The Tenant of Wildfell Hall · Character

Ralph Hattersley

Loud, careless, and built for the pleasures of the table and the hunt, this gentleman of means is the kind of friend who leads a man astray and laughs about it afterward.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Hattersley, Hattersley, Ralph, Ralph Hattersley

First appearance: ii

As a supporting figure in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Ralph Hattersley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as another friend; his letter is full of railing accusations and threats to marry in revenge.

In the storyXXIOpen this moment free

Ralph Hattersley first appears in 0003 ii.

With Little Arthur (social): Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough manner does not foster a close bond. With Walter Hargrave (friendship): Companions in dissipation, they share a bond of mutual indulgence in drinking and carousing, though Ralph later reforms. With Walter Hargrave (friendship): Companions in dissipation, they share a bond of mutual indulgence in drinking and carousing, though Ralph later reforms.

See Ralph Hattersley in XXI Book page

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Character Web

12 connections

A slice of how Ralph Hattersley sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Social
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Antagonists and Foils

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the emotional and psychological nadir of the marriag…

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Relationships

Little Arthur
social · ambivalent
Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough… How this plays out →
Walter Hargrave
friendship · negative
Walter Hargrave
friendship · negative
Walter Hargrave
friendship · negative
Little Arthur
social · ambivalent
Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough… How this plays out →
Little Arthur
social · ambivalent
Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough… How this plays out →

Little Arthur
Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough manner does not foster a close bond.
Walter Hargrave
Companions in dissipation, they share a bond of mutual indulgence in drinking and carousing, though Ralph later reforms.
Walter Hargrave
Companions in dissipation, they share a bond of mutual indulgence in drinking and carousing, though Ralph later reforms.
Walter Hargrave
Companions in dissipation, they share a bond of mutual indulgence in drinking and carousing, though Ralph later reforms.
Little Arthur
Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough manner does not foster a close bond.
Little Arthur
Ralph, as a friend of Arthur Sr., is around the child occasionally, though his rough manner does not foster a close bond.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Ralph Hattersley in ii

In the story

Ralph Hattersley appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXI
Mentioned as another friend; his letter is full of railing accusations and threats to marry in revenge.
XXII
Quoted mocking Lowborough's reform speech with a rhyme; part of the dissolute club.
XXV
Milicent's intended husband, described as the son of a rich banker, with a rough exterior that Milicent hopes hides a good heart.
Chapter XXX
Mentioned as having warned Arthur about Helen's 'keen feelings.'
XXXI
Encourages Arthur's drinking and shouts for more wine; his presence is a negative influence.
XXXII
Boisterous and rough with his wife and child; professes love for Milicent but admires Annabella.
XXXV
Whispers a coarse joke to Hargrave, contributing to the oppressive social atmosphere.
XXXVIII
Rails against Lowborough's weakness, part of the group mocking him.
XXXIX
Urges Huntingdon to reform and praises Helen, but his coarse manner offends her sensibilities.
XLII
Visits Grassdale with his family, discusses his dissatisfaction with Huntingdon's lifestyle, and resolves to reform after Helen shows him Milicent's letters.
XLIX
Visits Huntingdon during his illness, attempts to comfort him, and suggests sending for a clergyman.
Chapter L
Reforms after Huntingdon's death, becomes a devoted husband and father, and inherits his father's wealth.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ralph Hattersley in ii

See Ralph Hattersley in XXI