: Eighteen years later, Susan and a grown Elizabeth-Jane return. Henchard’s past resurfaces, clashing with his rigid pride and his rivalry with a progressive young Scotsman, Donald Farfrae. A series of financial failures and exposed secrets eventually strip Henchard of his status and family, leading to a lonely, tragic end. Key Characters
: A deeply flawed protagonist driven by pride, temper, and a desperate desire for redemption. The Mayor of Casterbridge
: A woman from Henchard's past who arrives in Casterbridge to marry him, but falls for Farfrae instead. The Mayor of Casterbridge | Summary, Characters & Analysis : Eighteen years later, Susan and a grown
: Horrified by his actions the next day, Henchard swears an oath to abstain from alcohol for 21 years—the length of his life at that point. Key Characters : A deeply flawed protagonist driven
: In a drunken rage at a country fair, young hay-trusser Michael Henchard auctions off his wife, Susan, and infant daughter to a sailor for five guineas.
: Henchard eventually becomes a wealthy grain merchant and the respected Mayor of the town of Casterbridge.
: A modern, technically-minded newcomer who eventually replaces Henchard in both business and civic leadership.