This document summarizes the relationships between three couples in George Eliot's novel Middlemarch:
Dorothea Brooke marries the clergyman Edward Casaubon, but their marriage is based on Dorothea's idealization of Casaubon's work rather than compatibility.
Doctor Tertius Lydgate idealistically moves to Middlemarch but marries Rosamond Vincy, who is superficially charming but marries for money and status over love. Their marriage faces struggles due to unrealistic expectations.
Fred Vincy and Mary Garth have a childhood love, but Mary refuses to marry Fred until he finds a steady occupation, saving them both from unhappiness. Their marriage is built on practicality