Wuthering Heights · Character

Catherine Earnshaw

Wild, quick-tongued mistress of Wuthering Heights whose love for Heathcliff collides with her hunger for the Lintons' gentler world.

major

Also known as Earnshaw, Catherine, Cathy

First appearance: Chapter IV

As a major figure in Wuthering Heights, Catherine Earnshaw is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Her name is repeatedly carved in the window ledge; her ghost appears in Lockwood's nightmare and is desperately summoned by Heathcliff.

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See Catherine Earnshaw in III Book page

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Catherine rules the Heights as a girl, bossing Heathcliff, mocking Joseph, and provoking her ailing father with the same delight she takes in being scolded. When she returns from Thrushcross Grange polished and laughing at Heathcliff's dirt, the gap between her two selves becomes the novel's central wound. Her divided loyalty between Edgar's refinement and Heathcliff's fierce kinship sets the tragedy in motion and haunts every page that follows.

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See Catherine Earnshaw in Chapter IV

Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

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Minor or background characters

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Nelly’s psychological peak of fury and helplessness—calling Heathcliff a “…

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In the story

Catherine Earnshaw appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
Her name is repeatedly carved in the window ledge; her ghost appears in Lockwood's nightmare and is desperately summoned by Heathcliff.
Chapter IV
Initially spits at Heathcliff but soon becomes 'very thick' with him, forming a close bond.
V
Mischievous, spirited, and deeply fond of Heathcliff; discovers her father's death and grieves.
Chapter VI
Accompanies Heathcliff to the Grange, is bitten by the dog, and is taken inside where she charms the Lintons.
VII
Shows outward indifference but secretly weeps for Heathcliff; sneaks away from the party to visit him in the garret.
Chapter VIII
Shows her haughty and volatile nature, struggles to manage her relationships with Heathcliff and Edgar, and physically lashes out at Nelly and Hareton.
Chapter IX
Falls dangerously ill after a confrontation with Hindley, recovers, and later marries Edgar Linton, confessing her deep bond with Heathcliff.
Chapter XIII
Catherine slowly recovers from brain fever, nurtured by Edgar; she shows lingering melancholy and a premonition of death.
XVI
Dies two hours after giving birth to her daughter; her corpse is described as peaceful and beautiful.

Chapter companion notes

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See Catherine Earnshaw in Chapter IV

See Catherine Earnshaw in III