But Henchard is not the only character in this tale. His wife and daughter soon re-enter the picture and meet him in Casterbridge. This gives him an opportunity to bring his family back together and put the ugly past behind him. His wife Susan, however, has different motivations and has a few secrets of her own. Thrown into the mix is Donald Farfrae, a Scotsman who intially becomes Henchard's business partner but ends up his greatest rival. Just to keep things lively there is also Henchard's former love interest who moves to town after Susan passes away. Each time Henchard thinks he has finally put his past behind him and reached a plateau of stability, the past seems to reach out an grab him. His life becomes a complex web of emotions, divided loyalties, and potential traps.

Without giving the story away, suffice it to say that the story does not end well for Henchard. Despite occasional good intentions, his anger and stubbornness - as well as a return to alcohol - continue to corrode his life and destroy his relationships.

Two characters really form the focus of the novel: Henchard and his daughter Elizabeth-Jane. Henchard's character can be read as a rather traditional morality tale. (I suppose you could, building off of Moody's assessment, view his faults as caused by his alcoholism, economic conditions, etc. and not as personal failings - in other words blame society - but let's not go there.) His initial indulgence in alcohol causes the tragedy. His vow and hard work gain him success but his subsequent pride and stubbornness - and his return to drinking - again cause his downfall. Henchard's selfishness and pride prevent him from acting in a virtuous manner and therefor gaining the trust and admiration of those around him. When push comes to shove he tends to act in a selfish and often deceptive manner. In trying to shield himself from the consequences of his past actions he brings more trouble on himself. What makes him an interesting character, however, is his ability to glimpse this fault and yet fail to correct it. At times he is able to see the destructive result his actions inevitably produce but seems incapable of stopping himself. He is not an evil villain but a deeply flawed but nevertheless average human being. This gives Henchard some poignancy and gives the novel a melancholy flavor. Hardy depicts the inner conflict and turmoil of fallen man not a clear cut battle of good versus evil.