Gilbert Markham

Eliza Millward

Eliza harbors an unrequited romantic interest in Gilbert, which he does not return, leading to her jealousy and spite.

Mrs. Markham

A loving mother-son relationship, though Mrs. Markham is somewhat conventional and disapproves of Gilbert's interest in Helen.

Eliza Millward

Eliza harbors an unrequited romantic interest in Gilbert, which he does not return, leading to her jealousy and spite.

Mrs. Markham

A loving mother-son relationship, though Mrs. Markham is somewhat conventional and disapproves of Gilbert's interest in Helen.

Mrs. Markham

A loving mother-son relationship, though Mrs. Markham is somewhat conventional and disapproves of Gilbert's interest in Helen.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Narrator and protagonist; introduces the story and his initial fascination with the new tenant.

I

Narrator and protagonist; observes Mrs. Graham in church and reflects on his feelings for Eliza Millward.

II

Narrator and protagonist; experiences frustration with Mrs. Graham and seeks solace with Eliza Millward.

III

Observes Helen's visit, interacts with little Arthur, and argues with Helen about education and moral development.

The Party at the Vicarage

Narrator and host; dances with Eliza Millward and steals a kiss, earning a rebuke from his mother.

V

Visits Wildfell Hall with Rose, observes Helen's paintings, and is offended when Helen rebukes his curiosity about the hidden portrait, but later accepts her apology.

VI

Narrator and protagonist; actively seeks out Mrs. Graham's company, compares her favorably to Eliza Millward, and begins to question his own feelings.

VII

Narrator and protagonist; increasingly infatuated with Helen Graham, conflicted about his relationship with Eliza Millward.

VIII

Works in the hayfield, receives the book Marmion, and presents it to Helen, struggling with his emotions and her rejection of the gift.

IX

Engages in a private conversation with Mrs. Graham, feels jealousy and anger toward Lawrence and Jane Wilson, and later snubs Lawrence after being warned off.

Chapter X

Visits Wildfell Hall, attempts to declare his love, and later confronts Lawrence.

XI

Defends Helen against gossip, argues with Rose and Mr. Millward, and storms out in fury toward Wildfell Hall.

XII

Visits Helen, declares his love, and presses her for an explanation of the barrier between them.

XIII

Struggles with his temper and feelings after learning the truth about Mrs. Graham; avoids her when he sees her.

XIV

Narrates the chapter; describes his assault on Lawrence, his internal conflict, and his eventual decision to send Fergus for news.

XV

Struggles with jealousy and heartbreak; coldly rejects Helen's plea for explanation; later accepts her diary.

XX

Narrator of the chapter, though not directly present in the excerpts; the diary entries are Helen's.

XLIV

Reads Helen's diary and regrets that the part mentioning him was torn away.

XLV

Finishes reading Helen's diary, feels joy and remorse, then visits Helen and later Lawrence to apologize.

XLVI

Acts as a protective friend to Lawrence, warning him about Jane Wilson's true nature. Also struggles with his own frustration over the slander against Helen and his inability to defend her publicly.

XLVII

Reacting to gossip and reading Helen's letter, he struggles with lingering feelings and seeks to vindicate her reputation.

XLVIII

Receives and reads Helen's letter via Frederick Lawrence; resolves to clear Helen's reputation by spreading the truth.

XLIX

Narrator; continues visiting Woodford, reads Helen's letters, and confesses his conflicted wishes regarding Huntingdon's death.

Chapter L

Reacts to news of Huntingdon's death with mixed emotions; fears Helen has forgotten him and that social rank may separate them.

LI

Narrator and protagonist; walks with Eliza Millward, is deceived by her false news, and rushes to the church where he discovers the true bride and groom.

LII

Travels to Grassdale and then Staningley, torn between hope and despair over Helen.

LIII

Narrator and protagonist; marries Helen, lives at Staningley, and reflects on his happiness.