Alec d'Urberville

Tess of the d'Urbervilles

The wealthy and predatory man who seduces Tess, leading to her downfall.

Phase the First: The Maiden

The wealthy and manipulative young man who seduces Tess, leading to her pregnancy and the death of her child.

V

Alec is the young, handsome, and predatory son of Mrs. d'Urberville. He meets Tess at The Slopes, is immediately attracted to her, and offers her a job, setting the stage for their fateful relationship.

VI

Visits the Durbeyfield home on horseback, pressing Tess to accept the poultry farm position and showing interest in her.

VII

Arrives in a spick-and-span gig to pick up Tess, urging her to ride with him instead of the humble cart.

VIII

Alec uses his horse's speed and danger to coerce Tess into physical contact, kissing her against her will and displaying manipulative, predatory behavior.

IX

Alec playfully teaches Tess to whistle, calling her 'Cousin Tess' with mockery. He hides behind curtains to observe her and later approaches her in the garden.

The Chaseborough Fair and the Flight with Alec

Alec appears at the fair, watches Tess, and persuades her to ride with him, asserting his dominance over the situation.

XI

Deliberately prolongs the ride into The Chase, manipulates Tess into staying, and returns to find her sleeping.

Phase the Second: Maiden No More

Alec is the catalyst for Tess's suffering, having seduced her in the previous phase; his actions define her current plight.

XII

Overtakes Tess on the road, offers to drive her partway home, but she refuses to return to him; he is cold and dismissive of her distress.

XIII

Referenced as the 'thirty-first cousin' whose reputation as a reckless gallant lends fascination to Tess's supposed conquest.

Chapter XV

Referenced in Tess's reflections on the disastrous night at Trantridge and the finery he gave her, which she put by with contempt.

Chapter XXVI

Mentioned as a young upstart squire who insulted Mr. Clare after being rebuked for his immoral behavior.

XXVII

Indirectly referenced as the 'lax young cynic' whom Angel's father confronted; his mention causes Tess distress.

Phase the Fifth: The Woman Pays

Alec reappears as a preacher but continues to pursue Tess, eventually convincing her to return to him.

XLI

Mentioned indirectly when Tess is accosted by a man who recognizes her as 'young Squire d'Urberville's friend' from Trantridge.

Phase the Sixth: The Convert

Alec has undergone a religious conversion and is now a preacher, but his old desires resurface when he sees Tess again.

XLV

Alec has undergone a religious conversion and appears as a Methodist preacher. He follows Tess to express his desire to save her soul.

XLVI

Alec abandons his preaching, proposes marriage to Tess, and struggles with his revived passion after learning she is married.

XLVII

Reappears at the farm, having abandoned his evangelical preaching; confronts Tess on the rick, claims she caused his loss of faith, and asserts his intention to master her again.

XLVIII

Alec returns and stands under the hedge by the gate, waving and blowing a kiss to Tess, indicating their quarrel is over. He hovers around the threshing scene, observing her.

L

Disguises himself as a laborer to approach Tess, tries to tempt her with help, and leaves in anger after being rebuffed.

LI

Alec reappears, tries to persuade Tess to accept his help, and recounts the d'Urberville coach legend.

LII

Alec finds the Durbeyfields in Kingsbere, confronts Tess in the church, and offers to help them find shelter.

LV

Mentioned as being upstairs; he has persuaded Tess that Angel would never return.

LVI

Present in the adjoining bedroom; his voice is heard responding to Tess's cries, and he is later found dead in bed with a stab wound to the heart.