He is the male protagonist and Mill owner, and he is a loving son and brother. After the death of his father who put them in debt, he forced to abandon his education to provide for his mother and sister:
Sixteen years ago, my father died under very harsh circumstances. I was taken from the school, and had to become a man (as well as I could) in a few days…… we went into a small country town, where living is cheaper than in Milton, and where I got employment in a draper’s shop (Gaskell, 1855:35)
Mr. Thornton builds a great life for himself and his family and he could bring them from poverty to riches. His strong character does not allow other people to influence his decisions, but this differs during the presence of the two women in his life
Sixteen years ago, my father died under very harsh circumstances. I was taken from the school, and had to become a man (as well as I could) in a few days…… we went into a small country town, where living is cheaper than in Milton, and where I got employment in a draper’s shop (Gaskell, 1855:35)
Mr. Thornton builds a great life for himself and his family and he could bring them from poverty to riches. His strong character does not allow other people to influence his decisions, but this differs during the presence of the two women in his life