What is the role of rustic character in return of the native?

In Thomas Hardy's "The Return of the Native," rustic characters embody the connection to the rural landscape and traditional values of Egdon Heath. They provide a contrast to the more ambitious, modern characters, highlighting themes of social class and the clash between rural life and urban aspirations. Through their simple, grounded lifestyles, these characters also reflect Hardy's critique of societal change and the enduring influence of nature on human destiny. Their interactions with the central figures underscore the complexities of love, loyalty, and the search for identity within a changing world.