Considering the techniques used by Hardy to represent his character's passions are an important part of understanding their thought processes. Hardy often relates his characters to their surrounding natural landscape, thereby integrating the backdrop to the story with the participants in it. For example, Wildeve's name conjures images of the wild terrain of the heath and this reflects his passionate and impulsive nature.

Another technique Hardy employs in constructing an initial image of Wildeve is by using the hearsay of other minor characters. It is through a discussion among the heath-folk that Wildeve's name is first introduced to the reader.

'To give him his due he's a clever learned fellow in his way...An engineer-that's what the man was, as we know; but he threw away his chance...His learning was no use to him at all.'

This gradual unfolding of information draws the reader's attention and we look more closely for those clues that will provide further insight into Wildeve's character. As we approach the discussion concern

Irrespective of Wildeve's promise to marry her niece, Mrs Yeobright is well founded in her antagonism towards him. Despite his reassurance she detects a distinct undercurrent of uncertainty in his promise. We may assume that the intense abhorrence Wildeve and Mrs Yeobright feel for one another further jeopardises the forthcoming union of marriage. The reader gains a strong impression that Wildeve enjoys his power over Mrs Yeobright.

Hardy's narrative is integral to developing Wildeve's character. He describes him as being a man of two properties: 'form and motion' and he is explicitly depicted as a physically attractive philanderer. Hardy writes that:

His use of words, in particular 'pantomimic' makes a mockery of the charming sophistication Wildeve believes himself to possess. We may assume therefore that Wildeve appears to feel his self-importance more than is worthy of any good man.

Wildeve's aloof superiority towards the heath-folk further highlights his narcissism. They however do not seem to perceive his cold response towards them. His demeanour contrasts greatly with their exuberance and genuine feeling.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Tamsin Yeobright, Damon Wildeve, Yeobright Thomasin, Wildeve Thomasin's, Wildeve Yeobright, Eustacia Vye, Irrespective Wildeve's, Wildeve Aunt's, , heath folk, marry wildeve, wildeve's name, wildeve's character, forthcoming marriage,
Approximate Word count = 1045
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)