Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Character

Abraham Durbeyfield

Tess's younger brother, who accompanies her on the fateful trip to deliver beehives.

minor

Also known as little Abraham, Little Abraham

First appearance: ii

Abraham Durbeyfield's tie to Tess Durbeyfield is one of the pressures that moves Tess of the d’Urbervilles—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Not directly present, but the boy sent on the errand is implied to be a local lad, not Abraham.

In the storyIOpen this moment free

Abraham Durbeyfield first appears in 0005 ii.

With Tess Durbeyfield (family): Abraham is Tess's younger brother, who accompanies her on the fateful journey that leads to the family horse's death. With Tess Durbeyfield (family): Abraham is Tess's younger brother, who accompanies her on the fateful journey that leads to the family horse's death.

See Abraham Durbeyfield in I Book page

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Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how Abraham Durbeyfield sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Minor family, background, and symbolic figures
Tess's primary antagonists and lovers

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Angel Clare’s int…

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Relationships

Tess Durbeyfield
family · positive
Abraham is Tess's younger brother, who accompanies her on the fateful journey that leads… How this plays out →
Tess Durbeyfield
family · positive
Abraham is Tess's younger brother, who accompanies her on the fateful journey that leads… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Abraham Durbeyfield in ii

In the story

Abraham Durbeyfield appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
Not directly present, but the boy sent on the errand is implied to be a local lad, not Abraham.
III
Sent by Tess to Rolliver's to check on his parents, but does not return.
The Ruin of Prince
Accompanies Tess on the fateful journey, sleeps through the accident, and later suggests the family visit the wealthy relation.
VI
Notices Alec's diamond ring and innocently questions his gestures; joins siblings in crying when Tess hesitates to go.
VII
One of the younger children who walks partway with Tess and later cries after she leaves.
XIV
One of the younger siblings woken for the baptism ceremony.
LI
Abraham goes out with his mother and Liza-Lu to bid friends goodbye.
LII
Abraham is one of the younger children traveling with the family to Kingsbere.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Abraham Durbeyfield unlock in the free preview.

See Abraham Durbeyfield in ii

See Abraham Durbeyfield in I