Hindley Earnshaw

Catherine's older brother who becomes master of Wuthering Heights after their father's death. His jealousy and cruelty toward Heathcliff sets much of the tragedy in motion. He represents the destructive power of resentment and addiction.

Profile

Physical: Dark, square head as a child, later described as tall, gaunt man without neckerchief, extremely slovenly, features lost in masses of shaggy hair, eyes like ghostly Catherine's with beauty annihilated.

Personality: Cruel, jealous, tyrannical toward Heathcliff, increasingly dissolute and alcoholic after his wife's death, violent and unstable, capable of both love (for his wife) and hatred.

Background: Son of Mr. Earnshaw, sent to college to separate him from Heathcliff. Returns with mysterious wife Frances, becomes master of Wuthering Heights, degrades Heathcliff, gambles away estate, dies of alcoholism at 27.

Character Arc

Transforms from jealous child to cruel master to self-destructive alcoholic. His degradation of Heathcliff boomerangs back to destroy his own family line.

Relationships

• Mr. Earnshaw (son) — Less favored son, sent away due to conflicts
• Catherine Earnshaw (sister) — Often in conflict, especially over Heathcliff
• Heathcliff (enemy/victim) — Childhood rival who becomes object of systematic degradation
• Frances Earnshaw (husband) — Devoted to his mysterious wife until her death
• Hareton Earnshaw (father) — Son he barely knows due to alcoholism

Appearances