Minor Characters in Tess of D'Urbervilles

Minor Characters of Hardy are given of different names. They are called the “Rustic Chorus” and “Philosophic Party”. The word “Chorus” has been used in ancient Greek times. 

Rustic characters are very important for providing necessary information. They remain sidelines and do not contribute to mainstream action, but they are of very importance. 

When John D’Urberfield came to know that he is the descendent of noble family D’Urbervilles. He hopes for the bright future of his daughter. They are sitting in the Inn and a rustic character agrees with the expectation regarding the daughter.

Again, In Toolbathays when Angel Clare deserted Tess and was in disappointment. A pretty young maid agrees to the proposal leaving to Brazil with Angel. He asks her, does she love him as much as Tess and the maid becomes quite and says that no one can love him as much as Tess does. She can die for him.

Hardy used them much in his plays “The Mayor of Casterbridge” and “The return of Native”. In “Tess of D’Urbervilles” and “Jude the Obscure” these rustic characters are not used as much as used in the former novels.

To sum up, chorus or rustic characters play an important role in Hardy’s novels. Their conversation brings humour and happiness in the atmosphere of Tragedy.