# Ralph Hattersley — The Tenant of Wildfell Hall character guide

> Ralph Hattersley in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0003-ii

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Little Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/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.

### [Walter Hargrave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/walter_hargrave)

_friendship_

Companions in dissipation, they share a bond of mutual indulgence in drinking and carousing, though Ralph later reforms.

### [Walter Hargrave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/walter_hargrave)

_friendship_

Companions in dissipation, they share a bond of mutual indulgence in drinking and carousing, though Ralph later reforms.

### [Walter Hargrave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/walter_hargrave)

_friendship_

Companions in dissipation, they share a bond of mutual indulgence in drinking and carousing, though Ralph later reforms.

### [Little Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/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.

### [Little Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/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.

## In the story

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxi)

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

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxii)

Quoted mocking Lowborough's reform speech with a rhyme; part of the dissolute club.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxx)

Mentioned as having warned Arthur about Helen's 'keen feelings.'

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxi)

Encourages Arthur's drinking and shouts for more wine; his presence is a negative influence.

### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxii)

Boisterous and rough with his wife and child; professes love for Milicent but admires Annabella.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxv)

Whispers a coarse joke to Hargrave, contributing to the oppressive social atmosphere.

### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxviii)

Rails against Lowborough's weakness, part of the group mocking him.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xxxix)

Urges Huntingdon to reform and praises Helen, but his coarse manner offends her sensibilities.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/xlix)

Visits Huntingdon during his illness, attempts to comfort him, and suggests sending for a clergyman.

### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/chapters/l)

Reforms after Huntingdon's death, becomes a devoted husband and father, and inherits his father's wealth.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tenant_of_wildfell_hall_se/characters/ralph_hattersley
- 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