# Emily Hanning — Short Fiction character guide

> Emily Hanning in Short Fiction by Thomas Hardy.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Emily, Emily Lester, Emmy Lester, Lester, Emmy

**First appearance:** 0002-destiny-and-a-blue-cloak

## Snapshot

A charming, socially cautious wife whose gift for winning other women's confidence makes her the unlikely peacemaker in a marriage quietly coming apart.

## Who they are

Emily Hanning—now Mrs. Downe—is the woman in town everyone trusts with delicate errands, admired for a warmth that disarms her own sex. When Barnet's wife withdraws into unexplained coldness, Emily is the one urged to call, though she hesitates, fearing she is not grand enough for a woman used to London society. Her willingness to try, and her fear of a rebuff, place her at the tender center of the story's marital crisis.

## In the story

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/viii)

Downe's first wife, Emily, who died twelve months, two weeks, and three days before Downe's remarriage.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/xvii)

Not present in this chapter.

### [The History of the Hardcomes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-history-of-the-hardcomes)

Originally engaged to James Hardcome, but after swapping partners, marries Stephen Hardcome. After Stephen's death, she marries James.

### [Dame the Ninth: The Duchess of Hamptonshire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-ninth)

The sweet and innocent daughter of the rector, who is forced into marriage with the Duke of Hamptonshire. She remains deeply unhappy and secretly meets Alwyn after the wedding, leading to tragedy.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i)

A gentle young woman who runs a stationery shop; she loses her heart to Shadrach but is later supplanted by Joanna.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii)

Now Emily Lester, Shadrach's former love, who married a wealthy merchant and lives across the street, a constant reminder of Joanna's perceived failure.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii)

Now Emily Lester, she offers Joanna shelter and kindness but is met with resentment and accusations.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/characters/emily_hanning
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/characters