# Humphrey Gould — Short Fiction character guide

> Humphrey Gould in Short Fiction by Thomas Hardy.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Humphrey, Gould, Mr. Humphrey Gould, Mr. Gould, Mr. Humphrey

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

## Who they are

A gentleman whose engagement is tested by absence.

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v)

Uncle Humphrey reveals his financial difficulties and plans to emigrate to Australia, urging Agatha to marry Lovill to clear his debts.

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

Agatha's uncle, who pressures her to please Farmer Lovill and suggests she seek the parson's advice.

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

Not present in this chapter.

### [The Melancholy Hussar of the German Legion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-melancholy-hussar-of-the-german-legion)

Phyllis's betrothed, a man of higher social standing who is absent for much of the story.

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

A bachelor of thirty from an old local family who becomes engaged to Phyllis but repeatedly postpones their union.

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

Phyllis's betrothed, reported in Bath to consider their engagement a half-understanding and may look elsewhere; his letters are infrequent and lack warmth.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv)

Arrives unexpectedly by stagecoach, bringing gifts for Phyllis and expressing trust in her despite rumors.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v)

Confides to Phyllis that he has secretly married a young woman and asks for her help in reconciling with his father.

### [Part First: Before Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/part-first-before-dinner)

Present as a key character interacting with Phyllis.

## Links

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