# Angel Clare — Tess of the d’Urbervilles character guide > Angel Clare in Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Angel, Mr. Clare, Clare, Mr. Angel Clare **First appearance:** 0002-tess-of-the-d-urbervilles ## Snapshot A clergyman's son who chose farming over faith, drawn to Tess as a soul to be understood rather than a woman to be possessed. ## Who they are Angel arrives at Talbothays as a student of agriculture and a skeptic of his father's religion, carrying a quiet faith in human goodness that he has never had to test. He and Tess trade confidences in the meadow, each puzzled by what the other conceals, and his admiration for her mind is genuine even when his understanding of her life is not. His belief that he is free of prejudice is the very thing the story will put on trial. ## Relationships ### [Tess Durbeyfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/tess_durbeyfield) _romantic_ Angel is Tess's husband who idealizes her but abandons her after learning of her past, creating a tragic romantic bond. ### [Joan Durbeyfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/joan_durbeyfield) _social_ Angel interacts with Joan as his mother-in-law, but their relationship is strained due to Tess's past and Joan's role in it. ### [Marian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/marian) _social_ Angel knows Marian as a fellow worker at Talbothays, but their interaction is limited and professional. ### [Dairyman Crick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/dairyman_crick) _professional_ Angel works as a milkman under Dairyman Crick, who respects him as a capable and educated worker. ### [Izz Huett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/izz_huett) _social_ Angel briefly considers marrying Izz after Tess's confession, but she refuses to be a substitute. ### [Mercy Chant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/mercy_chant) _social_ Mercy Chant is a pious acquaintance Angel's family hopes he will marry, but he rejects her for Tess. ### [Retty Priddle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/retty_priddle) _social_ Angel is aware of Retty's quiet affection for him but does not reciprocate, causing her heartbreak. ### [Jack Durbeyfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/jack_durbeyfield) _family_ Angel is Jack's son-in-law, but he views Jack with disdain due to his drunkenness and irresponsibility. ### [Tess Durbeyfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/tess_durbeyfield) _romantic_ Angel is Tess's husband who idealizes her but abandons her after learning of her past, creating a tragic romantic bond. ### [Tess Durbeyfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/tess_durbeyfield) _romantic_ Angel is Tess's husband who idealizes her but abandons her after learning of her past, creating a tragic romantic bond. ### [Marian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/marian) _social_ Angel knows Marian as a fellow worker at Talbothays, but their interaction is limited and professional. ### [Jack Durbeyfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/jack_durbeyfield) _family_ Angel is Jack's son-in-law, but he views Jack with disdain due to his drunkenness and irresponsibility. ## In the story ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/ii) The youngest of three brothers on a walking tour; he joins the dance but does not choose Tess, later feeling sorry for his oversight and noticing her standing apart. ### [Phase the Third: The Rally](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/phase-the-third-the-rally) Introduced as a gentleman farmer in training, he is drawn to Tess's natural grace and intelligence. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xvii) Working as a dairy pupil, milking clumsily; Tess recognizes him as the stranger who slighted her at the dance. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xviii) Angel is introduced as a thoughtful, somewhat detached young man who has rejected a career in the Church and is now learning farming. He begins to appreciate the individuality of the farm workers and becomes intrigued by Tess. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xix) Secretly arranges the cows for Tess's convenience. Plays a plaintive melody on the harp in the garden, and engages Tess in a deep conversation about life and fear. ### [Phase the Third: The Rally — Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xx) Angel is increasingly preoccupied with Tess, viewing her as a philosophical specimen and idealizing her as Artemis or Demeter. He does not suspect her past, thinking of the Resurrection hour while unaware of the Magdalen beside him. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxi) Angel is the object of affection for Tess and the other milkmaids. He is present during the butter-churning crisis and is later watched from the window by Marian, Izz, and Retty. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxii) Angel works alongside the dairymaids in the garlic search and walks next to Tess, showing continued interest in her. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxiii) Angel appears in his dairy clothes, carries the girls across the flood, and shows particular attention to Tess. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxiv) Observes Tess milking, is overwhelmed by her beauty, embraces her, and confesses his love, though he struggles with his own impulsiveness. ### [Phase the Fourth: The Consequence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/phase-the-fourth-the-consequence) Angel is tormented by Tess's revelation. His rigid ideals of purity clash with his love for her, leading him to coldly distance himself and ultimately leave for Brazil. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxv) Angel is deeply conflicted after his embrace with Tess, realizing the magnitude of her life and his responsibility. He visits his family, feeling increasingly distant from their conventional worldview. ### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxvi) Angel informs his parents of his engagement to Tess, defends her character, and learns about Alec d'Urberville from his father. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxvii) Returns to Talbothays after visiting his parents; expresses his love for Tess and presses her for an answer to his proposal. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxviii) Angel persists in his courtship of Tess, unable to understand her refusals. He is deeply in love and presses her for a commitment, unaware of the true reason for her hesitation. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxix) Persistent in his wooing, Angel presses Tess for a promise of marriage, believing her hesitations are merely coyness. ### [The Milkmaid's Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxx) Angel proposes to Tess, reassures her about her ancestry, and they become engaged during the milk delivery journey. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxi) Courts Tess openly, shows a spiritual and chivalrous love, and plans to marry her despite her social status. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxii) Presses Tess to set a wedding date, citing practical reasons and his desire to protect her. He loves her ideally and fancifully, and his recklessness is tied to his family's prejudices. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxiii) Remains affectionate and preoccupied with wedding preparations; he defends Tess's honor by striking a man who insults her, and later dreams of fighting the same man. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxiv) Angel confesses to a past dissipation with a stranger, seeking Tess's forgiveness. ### [Phase the Fifth: The Woman Pays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/phase-the-fifth-the-woman-pays) Angel confesses his own past to Tess but cannot accept her confession, leading him to leave for Brazil. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxv) Reacts with horror and disbelief to Tess's confession, cannot reconcile her past with his idealized image of her, and leaves to sleep separately. ### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxvi) Angel is pale and tremulous, determined to separate from Tess despite his love. He is appalled by her suggestion of suicide and insists on a temporary parting. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxvii) Angel imposes a separation on Tess, sleepwalks and carries her as if dead, then reaffirms his resolve to leave despite his unconscious affection. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxviii) Mentioned as having left Tess after learning of her past; sends a short note saying he has gone to the North of England to look at a farm. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxxix) Returns alone to his parents' home, tormented by his own hypocrisy and the weight of convention. He lies to his mother about Tess's purity and decides to emigrate to Brazil. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xl) Angel is preparing to leave for Brazil, settling his affairs and reflecting on his marriage to Tess. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xli) Mentioned as Tess's absent husband; he is lying ill of fever in Brazil, having been deluded by promises of the Brazilian Government; Tess still hopes for his return and forgiveness. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xlii) Angel is absent, having gone abroad; Tess's thoughts and actions are dominated by her love for him and her grief over their separation. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xliii) Referenced as Tess's absent husband; his proposal to Izz is disclosed, deepening Tess's sense of abandonment. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xliv) Angel is absent, having not written to Tess for nearly a year; his silence and his family's attitudes drive Tess's actions. ### [Phase the Sixth: The Convert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/phase-the-sixth-the-convert) Angel is absent but remains in Tess's thoughts; she still loves him and hopes for his return. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xlvi) Referenced by Tess as her husband; his beliefs and words influence Tess and affect Alec. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xlviii) Angel is absent but is the recipient of Tess's desperate letter, in which she begs him to come to her or let her come to him, fearing she may fall into temptation. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xlix) In Brazil, Angel is filled with remorse for his harshness toward Tess, reconsiders her d'Urberville ancestry, and feels love rekindled. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/li) Tess writes a letter to Angel, accusing him of cruelty and injustice. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/liii) Returns home emaciated and ill, reads Tess's reproachful letter, and decides to seek her out despite her mother's vague response. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/liv) Travels to find Tess, visits Flintcomb-Ash and Marlott, pays for John Durbeyfield's headstone, and learns Tess's location from Joan. ### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/lv) Returns to England and seeks Tess in Sandbourne, only to find she has reunited with Alec. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/lvi) Visits Tess at The Herons early in the chapter, departs before the overheard conversation, and is referenced in Tess's lament as her 'dear, dear husband.' ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/lvii) Initially numb and broken-hearted, he is shocked by Tess's confession but ultimately embraces her, promising protection and expressing renewed love. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/lviii) Angel leads their escape, cares for Tess, and listens to her final wishes at Stonehenge. ### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/lix) Walks with Liza-Lu, bowed in grief, watching for the signal of Tess's execution. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters/angel_clare - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/characters