# Milly Richards — Short Fiction character guide

> Milly Richards in Short Fiction by Thomas Hardy.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Milly, dear Milly, Emily Darth, Emily, the thunderstruck Milly, the widow Milly, Emmy

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

## Snapshot

A widow who, having buried one husband, finds herself drawn toward an unexpected second chance at love.

## Who they are

Milly moves through Hardy's world as a woman already marked by loss, her identity as widow shadowing every new attachment. The tension she carries is whether affection can be trusted again after grief, and whether the people around her see her as a person or a position. Her choices in the early arc quietly test how much of herself she is willing to risk on happiness.

## Relationships

### [Anna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/characters/anna)

_friendship_

Anna and Milly are devoted friends, sharing a bond of loyalty and mutual support.

### [Anna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/characters/anna)

_friendship_

Anna and Milly are devoted friends, sharing a bond of loyalty and mutual support.

### [Anna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/characters/anna)

_friendship_

Anna and Milly are devoted friends, sharing a bond of loyalty and mutual support.

## In the story

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

Not present in this chapter.

### [Tony Kytes, the Arch-Deceiver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/tony-kytes-the-arch-deceiver)

Tony's fiancée, hiding under corn-sacks in the wagon.

### [Dame the Third](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-third)

Milly, the woodman's daughter, is persuaded by Lady Caroline to claim she was the secret wife of the deceased assistant steward, and grows attached to the role.

### [To Please His Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/to-please-his-wife)

A gentle woman who loves Shadrach but is set aside for Joanna.

## Links

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