The son of Hindley Earnshaw, deliberately degraded by Heathcliff as revenge. Despite his rough upbringing, he retains inherent nobility and goodness. His education and redemption through Catherine's love represents hope for the future.
Physical: Strong, well-made, athletic, handsome features, brown curls, great tall lad, decidedly shabby clothing initially but later respectably dressed. Resembles Catherine Earnshaw, especially the eyes.
Personality: Initially rough, hostile, and crude due to degraded upbringing, but reveals inherent nobility, pride in his name and heritage, capacity for loyalty and love, bashful around Catherine.
Background: Son of Hindley and Frances Earnshaw, rightful heir to Wuthering Heights. Deliberately kept ignorant and degraded by Heathcliff as revenge against his father. Learns to read and better himself through Catherine's teaching.
Represents the possibility of redemption and education overcoming degradation. His love story with Catherine shows that the sins of the fathers need not be visited on the children.