Isabella Linton

Edgar's naive younger sister who becomes infatuated with Heathcliff and elopes with him, only to discover his true cruel nature. She represents the danger of romantic illusion and the vulnerability of innocence to predatory evil.

Profile

Physical: Charming young lady, eighteen years old, blonde hair and pale skin, infantile in manners, light silk dress inappropriate for rough conditions. Later appears injured and disheveled after abuse.

Personality: Naive, romantic, initially charmed by Heathcliff's dark appeal, becomes desperate and regretful, shows courage in eventually escaping, intelligent but inexperienced.

Background: Sheltered younger sister of Edgar Linton, becomes infatuated with Heathcliff despite warnings, elopes and suffers abuse, escapes and bears Heathcliff's son, dies twelve years later in the south.

Character Arc

Falls from sheltered innocence into the hell of an abusive marriage, ultimately escapes but remains scarred. Her son inherits her weakness.

Relationships

• Edgar Linton (brother) — Protective brother who disowns her after elopement
• Heathcliff (husband (estranged)) — Abusive marriage, victim of his revenge plot
• Linton Heathcliff (mother) — Bears and raises Heathcliff's weak son
• Catherine Earnshaw (sister-in-law) — Admired her, becomes rival for Heathcliff's attention

Appearances