Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Character
Retty Priddle
A dark-eyed, heavy-tressed milkmaid at Talbothays whose hopeless passion for Angel Clare turns her from a cheerful worker into a figure of silent heartbreak.
supporting
Also known as Retty, Poor little Retty, wondering Retty
First appearance: xvii
As a supporting figure in Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Retty Priddle is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Mentioned by Dairyman Crick as a descendant of the Paridelles, an old family scorned by Clare.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Tess Durbeyfield (friendship): Retty Priddle is a gentle fellow dairymaid and friend who suffers from unrequited love for Angel. With Angel Clare (social): Angel is aware of Retty's quiet affection for him but does…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Retty Priddle sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Retty Priddle in xviiCharacter Web
14 connectionsA slice of how Retty Priddle sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Tess's primary antagonists and lovers
- Minor family, background, and symbolic figures
- Tess's harsh employers and rivals
+9 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
- Tess Durbeyfield
friendship · positive
Retty Priddle is a gentle fellow dairymaid and friend who suffers from unrequited love… How this plays out →
- Angel Clare
social · ambivalent
- Tess Durbeyfield
friendship · positive
Retty Priddle is a gentle fellow dairymaid and friend who suffers from unrequited love… How this plays out →
- Tess Durbeyfield
friendship · positive
Retty Priddle is a gentle fellow dairymaid and friend who suffers from unrequited love… How this plays out →
- Angel Clare
social · ambivalent
- Angel Clare
social · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Retty Priddle in xviiIn the story
Retty Priddle appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Retty Priddle unlock in the free preview.
See Retty Priddle in xvii