# Felise Goring — The Dewy Morn character guide > Felise Goring in The Dewy Morn by Richard Jefferies. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Felise, Rosa, The little Felise, Miss Felise, XI Felise, XII Felise, XIII Felise, Felise†**First appearance:** 0000-volume-i-i ## Snapshot A wild, sun-loving girl who swims the trout-pool and outpaces the harriers, she becomes the still center of every man's restless dreaming. ## Who they are Felise moves through Beechknoll and the Maasbury fields with a freedom that unsettles the men who watch her — Martial Barnard suspects her of design, Robert Godwin loves her hopelessly from a distance, and her father's household cannot quite contain her. Her beauty and her instinct for the open air make her both desired and misread, since no one around her can decide whether she is artless or calculating. She matters because the novel's central tensions — courtship, class, and the pull between freedom and possession — all gather around what she does or refuses to do next. ## Relationships ### [Martial Barnard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/martial_barnard) _romantic_ Felise and Martial share a deeply passionate and intense romantic connection, marked by frequent and emotionally charged interactions. ### [Robert Godwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/robert_godwin) _romantic_ Felise and Robert are entangled in a complex romantic relationship, with strong emotional bonds and underlying tension. ### [Ruy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/ruy) _friendship_ Felise and Ruy share a close, loyal friendship, with Ruy often acting as a confidant and supporter. ### [Mr. Goring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/mr_goring) _family_ Mr. Goring is Felise's father, and their relationship is marked by paternal authority and familial duty. ### [Abner Brown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/abner_brown) _psychological_ Abner Brown exerts a manipulative and obsessive influence over Felise, often acting as a sinister antagonist in her life. ### [Mary Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/mary_shaw) _friendship_ Felise and Mary Shaw are close friends, sharing confidences and supporting each other through personal struggles. ### [Robert Godwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/robert_godwin) _romantic_ Felise and Robert are entangled in a complex romantic relationship, with strong emotional bonds and underlying tension. ### [Mary Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/mary_shaw) _friendship_ Felise and Mary Shaw are close friends, sharing confidences and supporting each other through personal struggles. ### [Martial Barnard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/martial_barnard) _romantic_ Felise and Martial share a deeply passionate and intense romantic connection, marked by frequent and emotionally charged interactions. ### [Mr. Goring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/mr_goring) _family_ Mr. Goring is Felise's father, and their relationship is marked by paternal authority and familial duty. ### [Mr. Goring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/mr_goring) _family_ Mr. Goring is Felise's father, and their relationship is marked by paternal authority and familial duty. ### [Mary Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/mary_shaw) _friendship_ Felise and Mary Shaw are close friends, sharing confidences and supporting each other through personal struggles. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-i) The protagonist, deeply attuned to nature, walks at dawn and experiences an intense, self-contained joy and love for life. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-ii) Felise runs up the hill with extraordinary vigor, her body perfected by a natural life; she conquers the summit and feels a deep, triumphant connection to the earth and sky. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-iii) Felise is depicted as a woman of profound inner passion, whose love predates any specific object and infuses her experience of nature, literature, and physical activity. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-iv) Felise is the focal point of the chapter, experiencing an ecstatic, selfless love for Martial as she communes with nature at dawn. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-v) Felise walks to the beech tree, carves a mark into the bark, and anxiously watches Martial Barnard ride past. Her emotions fluctuate between hope, frustration, and self-consciousness. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-vi) Felise orchestrates the meeting, using every gesture and word to keep Barnard with her. She is passionately in love, bold yet vulnerable, and later experiences intense emotional swings. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-vii) Absent from the scene but present through the carved initial, the handkerchief, and Barnard's memories of her look. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-viii) Felise struggles with her feelings for Martial, visits the beech tree, and contemplates her helplessness as a woman. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-ix) Felise experiences a deepening gloom that turns to anger, leading to a silent, unchangeable resolve to win Martial. She stands in the sunshine, her features set, and later sits to think, rejecting the powerlessness of women and vowing to force circumstances. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-x) Gazes at her reflection, delights in her own beauty, and plots ways to encounter Martial Barnard. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xi) Bathes and swims in the pool, then rests on the grass, experiencing a profound connection with nature. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xii) Referenced through the handkerchief and plaited mane that Barnard discards; she is the object of his recent encounter. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xiii) First seen by Barnard at the harriers; her beauty becomes an irremovable mental image that poisons his relationship with Rosa. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xiv) Observed by Martial at dawn and later by the pool; her beauty and passionate gaze captivate him. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xv) Uses fishing as a pretext to wander Martial's fields; preoccupied and impatient to meet him. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xvi) Fishes as a pretense to linger near Martial's property; visits his house and befriends Miss Barnard to advance her scheme. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xvii) Visits the elderly couple, pities them, and resolves to speak to her uncle Mr. Goring about their plight. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xviii) Observes the argument, intervenes, and questions Godwin about Ruy's purchase, showing her growing concern for Martial. ### [The Works of Robert Godwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xx) Mentioned as having spent the long summer evening sitting by the sundial dreaming, in contrast to Godwin's ceaseless activity. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xxi) Felise is the object of Godwin's love, first seen as a child playing in the meadow. She is described as beautiful and free-spirited, unaware of Godwin's feelings. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xxii) Felise wanders the countryside with joy, learning nature and classics from her uncle, and remains true to her own heart. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xxiii) Now a woman, she is preoccupied with Martial's financial troubles and visits Godwin's house to see Ruy. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xxiv) Visits Godwin to see Ruy, pleads for Abner Brown's cottage, and eventually buys Ruy for seventy pounds. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xxv) Hurries to town to pawn her pearls and withdraw savings to pay for the horse Ruy, which she bought impulsively. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-i) Felise is observed driving through town; her beauty and presence are the catalyst for Rosa's emotional turmoil. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-ii) Buys Ruy from Godwin and arranges for Abner to deliver the horse and a note to Martial Barnard. ### [The Miller of Glads Mill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-iii) As a girl, Felise wanders to Glads Mill, watches the wheel, and gives Luke Bond three red roses, an act that leaves a lasting impression on him. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-iv) Felise is unaware of Mary's secret meetings and Martial's scheming. She is described as beautiful, kind, and unaffected, and is the object of Martial's aesthetic interest. She also makes visits to Robert Godwin's home, which puzzle Mary. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-v) Listens to Mary's confession, becomes determined to help old Abner Brown, and arranges to take him to see the Squire. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-vi) Drives with Abner, sees Mrs. Cornleigh Cornleigh but decides not to appeal to her, learns of the cruel estate law for the first time, and proceeds to the justice-room. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-vii) Accompanies old Abner Brown through the altered town, guiding him to the justice-room and observing the changes. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-viii) Felise enters the justice-room, drawing attention from the magistrate's clerk and others due to her exceptional loveliness in simple black dress, but the Squire appears not to notice her. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xi) Attempts to advocate for old Abner Brown before the magistrate, showing compassion and persistence despite the Squire's refusal to act independently. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xii) Sits with Martial in Godwin's garden, deeply absorbed in her feelings for him while discussing Shakespeare and social injustice. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xiii) Felise sits with Martial, secretly admiring his voice, lips, hands, and hair, and wishing he would look at her. She reflects on giving him his horse back and anticipates her father's anger. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xiv) Secretly bought Ruy for Martial; her love for Martial is revealed; she is unaware of Godwin's surveillance. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xv) Portrayed as the passionate pursuer in the relationship with Martial; she eagerly participates in meetings arranged by Godwin. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xvi) Felise is consumed by her love for Martial, seeing the beauty of the earth through her passion and feeling that he completes the world around her. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xvii) Waits anxiously for Martial, correctly interprets the Misses Barnard's hostility, and counsels Martial to sell his horse. ### [Miller Bond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xviii) Referenced by Miller Bond as 'Miss Goring' and the giver of three red roses, which motivates his desire to help but also causes his panic. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xix) Appears to Martial in a vision during his struggle in the well, inspiring him to continue. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xx) Clad in black mourning for Mary Shaw, waits for Martial under the chestnut tree, reflecting on her love and sorrow. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxi) Arranged for Mary Shaw's oak coffin, showing compassion despite the circumstances. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxii) Accompanies Mr. Goring to the meeting; is distressed by the loss of Mary and the violence of the crowd; gives Abner Brown half-a-crown for beef and ale. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxiii) Observes the meeting, noting Martial's reluctance to speak and Godwin's fixed gaze on him. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxiv) Present at the meeting, asks Martial if he is hurt after the uproar. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxv) Walks by the brook, is ambushed and bound by Godwin, rescued by Martial, and awakens to his love. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxvi) Sustains no serious injury from the attack; supports Martial after his emotional confession; interacts with Cornleigh and Abner. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxvii) Springs in front of Martial to protect him and receives a glancing blow on her arm from Godwin; she is the recipient of Rosa's whispered 'I hate you!' ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxix) Marries Martial Barnard; previously begged that Godwin's assault on her not be made public. ### [The Dawn of Fulfillment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxx) Wakes early, watches the dawn, and experiences profound joy and rest in her fulfilled love. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters/felise_goring - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/characters