The Mayor of Casterbridge · Character

Donald Farfrae

A courteous Scotsman with a genius for corn and commerce, whose easy charm and quiet competence make him Henchard's indispensable manager and inevitable rival.

major

Also known as Farfrae, Mr. Farfrae, the slim Farfrae, Maister Farfrae

First appearance: v

As a major figure in The Mayor of Casterbridge, Donald Farfrae is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Arrives as a stranger, writes a note to Henchard about corn, and goes to the Three Mariners.

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Farfrae arrives in Casterbridge as a stranger and rises swiftly through Henchard's own patronage, winning the town's affection with his songs and his shrewd business sense. His marriage to Lucetta places him at the center of a triangle of old secrets he only partly understands, and his decency is tested by revelations he never sought. He matters because he represents the modern, adaptable man against whom Henchard's rigid pride is measured and found wanting.

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Character Web

9 connections

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Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Major Characters
Local Townsfolk
Background Figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Henchard, having just witnessed Lucetta’s de…

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Relationships

Michael Henchard
rivalry · negative
Farfrae starts as Henchard's trusted manager and friend, but becomes his primary business… How this plays out →
Lucetta Templeman
romantic · ambivalent
Michael Henchard
rivalry · negative
Farfrae starts as Henchard's trusted manager and friend, but becomes his primary business… How this plays out →
Michael Henchard
rivalry · negative
Farfrae starts as Henchard's trusted manager and friend, but becomes his primary business… How this plays out →

Michael Henchard
Farfrae starts as Henchard's trusted manager and friend, but becomes his primary business and romantic rival, leading to Henchard's downfall.
Lucetta Templeman
Farfrae becomes romantically involved with Lucetta, eventually marrying her, though the relationship is shadowed by her past with Henchard.
Michael Henchard
Farfrae starts as Henchard's trusted manager and friend, but becomes his primary business and romantic rival, leading to Henchard's downfall.
Michael Henchard
Farfrae starts as Henchard's trusted manager and friend, but becomes his primary business and romantic rival, leading to Henchard's downfall.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Donald Farfrae appears across 32 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter VI
Arrives as a stranger, writes a note to Henchard about corn, and goes to the Three Mariners.
Chapter VII
A young Scotsman who demonstrates a method to restore spoiled wheat, declines Henchard's job offer, planning to emigrate to America.
VIII
Sings several songs at the Three Mariners, winning over the patrons with his emotional performance and charm.
IX
Initially planning to leave, he is convinced by Henchard to stay and becomes his manager.
The Return of Susan and Elizabeth-Jane
Observes Henchard's mood changes; is now installed as the new manager, displacing Joshua Jopp.
XII
Listens to Henchard's confession, helps draft a letter to the Jersey woman, and shows concern for the complicated situation.
XIV
Receives a duplicate note and meets Elizabeth-Jane at the granary; Henchard values his intellect and companionship.
Chapter XV
Admires Elizabeth-Jane and shows compassion by intervening to stop Henchard's cruel punishment of Abel Whittle, revealing his gentle nature.
XVI
Henchard's manager; proposes a modest admission-charged entertainment for the national holiday, which proves more popular than Henchard's free festival; quietly accepts Henchard's announcement that his time as manager is drawing to a close.
Chapter XVII
Walks with Elizabeth-Jane after his dismissal, hints at romantic interest but restrains himself; receives Henchard's letter and stifles his attachment; starts his own business and eventually competes with Henchard.
XVIII
Passes Henchard's house on Sunday, sees the blinds down, and learns of Susan's death.
Chapter XX
Mentioned as likely to become a council member; passes by the churchyard without noticing Elizabeth-Jane; recipient of Henchard's letter withdrawing objection.
XXIII
Visits High-Place Hall seeking Elizabeth-Jane but is captivated by Lucetta instead.
Chapter XXIV
Examines the new horse-drill, explains its benefits, and shows deference to Lucetta while being at ease with Elizabeth-Jane; his presence stirs Lucetta's romantic interest.
XXV
Visits Lucetta with trepidation, ignoring Elizabeth-Jane; his passion for Lucetta is evident.
XXVI
Farfrae meets Henchard in the chestnut-walk, visits Lucetta's tea-table, and becomes the target of Henchard's business rivalry.
XXVII
Prospering in business while Henchard declines; his man is involved in the wagon collision; meets Lucetta secretly at night.
Chapter XXIX
Prepares to move lodgings, learns of Henchard's rescue of Lucetta, and avoids intruding on them.
Chapter XXX: The Revelation of Lucetta's Marriage
Returns to High-Place Hall after marrying Lucetta; shows mild awkwardness about Elizabeth-Jane staying but defers to Lucetta's wishes.
XXXI
Farfrae buys Henchard's business, and his name replaces Henchard's on the gateway.
Chapter XXXII
Now the master of Henchard's former house and business, Farfrae offers Henchard lodging and the return of some furniture, but Henchard refuses.
Chapter XXXIII
Now married to Lucetta and a successful businessman, Farfrae remains considerate toward Henchard but is unaware of the tension; he is the object of Henchard's vengeful thoughts and the target of the Psalm.
XXXIV
Initially dismisses Elizabeth-Jane's warning, but later reconsiders; learns of Henchard's public hatred; reluctantly abandons plan to set Henchard up in a shop; is offered the mayoralty.
XXXV
Listens to Henchard reading the letters, advises destroying them, and remains unaware of Lucetta's secret.
Chapter XXXVII
Farfrae, as Mayor, forcibly removes Henchard from the royal procession and later shakes hands with the Royal Personage.
Chapter XXXVIII
Confronts Henchard in the loft, wrestles him, and is spared; afterwards leaves Casterbridge without reconciliation.
Chapter XXXIX
Recovers from his encounter with Henchard and sets out on a journey after receiving an anonymous letter.
Chapter XL
Suspicious of Henchard's motives, Farfrae delays his return, only to arrive too late to save Lucetta. He is distraught by his misunderstanding.
Chapter XLII
Courts Elizabeth-Jane, meeting her on walks and giving her books; he kisses her and addresses her as 'Dearest Elizabeth-Jane.'
XLIII
Meets Elizabeth-Jane after Henchard's departure, brings her to his house to meet Richard Newson, and discusses wedding plans.
XLIV
Marries Elizabeth-Jane; his voice is heard singing at the wedding celebration.
XLV
Assists Elizabeth-Jane in searching for Henchard, driving the gig and making inquiries; he is supportive of her plan to reconcile with Henchard.

Chapter companion notes

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See Donald Farfrae in v

See Donald Farfrae in Chapter VI