Like Adam and Hetty, Arthur is a very complex character, an amalgam of good and bad qualities. He is basically a pleasant and kindhearted young man who hates the thought of hurting anyone and who likes to be on good terms with all who know him. He is a rich man and an aristocrat who intends to use his wealth and social position for good ends; unlike Hetty, his dreams of the future do not concern themselves with his own happiness alone; he wishes to benefit others too. Arthur is a blithe spirit, happy, charming, and friendly.
But he is very unrealistic. Because of his background, he does not feel that he has to work to get what he wants; he thinks that his dreams will come true without effort. He also does not know himself very well. Arthur is very self-confident, but without reason; he does not possess the self-discipline which could justify his confidence. He is aware of his own faults — his tendency to vacillate, for example — but he cannot bring himself to correct them. His excellent opinion of his own virtue prevents him from thinking in terms of self-improvement, and he is too weak to follow his own conscience without being forced to do so.
This set of attitudes gets Arthur into trouble and prevents him from getting himself out. He knows that his desire for Hetty is impractical, but that does not stop him from seducing her; he wants her and he is used to getting what he wants, though he is not ruthless. Later he refuses to believe that anything bad will come of the relationship, and he continues to play the role of the honorable man even while behaving dishonorably; his objective actions do not influence his self-image. Finally, he cannot bring himself to break off the relationship because he is so kind-hearted; he can't bear to give Hetty pain.
