Seth Richmond Character Analysis in Winesburg, Ohio

A close friend and peer of George Willard. After the death of his father, Seth is raised by a struggling single mother who is unable to discipline him. Although the townspeople view Seth as stoic and wise, he feels lonely and adrift. He is envious of the status and sense of purpose that George’s newspaper job awards him. Seth grows even jealous when George announces his interest in Helen White, in whom he is also interested. He shares his plans to leave Winesburg with Helen in hopes that she will tell him not to go, but she encourages him to gain independence and leave their hometown. Seth does not achieve the sense of growth or resolution that George does by the novel’s conclusion and is left feeling as though George will find love but that he never will.

Seth Richmond Character Timeline in Winesburg, Ohio

The timeline below shows where the character Seth Richmond appears in Winesburg, Ohio. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Coming of Age, Independence, and Manhood Theme Icon

Seth Richmond, a teenage boy in Winesburg, lives in a large house with his mother that... (full context)

Seth is a quiet, lonely boy who wishes he could join the other teenagers who laugh... (full context)

One day, George tells Seth that he is writing a book and has resolved to fall in love with the... (full context)

Walking around Winesburg, Seth feels envious of George’s rapport with the same townspeople from whom he feels alienated. He... (full context)

The story pivots to George, who one night goes out with Seth Richmond and Art Wilson to the town pool hall where young men in Winesburg talk... (full context)

...express his feelings for her, George commented that he used to think she would marry Seth Richmond but now knew that she would not. Amidst the loud spectacle of the fair,... (full context)