# Ruth Huckaback — Lorna Doone character guide

> Ruth Huckaback in Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** little Ruth Huckaback, Ruth, Ruth Huckaback, little Ruth, darling Ruth, fair Ruth, Cousin Ruth, dear Ruth, little Ruth

**First appearance:** 0012-xiii-master-huckaback-comes-in

## Snapshot

John Ridd's gentle, sharp-tongued cousin, whose quiet dignity and unreturned affection make her one of the novel's most quietly affecting figures.

## Who they are

Ruth Huckaback is the granddaughter of wealthy Uncle Reuben, a small woman whose plain looks and proud spirit make her an outsider in a household that measures worth by beauty and fortune. When John's mother carelessly insults her, Ruth answers with a dignity that shames the whole room, revealing a woman who refuses to be pitied. Her unspoken love for John and her complicated inheritance from her miserly grandfather give the early chapters a tender, melancholy undertow.

## Relationships

### [John Ridd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/john_ridd)

_friendship_

Ruth is John's cousin and a kind, intelligent young woman who harbors unrequited love for him.

### [John Ridd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/john_ridd)

_friendship_

Ruth is John's cousin and a kind, intelligent young woman who harbors unrequited love for him.

### [John Ridd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/john_ridd)

_friendship_

Ruth is John's cousin and a kind, intelligent young woman who harbors unrequited love for him.

## In the story

### [Master Huckaback Comes In](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xiii-master-huckaback-comes-in)

Uncle Reuben's granddaughter; mentioned as a potential bride for John.

### [John Fry's Errand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxi-john-fry-s-errand)

Granddaughter of Uncle Reuben; present at the dance and later contributes to the plan by suggesting they use a trusted man to follow her grandfather.

### [Feeding of the Pigs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxii-feeding-of-the-pigs)

Uncle Reuben's granddaughter; stays at the Ridd farm and seems happier there.

### [Ruth Is Not Like Lorna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxv-ruth-is-not-like-lorna)

Ruth overhears Mistress Ridd's harsh words about her and her grandfather, and announces her intention to return to Dulverton.

### [L: A Merry Meeting a Sad One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/l-a-merry-meeting-a-sad-one)

John visits her to reconcile and discuss Uncle Reuben's odd behavior.

### [LXI: Therefore He Seeks Comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxi-therefore-he-seeks-comfort)

Cousin of John Ridd; bitten by Kickums and rescued by John; later advises John about Lorna.

### [John Is Worsted by the Women](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxiii-john-is-worsted-by-the-women)

John plans to visit her and Uncle Reuben in Dulverton to get news and maps; she is a favorite of John's.

### [Slaughter in the Marshes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxiv-slaughter-in-the-marshes)

Cousin Ruth; John reflects on her puzzling farewell behavior.

### [LXVII: Lorna Still Is Lorna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxvii-lorna-still-is-lorna)

Mentioned by Lorna as a worthy maid who supported John's trust in Lorna.

### [Give Away the Grandeur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxxv-give-away-the-grandeur)

Inherits Uncle Reuben's property, remains unmarried, and is credited with saving Lorna's life after the shooting.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/ruth_huckaback
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters