"Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is a novel

by Thomas Hardy, published in 1891.

The novel tells the story of Tess
Durbeyfield, a young and beautiful
woman from a poor family in rural
England, who discovers that she is
the descendant of the noble
d'Urberville family. Tess's family
sends her to the d'Urberville estate
to claim kinship and seek their help.
 MA IN C HARAC TERS :
• Tess Durbeyfield
• Alec D'Urberville
• Angel Clare
These characters represent different aspects of the Victorian society and are
used by Hardy to explore the themes of social class, gender, morality, and
fate.
 T E S S D UR B E Y FI E LD
The protagonist of the novel, Tess is a beautiful, innocent and
hardworking girl. She belongs to a poor family and is sent to work for
the D'Urbervilles to support her family. She is portrayed as a victim of
the society and fate, as she faces numerous difficulties and tragedies
throughout the novel.Physically, Tess is described as having "large
innocent eyes" and "a figure full of the promise of curves." She is
represented as a natural beauty, with rosy cheeks, beautiful brown hair,
and a gentle nature. However, despite her beauty and charm, Tess is
loaded with a sense of guilt and responsibility due to her family's poverty.
Tess's personality is marked by her loyalty, courage, and kindness. She is
deeply devoted to her family and is willing to sacrifice her own happiness
for their sake. Tess is also independent, and she rejects anyone who tries
to control her or limit her freedom. She is intelligent and curious, and
she wants to experience the world beyond her small village.However,
Tess's innocence makes her vulnerable to the cruelty and injustice of the
world around her. She is often the victim of male desire, and she is
judged harshly by society for her perceived moral failings. Despite her
struggles, Tess never loses her spirit or her sense of dignity.Through the
novel, Tess undergoes a dramatic transformation as she confronts the
challenges of her life. She grows from an innocent girl into a mature
woman who is capable of making difficult choices and facing the
consequences of her actions. Finally, Tess's tragic fate is a testament to
her power and toughness in the face of her bad luck.
 ALEC D'URBERVILLE
Alec d'Urberville is a central character in Thomas Hardy's novel "Tess of the
d'Urbervilles." He is a wealthy and handsome young man who belongs to an old
aristocratic family. Alec is portrayed as a seducer who uses his charm and social
status to manipulate and take advantage of women.
Physically, Alec is described as tall, well-built, and with a "handsome face." He is
also pictured as having an air of arrogance. Alec is a confident character, who is
used to getting what he wants.
Despite his privileged upbringing, Alec lacks a strong moral compass . He
seduces Tess, the novel's protagonist, and convinces her to leave her rural life
and move in with him in the city. However, he soon reveals himself to be a cruel
and selfish lover who mistreats Tess and finally drives her to tragic
circumstances.
Alec's actions are driven by a a belief that he can do as he pleases without
consequence. He sees himself as above the law and morality, and his behavior
reflects a lack of empathy and consideration for others.
In summary, Alec d'Urberville is a complex character who embodies the
arrogance and sense of entitlement of the upper classes in Victorian England.
His actions towards Tess are a sharp reminder of the power imbalances and
gender inequality that existed during this period.
 ANGEL C LARE
Angel Clare is a complex character in Thomas Hardy's novel "Tess
of the d'Urbervilles." He is a young man of high moral standards .
At first, Angel appears as a modern and progressive thinker, critical
of the social conventions of Victorian England. He rejects the
narrow-mindset of his family and society, and seeks a more
fulfilling and authentic life ,based on personal freedom . He is also
attracted to Tess, who he perceives as a pure and innocent country
girl, untouched by the corrupting influences of the city.
However, Angel's vision of life clashes with the harsh realities of
the world. He also struggles with his own passions and desires,
which lead him to betray Tess and cause her immense suffering.
Throughout the novel, Angel is presented as a complex and flawed
character, torn between his idealism and his humanity. His
evolution from a naive and innocent young man to a conflicted
adult is one of the key themes of the novel.