Chapter IX
Introduced as Casaubon's second cousin, sketching by a yew tree; forms a negative impression of Dorothea but is struck by her voice.
XIX
Encountered Dorothea in the Vatican and becomes defensive when Naumann proposes to paint her.
XXI
Will visits Dorothea in Rome, observing her signs of weeping and feeling a mix of comic disgust and admiration. He criticizes Mr. Casaubon's scholarly methods, but is captivated by Dorothea's simplicity and feeling, seeing her as an 'angel beguiled.'
Chapter XXII
Argues passionately with Dorothea about art and sympathy; criticizes Casaubon's scholarship and announces his plan to become independent.
XXIX
Writes a letter to Dorothea (enclosed in one to Casaubon) proposing a visit, which Casaubon declines.
Chapter 30
Writes letters from Rome announcing his return to England and his intention to deliver a painting; his letter to Dorothea continues their earlier artistic debate.
Chapter XXXIV
Arrives as Mr. Brooke's guest; described as a 'pretty sprig' and a young relative of Casaubon.
Chapter XXXVII
Writes a defiant letter to Casaubon asserting his freedom; contrives to meet Dorothea alone at Lowick, feeling a passionate devotion to her.
XXXVIII
Discussed as a dangerous influence on Brooke; his role at the Pioneer is criticized by the group.
XXXIX
Is present at the Grange when Dorothea arrives, reveals Mr. Casaubon's prohibition against visiting Lowick, and engages in an intimate conversation with Dorothea about their respective beliefs.
XLII
Object of Casaubon's suspicion and jealousy; believed to be waiting for Casaubon's death to marry Dorothea.
Book V: The Dead Hand
Will's presence in Middlemarch becomes a point of tension, as his connection to Dorothea is complicated by Casaubon's suspicions and the codicil.
XLIII
Visiting Rosamond when Dorothea arrives; offers to fetch Lydgate; feels mortified after Dorothea leaves abruptly.
XLVI
Nettled by Lydgate's insinuations, he throws himself into political journalism with the Pioneer, motivated partly by proximity to Dorothea.
XLVII
Struggles with his decision to stay in Middlemarch, driven by his devotion to Dorothea; attends Lowick Church against Casaubon's wishes, but feels humiliated and miserable.
XLVIII
His presence at church deepens the rift between him and Mr. Casaubon; Dorothea sees him as receding into a world of warmth and activity.
XLIX
Discussed as the potential beneficiary of Dorothea's affection; Sir James suspects him of impropriety and wants him sent away.
Chapter L
Dorothea experiences a sudden yearning for him, and she contemplates the injustice of her husband's will regarding his moral claim.
LI
Determined to stay in Middlemarch despite Mr. Brooke's hints that he should leave; feels the chasm between himself and Dorothea.
LIII
Name recalled by Raffles and written down, potentially linking to Bulstrode's past.
Book VI: The Widow and the Wife
Will returns to Middlemarch and rekindles his connection with Dorothea, stirring both affection and conflict within her.
Chapter LIV
Will visits Dorothea to say goodbye, feeling miserable and determined. He is uneasy and petulant, fearing that his poverty might separate them.
LV
Mentioned in Dorothea's reflections on their parting; she interprets his behavior as influenced by Mr. Casaubon's codicil and cherishes their past friendship.
LVIII
Will is present at the Lydgate home, singing with Rosamond when Lydgate returns. He has remained in Middlemarch since parting from Dorothea.
LIX
Will is shocked and angered upon learning from Rosamond that Dorothea would forfeit her property if she marries him.
LX
Attends the auction at Mr. Bulstrode's request to evaluate a painting; is in a defiant mood, conscious of local gossip about his intentions.
LXI
Will is summoned by Bulstrode and learns of his grandmother's marriage to Bulstrode; he angrily rejects Bulstrode's offer of money, asserting his honor.
LXII
Determined to see Dorothea again before leaving Middlemarch; writes a letter requesting an interview and later meets her at the Grange.
Book VII: Two Temptations
Will is tempted by his growing affection for Dorothea, which challenges his sense of honor and his place in society.
Book VIII: Sunset and Sunrise
Will marries Dorothea, finding happiness and purpose in their union, though he remains an outsider to Middlemarch society.
LXXV
Writes a letter announcing a possible visit to Middlemarch, which briefly lifts Rosamond's spirits.
LXXVII
Will is discovered by Dorothea in a compromising position with Rosamond, causing him to freeze in shock; his social standing is further tarnished by revelations about his grandfather.
LXXVIII
Will is consumed by rage and despair after Dorothea's departure, lashing out at Rosamond with venomous words. He declares his absolute devotion to Dorothea and feels trapped by Rosamond's helplessness.
LXXIX
Will returns to Middlemarch, feels guilt over his outburst to Rosamond, and conceals his rejection of Bulstrode's money from Lydgate.
LXXX
Mentioned as the object of Dorothea's love and betrayal; his gift to Miss Noble triggers Dorothea's painful memories.
LXXXI
Mentioned as having visited Lydgate and as the subject of Rosamond's confession.
LXXXII
Returns to Middlemarch after months of exile, torn between his love for Dorothea and his complicated friendship with Rosamond; he flees temporarily to Riverston but returns, forced to confront the emotional fallout.
LXXXIII
Sends Miss Noble to request a meeting with Dorothea; confesses his love and despair at being separated, and feels happy and relieved when Dorothea reciprocates.
Finale
Becomes an ardent public man, works for reforms, gets returned to Parliament, and shares a strong love with Dorothea.
