Without Hyacinth there would be a lot less tension in everyone's life. By social status, she is just an ordinary woman; but, due to her unparalleled drive to become part the elite class, she has regimented her life – and that of anyone who comes into contact with her – but based on her perception of what elite is, not necessarily reality.
Richard, her husband and often forced partner-in-crime, does not agree with this snobbery, but to make his life 'easier' he more often than not acquiesces to her requests.
She has a beloved son, Sheradin, who is both 'artistic and intellectual' (at least in her eyes). But like so many other instances, she cannot see the reality: her son's homosexuality. His disinterest in girls she passes off as a wise choice so he can focus on his studies, all the while ignoring the attention he pays to his friend Tarquin (who has received prizes for embroidery).
The bane of her existence is her family. They do not seem to share her lust for status, and as such,
Rose,
Onslow &
Daisy, and Daddy live in near squalor; Violet, on the other hand, has a wealthy husband, but the downside is his depravity.
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