# Catherine Earnshaw — Wuthering Heights character guide

> Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Earnshaw, Catherine, Cathy

**First appearance:** 0003-iv

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/iv)

Initially spits at Heathcliff but soon becomes 'very thick' with him, forming a close bond.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/v)

Mischievous, spirited, and deeply fond of Heathcliff; discovers her father's death and grieves.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/vi)

Accompanies Heathcliff to the Grange, is bitten by the dog, and is taken inside where she charms the Lintons.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/vii)

Shows outward indifference but secretly weeps for Heathcliff; sneaks away from the party to visit him in the garret.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/ix)

Falls dangerously ill after a confrontation with Hindley, recovers, and later marries Edgar Linton, confessing her deep bond with Heathcliff.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xiii)

Catherine slowly recovers from brain fever, nurtured by Edgar; she shows lingering melancholy and a premonition of death.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xvi)

Dies two hours after giving birth to her daughter; her corpse is described as peaceful and beautiful.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/catherine_earnshaw
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters