Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Character

Old Mr. Clare

Angel's father, a grave, earnest clergyman whose rigid Evangelical conscience and genuine charity shape the moral world his son both inherits and rebels against.

supporting

Also known as the Reverent Mr. Clare, Mr. Clare, the present Mr. Clare

First appearance: XXV

As a supporting figure in Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Old Mr. Clare is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Angel's father, a devout vicar, is recalled in a flashback.

In the storyXVIIIOpen this moment free

Old Mr. Clare first appears in 0031 xxv.

In XVIII: Angel's father, a devout vicar, is recalled in a flashback. He is shocked and disappointed when Angel refuses to enter the Church, revealing a deep generational and ideological divide.

Later, in XXV: Angel's father, an earnest Evangelical clergyman, is described as sincere but extreme in his views, with a temperament antipathetic to Angel's recent experiences.

See Old Mr. Clare in XVIII Book page

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Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how Old Mr. Clare 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 harsh employers and rivals
Tess's primary antagonists and lovers
Protagonist

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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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In the story

Old Mr. Clare appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XVIII
Angel's father, a devout vicar, is recalled in a flashback. He is shocked and disappointed when Angel refuses to enter the Church, revealing a deep generational and ideological divide.
XXV
Angel's father, an earnest Evangelical clergyman, is described as sincere but extreme in his views, with a temperament antipathetic to Angel's recent experiences.
Chapter XXVI
Angel's father, a devout clergyman, shares his experiences with conversions and recounts his confrontation with Alec d'Urberville.
XXVII
Mentioned by Angel as having preached near Trantridge and confronted a 'lax young cynic' (Alec d'Urberville).
XXXIII
Writes a sad letter to Angel expressing disappointment but accepting the marriage.
XXXIX
Angel's father, who reads the chapter of Proverbs in praise of a virtuous wife during family prayers, unwittingly deepening Angel's anguish.
XLIX
Old Mr. Clare reads Tess's letter and decides to forward it to Angel, reflecting on his son's marriage.
LIII
Waits anxiously with his wife for Angel's arrival, later learns the real reason for the separation.

Chapter companion notes

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See Old Mr. Clare in XXV

See Old Mr. Clare in XVIII