# Little Arthur — The Tenant of Wildfell Hall character guide > Little Arthur in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Arthur, little Arthur, Arthur Graham, Arthur Huntingdon, Little Arthur, Dear Arthur **First appearance:** 0003-ii ## Who they are Helen's young son, whose welfare is the one thing she will not compromise, even when it costs her everything else. ## Relationships ### [Helen Huntingdon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/helen_huntingdon) _family_ Helen is the devoted, protective mother of her son Arthur, whom she fiercely guards from his father's corrupting influence. ### [Walter Hargrave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/walter_hargrave) _social_ Walter is a frequent visitor at the Huntingdon estate, often interacting with young Arthur as part of the household social circle. ### [Ralph Hattersley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/ralph_hattersley) _social_ Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough manner does not foster a close bond. ### [Lord Lowborough](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/lord_lowborough) _social_ Lord Lowborough, as a neighbor and acquaintance of the Huntingdons, has occasional, distant interactions with the child. ### [Annabella Wilmot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/annabella_wilmot) _social_ Annabella, as Arthur Sr.'s mistress, is around the child but shows little genuine affection, treating him as an accessory. ### [Mrs. Markham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/mrs_markham) _social_ Mrs. Markham, as a neighbor, shows kindness to young Arthur when he and Helen live near the Markham family. ### [Helen Huntingdon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/helen_huntingdon) _family_ Helen is the devoted, protective mother of her son Arthur, whom she fiercely guards from his father's corrupting influence. ### [Walter Hargrave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/walter_hargrave) _social_ Walter is a frequent visitor at the Huntingdon estate, often interacting with young Arthur as part of the household social circle. ### [Mrs. Markham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/mrs_markham) _social_ Mrs. Markham, as a neighbor, shows kindness to young Arthur when he and Helen live near the Markham family. ### [Annabella Wilmot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/annabella_wilmot) _social_ Annabella, as Arthur Sr.'s mistress, is around the child but shows little genuine affection, treating him as an accessory. ### [Helen Huntingdon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/helen_huntingdon) _family_ Helen is the devoted, protective mother of her son Arthur, whom she fiercely guards from his father's corrupting influence. ### [Ralph Hattersley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/ralph_hattersley) _social_ Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough manner does not foster a close bond. ## In the story ### [The Tenant of Wildfell Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall) Helen's young son, who accompanies her to Wildfell Hall. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/ii) Helen's young son; climbs the garden wall and is rescued by Gilbert. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies his mother, plays with Sancho, and sits on Gilbert's knee to look at pictures. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/v) Arthur Graham, Helen's son, mentions that his mother sends her pictures to London to be sold, and identifies the mysterious visitor as 'mamma's friend.' ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/vi) Helen's young son; enjoys playing with Sancho and riding the horse, and forms a close bond with Gilbert. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/vii) Helen's young son; reads fluently to his mother and plays with Sancho during the visit. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/viii) Receives a puppy from Gilbert, which delights him and serves as a pretext for Gilbert's visits. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/x) Acts as a mediator, inviting Gilbert into the garden. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xv) Innocent messenger; fetches Gilbert for his mother and later walks with her after the confrontation. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xvi) Introduced at the ball as a lively and entertaining gentleman; he rescues Helen from Mr. Boarham's company and dances with her, making a strong impression. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xvii) Rescues Helen from Mr. Wilmot and professes his adoration for her. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xviii) Arrives at the estate, flirts with Helen, teases her, and later pays attention to Annabella Wilmot, causing Helen jealousy. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xix) Huntingdon confesses his love to Helen and proposes, but is interrupted by Aunt Maxwell. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xx) Proposes to Helen, behaves irreverently in church, promises to reform and win over her aunt. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxi) Helen's fiancé; receives letters from friends lamenting his impending marriage, jokes about their complaints, and joins the shooting party. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxii) Recounts with amusement the story of Lord Lowborough's gambling addiction and alcoholism, revealing his own manipulative and unrepentant nature. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxiii) Shows selfishness by hurrying their bridal tour and resenting Helen's religious devotion; argues against her moral exhortations using hedonistic reasoning. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxiv) Displays ennui, provokes Helen with tales of infidelity, and reacts to her coldness with sulking, drinking, and cruelty toward his dog. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxv) Remains in London on vague business, sends short and infrequent letters, and repeatedly postpones his return. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxvi) Participates in coquettish games with Lady Lowborough, provoking Helen's jealousy. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxvii) Defends his behavior with double standards; promises reform but shows sulkiness and lack of true contrition. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxviii) Shown as a pleasure-seeking husband who leaves for London against Helen's wishes and fails to keep his promises. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxviii) Helen's son, who brings her consolation and is described as healthy, playful, and affectionate. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxix) Remains in London, dissipating and lying about his return; his neglect and infidelity cause Helen great pain. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxix) Helen's infant son, a source of consolation and joy; he is playful and resembles both parents. ### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxx) Drinks excessively, argues with Helen, shows temporary improvement after Scotland trip. ### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxx) Teething; Helen nurses him, causing Arthur's jealousy. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxi) Returns from London in worse temper, dismisses Helen's grief over her father's death, and indulges in drinking with Grimsby and Hattersley. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxii) Plays with Milicent's daughter Helen in the garden; shows protective and guiding behavior. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxiii) Caught in infidelity, refuses Helen's request for separation, and later shows nervousness when Helen surprises him in the shrubbery. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxiv) Referenced as Helen's husband and the object of her hatred due to his betrayal. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxv) Encourages Annabella's attentions and laughs at Helen's distress, showing no remorse. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxvi) Continues his dissolute behavior, drinking excessively and corresponding with Lady Lowborough, while undermining Helen's influence over their son. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxvi) Innocent child caught between parents, showing preference for his father and causing Helen deep pain. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxvii) Plays with Esther Hargrave in the garden and reenters the room during Helen and Walter's tense conversation. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxviii) Openly mocks Lowborough, boasts of the affair, and expresses relief at Annabella's departure. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxix) Openly encourages his son's vices and callously offers his wife to any of his friends. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxix) Innocently imitates the drunken and profane behavior of his father and his friends, causing Helen great distress. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xl) Discovers Helen's diary, burns her art supplies, confiscates her money and jewels, and imposes financial control. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xl) Helen fears for his future and feels unfit to be his teacher or companion. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xli) Subject of Helen's reform efforts; she induces an aversion to alcohol through association with nausea. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xlii) Helen hopes to keep him pure from Huntingdon's influence; he is present during the garden visit. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xliii) Returns to Grassdale, hires Miss Myers as governess, and continues his dissipated behavior, prompting Helen's flight. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xliii) Helen's son, whose education and moral purity she seeks to protect by removing him from his father's influence. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xliv) Sleeps in Rachel's lap during the journey and wakes to kiss Helen; she is constantly fearful of him being taken away. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xliv) Sends a letter demanding the return of his son, offering an allowance in exchange. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xlv) Lets Gilbert in and is sent out to play with Rover. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xlvii) Lies ill, alternating between bitter resentment and helplessness, reluctantly agreeing to Helen's terms regarding their son. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xlvii) Shy and fearful when brought to see his altered father, quickly retreats to Helen's side. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xlviii) Recovering from illness but still difficult; tries to win Helen's affection with words rather than deeds, and resists medical restrictions. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xlix) Suffers a fatal relapse from drinking; experiences physical pain, terror of death, and clings to Helen; dies after mortification sets in. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/l) Has died after a period of suffering; his death releases Helen from her marital bonds. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/lii) Entailed heir to the Grassdale estate. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/liii) Helen's son; grows into a fine young man, marries little Helen Hattersley, and resides at Grassdale Manor. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/little_arthur - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters