# Humphrey — The Return of the Native character guide

> Humphrey in The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Humph

**First appearance:** 0006-iii-the-custom-of-the-country

## Who they are

A heath-dweller who participates in local events and gossip.

## In the story

### [I: Tidings of the Comer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/i-tidings-of-the-comer)

One of the furze-gatherers; speculates about Clym's return and the suitability of a match between Clym and Eustacia.

### [IV: Eustacia Is Led on to an Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/iv-eustacia-is-led-on-to-an-adventure)

One of the furze- and turf-cutters watching the rehearsal.

### [My Mind to Me a Kingdom Is](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/i-my-mind-to-me-a-kingdom-is)

Comments on the contrast between Paris and Egdon during the hair-cutting conversation.

### [He Is Set Upon by Adversities but He Sings a Song](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/ii-he-is-set-upon-by-adversities-but-he-sings-a-song)

Furze-cutter who speaks with Clym about his work; Clym borrows tools from him.

### [I: “Wherefore Is Light Given to Him That Is in Misery”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/i-wherefore-is-light-given-to-him-that-is-in-misery)

Stops by the gate to ask Eustacia about Clym's condition, expressing sympathy.

### [The Inevitable Movement Onward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/i-the-inevitable-movement-onward)

His heavy footsteps crossing the kitchen floor are among the sounds Clym hears from his room.

### [The Serious Discourse of Clym with His Cousin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/iii-the-serious-discourse-of-clym-with-his-cousin)

Comments on Thomasin and Venn's renewed relationship and suggests Clym could have married Thomasin himself.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters/humphrey
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/characters