lettering work; decides to leave the area with Sue and the child. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vii) Mentally approaching Sue's earlier skepticism; still fixated on Christminster as a vision of high thought. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/viii) Mentioned as being ill and living with Sue; Arabella longs to reclaim him. ### [Part VI: At Christminster Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/part-vi-at-christminster-again) Returns to Christminster with Sue, grappling with his unfulfilled dreams and the burden of their shared tragedy. ### [At Christminster Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/i) Returns to Christminster, carries his child, speaks to the crowd about his failures and social critique, shows bitterness and weariness. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ii) Jude is staying at a tavern to save money. He meets Sue in the morning, helps plan their move, and discovers the children's bodies. He tries to comfort Sue afterward. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iii) Works at his old trade, urges legal marriage, feels guilt for seducing Sue, and struggles with her changing beliefs. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/iv) Jude is heartbroken and desperate as Sue tells him she is returning to Phillotson. He argues that their love and union constituted a true marriage, but Sue is firm in her decision. He is moved to tears by her suffering and her 'wrong-headedness.' ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as being left behind in Christminster, miserable after Sue's departure. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vi) Living in Christminster, dejected after Sue's remarriage, he reluctantly helps Arabella and later drowns his sorrows in drink. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/vii) Jude is coerced into remarrying Arabella after being plied with alcohol, acting out of a distorted sense of honor while inwardly resistant. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/viii) Jude is gravely ill, living with Arabella after their remarriage. He asks Arabella to write to Sue, and later meets Sue in a church porch, pleading with her to run away with him. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/ix) Returns to Christminster in a deathly state after visiting Sue, hallucinating spirits and expressing his desire to die. ### [Jude's Decline and Arabella's Schemes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/x) Lying ill, he laments his thwarted dreams and Sue's tragic choice, calling her name unconsciously and cursing social conventions. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/xi) Lies dying in his bedroom, abandoned by Arabella; recites Job's lament as he succumbs. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters/jude_fawley - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/characters