Final answer:
Nelly, the housekeeper in Wuthering Heights, is the character who tenderly cares for Hareton as a child.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character who tenderly cares for Hareton as a child in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is Nelly (Ellen Dean). Nelly, the housekeeper in Wuthering Heights, is the character who tenderly cares for Hareton as a child. Nelly is the housekeeper who serves as a mother figure to both Hareton and several other characters throughout the novel.
Despite the often harsh environment of the household, Nelly displays a nurturing and protective attitude towards the children. The bond she forms with Hareton is significant and highlights her role as a caregiver in the story.