One by one, the characters’ weaknesses in Far From the Madding Crowd are revealed. Sergeant Troy, Bathsheba and Boldwood, each harnessed and controlled by their futile desires, make poor decisions, and prove them to be unworthy of the title ‘hero.’ Troy in his fickle lustfulness breaks his promise to Fanny Robin and accepts Bathsheba’s hand in marriage.  Never content with what he has, Troy’s weakness of character leads him to foolish, selfish decisions. At their wedding celebration, Troy provokes drunkenness amongst the men and because they were not accustomed to hard liquor, “ it was no wonder that they had succumbed, one and all”(Hardy 190)(This is a picture of brandy, the alcohol representing Troy's brash and selfish nature).  Not only did Troy submerge himself in mass alcohol consumption, he led others to do the same. Bathsheba, also controlled by her whims, proves vulnerable to the power of impulse; she is controlled by her emotions. Boldwood, too, is led by his weakness towards a state of immobility. The instability of these three ultimately leads to the hardship each faces.

It is Gabriel’s strength that shines in this novel. Gabriel shows great respect and maturity regarding his priorities. While early in the novel we see Gabriel moved by his attraction to Bathsheba, his attraction remains at a loyalty, a pure devotion, untainted by misconduct or brash action for he was “generous and true”(Hardy 197). In Troy’s drunken celebration Gabriel escapes the influence of Troy and tends to matters more important. Twice they author uses the word “resolved” (Hardy 192) to illustrate Gabriel’s determination and commitment to the task at hand. Instead of taking pleasure in drunkenness, Gabriel is “cheered by a sense of success in a good cause.”(Hardy 197) The potentially destructive rain brought refreshment to good-natured Gabriel instead of ruin.