Who Richard Hale is
Richard Hale is a bookish clergyman whose family lives in the southern village of Helstone. He is gentle and absent-minded, and Margaret often takes responsibility when he cannot face practical tasks.
His doubts about the teaching of the Church of England make his position impossible to maintain. Leaving the church means giving up the family's home, income and standing as well as his work.
What Richard Hale wants
Richard acts from conscience, even though his decision brings pain to the people he loves. The novel does not dwell on the details of his doubts, but shows what his choice costs his family.
Richard Hale and the others in the story
Margaret must tell her mother about his decision and carry much of the work of moving. Her steadiness contrasts with her father's difficulty in managing the upheaval he sets in motion.
In Milton, Richard teaches businessmen and enjoys their conversation, taking to the town better than his wife does. John Thornton becomes one of his pupils, and Richard likes him much more readily than Margaret does. He also talks with the mill worker Nicholas Higgins as an equal, allowing both men to learn from each other.
Questions
Who is Richard Hale in North and South?
Richard Hale is Margaret Hale's father, a former clergyman who becomes a private tutor in Milton.
Why does Richard Hale leave the church?
He has doubts about its teaching and cannot remain a minister in good conscience.
How does Richard Hale know John Thornton?
John Thornton studies with him in Milton. Richard enjoys his pupil's company and thinks well of him.