she is the protagonist of the novel and the tenant of the title. wildfell hall is the place where she and her brother were born. after their mother's death she goes to live with their aunt and uncle at staningley manor, while her brother, frederick, remains with their father. helen has maintained an close relationship with her brother and later he helps her to escape from her abusive husband. the character of helen graham was probably inspired by anna isabella milbanke, the wife of lord byron. like anna, helen firstly believed that reforming her husband's behaviour was her religious duty. despite disapointment, both women retained their faith.