In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," Farebrother gently reassures Mrs. Casaubon about the nature of character. He explains that character is not a fixed and immutable quality, like marble, but rather a dynamic and evolving aspect of human beings. This perspective emphasizes that character can change over time, just as our physical health can deteriorate or improve.

Dorothea responds to Farebrother's reflection by expressing hope and optimism about the possibility of redemption and healing in character. Her assertion suggests that even if character is flawed or diseased, there is always a chance for recovery and transformation, highlighting an enduring belief in personal growth and the potential for change in individuals.