Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Character
Mercy Chant
A pious young woman whom Angel's parents hope he will marry.
minor
Also known as Miss Mercy Chant, Mercy, Chant, Miss Chant
First appearance: xxv
Mercy Chant's tie to Angel Clare is one of the pressures that moves Tess of the d’Urbervilles—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Mercy encounters Angel by the church and discusses his departure, showing her pious and optimistic nature.
Mercy Chant first appears in 0031 xxv.
With Angel Clare (social): Mercy Chant is a pious acquaintance Angel's family hopes he will marry, but he rejects her for Tess. With Angel Clare (social): Mercy Chant is a pious acquaintance Angel's family hopes he will marry, but he rejects her for Tess. With Angel Clare (social): Mercy Chant is a pious acquaintance Angel's family hopes he will marry, but he rejects her for Tess.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
8 connectionsA slice of how Mercy Chant sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Tess's harsh employers and rivals
- Minor family, background, and symbolic figures
- Tess's primary antagonists and lovers
- Protagonist
+3 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Angel Clare
social · ambivalent
Mercy Chant is a pious acquaintance Angel's family hopes he will marry, but he rejects… How this plays out →
- Angel Clare
social · ambivalent
Mercy Chant is a pious acquaintance Angel's family hopes he will marry, but he rejects… How this plays out →
- Angel Clare
social · ambivalent
Mercy Chant is a pious acquaintance Angel's family hopes he will marry, but he rejects… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mercy Chant in xxvIn the story
Mercy Chant appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mercy Chant unlock in the free preview.
See Mercy Chant in xxv