# Linton Heathcliff — Wuthering Heights character guide

> Linton Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mrs. Heathcliff, the late Mrs. Linton, Linton, Mrs. Linton, Linton Heathcliff, Mrs. Linton Heathcliff

**First appearance:** 0017-xviii

## Snapshot

Heathcliff's pale, peevish son, raised in ignorance of his father and used as a pawn in a scheme he barely understands.

## Who they are

Linton arrives at Wuthering Heights as a sickly, complaining boy who has never heard of his father and would rather stay with his uncle Edgar. His frailty and self-pity make him an easy instrument for Heathcliff, who needs him to secure an inheritance and a marriage. His helplessness sharpens the cruelty of the older generation's designs and forces young Cathy into a bond she never chose.

## Relationships

### [Catherine Linton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/catherine_linton)

_family_

A mother-son relationship marked by distance and Catherine's early death, leaving Linton emotionally stunted.

### [Heathcliff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/heathcliff)

_family_

A cold, manipulative father-son relationship where Heathcliff uses Linton as a tool for revenge.

### [Edgar Linton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/edgar_linton)

_family_

A protective but strained uncle-nephew relationship, as Edgar tries to shield his daughter from Linton's weakness.

### [Heathcliff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/heathcliff)

_family_

A cold, manipulative father-son relationship where Heathcliff uses Linton as a tool for revenge.

### [Catherine Linton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/catherine_linton)

_family_

A mother-son relationship marked by distance and Catherine's early death, leaving Linton emotionally stunted.

### [Catherine Linton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/catherine_linton)

_family_

A mother-son relationship marked by distance and Catherine's early death, leaving Linton emotionally stunted.

### [Heathcliff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/heathcliff)

_family_

A cold, manipulative father-son relationship where Heathcliff uses Linton as a tool for revenge.

### [Edgar Linton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/edgar_linton)

_family_

A protective but strained uncle-nephew relationship, as Edgar tries to shield his daughter from Linton's weakness.

### [Edgar Linton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/characters/edgar_linton)

_family_

A protective but strained uncle-nephew relationship, as Edgar tries to shield his daughter from Linton's weakness.

## In the story

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xviii)

Linton is mentioned as Isabella's son, whom she hopes will be left with Edgar after her death.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xix)

Arrives at Thrushcross Grange as a pale, delicate, and fretful child, grieving his mother and showing little interest in his cousin Catherine.

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

Linton is brought to Wuthering Heights, frightened and confused, and is harshly received by his father.

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

Described as weak, selfish, and fainthearted; taunts Hareton about his ignorance.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xxiii)

Sickly and manipulative, he provokes Catherine with cruel revelations about their parents and feigns suffering to gain sympathy.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xxiv)

Shows his difficult and self-pitying nature during Catherine's visits, but also expresses regret and affection.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xxv)

Writes pleading letters to Edgar, but is forced by Heathcliff to feign eagerness; his health is failing.

### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xxvi)

Appears pale and feeble, fearful of his father, pleads with Catherine to stay and to report he is well.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xxvii)

Weak and terrified, he is coerced by his father into helping trap Catherine. He pleads with her to stay, fearing Heathcliff's wrath.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xxviii)

Helps Catherine escape but is selfish and cruel; reveals Heathcliff's abuse.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wuthering_heights_se/chapters/xxix)

Mentioned as being ill and terrified of Heathcliff, who describes him as weak and calling for Catherine's protection.

## Links

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