Estimated read time: 14 min read
Table of Contents
- List of Characters in "20th Century Ghosts"
- Role Identification
- Character Descriptions and Traits
- Character Arcs Across the Collection
- Relationships and Interpersonal Dynamics
- Character Table Overview
- Thematic Analysis of Character Development
- Character Relationships Table
- Character Traits Comparison Table
- Summary of Character Evolution
- Further Insights: Character Function and Symbolism
- Conclusion
List of Characters in "20th Century Ghosts"
| Character Name | Story Appeared In | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Alec Sheldon | 20th Century Ghost | Theater owner, protagonist |
| Imogene Gilchrist | 20th Century Ghost | Ghost, central figure |
| Francis | Best New Horror | Editor, protagonist |
| Eddie Carroll | Pop Art | Narrator, central character |
| Nate | Pop Art | Eddie’s friend, inflatable boy |
| John | Abraham’s Boys | Protagonist, Abraham Van Helsing’s son |
| Abraham Van Helsing | Abraham’s Boys | John’s father, legendary vampire hunter |
| Alan Parker | The Black Phone | Kidnap victim, protagonist |
| The Grabber | The Black Phone | Antagonist, child abductor |
| George | In the Rundown | Drifter, protagonist |
| Willie | Bobby Conroy Comes Back from the Dead | Zombie extra, ex-boyfriend |
| Bobby Conroy | Bobby Conroy Comes Back from the Dead | Protagonist, aspiring actor |
| Various (others) | Stories throughout the collection | Secondary/tertiary characters |
Role Identification
Each story in "20th Century Ghosts" introduces unique characters. Some are protagonists facing supernatural or emotional challenges. Others are antagonists or supporting figures who shape the narrative and protagonists' journeys.
Character Descriptions and Traits
Alec Sheldon
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Movie theater owner |
| Personality | Caring, nostalgic, haunted |
| Motivation | Protect his theater, uncover Imogene’s mystery |
| Flaws | Obsessive, struggles with letting go |
Background
Alec Sheldon owns the Rosebud Theater. He has operated it for decades, witnessing both its glory and decline. His life intertwines with the theater's haunted history, especially the ghostly presence of Imogene Gilchrist.
Character Arc
Alec’s journey is about confronting the past. He moves from skepticism to acceptance of the supernatural, ultimately recognizing the importance of memory and grief. His arc closes with a bittersweet understanding of the theater’s legacy and Imogene’s role in it.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Imogene Gilchrist | Supernatural | Haunted by her presence, seeks to understand her |
| Theater staff | Professional | Trusted but kept at arm’s length |
Imogene Gilchrist
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Ghost |
| Personality | Lonely, gentle, tragic |
| Motivation | Seeks connection, wants her story remembered |
| Flaws | Trapped in liminality, unable to move on |
Background
Imogene died during a movie screening in the Rosebud Theater. Her spirit lingers, appearing to those attuned to the past. She symbolizes lost dreams and the emotional residue of places.
Character Arc
Imogene’s arc is subtle. As a ghost, she doesn’t change but reveals herself to the living. By the story’s end, her connection with Alec and other patrons brings her a form of solace, and she becomes an emblem of memory and longing.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Alec Sheldon | Haunter/Haunted | Her presence pushes him to confront the past |
| Moviegoers | Spectral | Occasionally reveals herself, evoking awe/fear |
Francis
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Magazine editor |
| Personality | Curious, world-weary, intelligent |
| Motivation | Seeks compelling horror stories |
| Flaws | Jaded, underestimates danger |
Background
Francis, the protagonist of "Best New Horror," is a seasoned editor. He becomes obsessed with tracking down an elusive horror author, leading him into real danger.
Character Arc
Francis starts as a confident professional. His journey exposes his vulnerabilities as he grapples with real horror, not just fiction. By the story’s end, his perception of horror and safety is irrevocably altered.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Kilrue | Professional | Becomes obsessed with his story, which leads to peril |
| Colleagues | Professional | Often distant, focused on his work |
Eddie Carroll
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Human |
| Personality | Empathetic, creative, lonely |
| Motivation | To connect, to accept his friend Nate |
| Flaws | Insecure, struggles with family relationships |
Background
Eddie is the narrator of "Pop Art." He befriends Nate, a literal inflatable boy, in a world that accepts the surreal as mundane.
Character Arc
Eddie’s arc is one of acceptance and loss. He learns to value Nate’s uniqueness and to mourn genuinely for his friend. Nate’s vulnerability teaches Eddie about love and impermanence.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Nate | Best Friend | Protective, deeply empathetic |
| Eddie’s Parents | Familial | Distant, sometimes unsympathetic |
Nate
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Inflatable boy |
| Personality | Gentle, wise, fragile |
| Motivation | To belong, to be accepted despite his differences |
| Flaws | Physically vulnerable, emotionally reserved |
Background
Nate is a literal inflatable boy who faces bullying and misunderstanding. His friendship with Eddie forms the heart of "Pop Art."
Character Arc
Nate’s story is one of quiet resilience. He faces adversity with grace and helps Eddie see the world differently. His fate is both tragic and transcendent.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Carroll | Best Friend | Trusting, profound influence |
| Bullies | Antagonistic | Victim of their cruelty |
John
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Human |
| Personality | Curious, conflicted, brave |
| Motivation | To understand his father, to find purpose |
| Flaws | Naive, impulsive |
Background
John is the protagonist of "Abraham’s Boys." He is the son of Abraham Van Helsing, forced to live under the shadow of his father’s obsession with vampires.
Character Arc
John’s arc is one of disillusionment and coming-of-age. He moves from confusion and fear to understanding the darkness of his father’s world and chooses his own path.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham Van Helsing | Father | Fear, awe, eventual defiance |
| Brother | Sibling | Mutual support, shared confusion |
Abraham Van Helsing
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Human |
| Personality | Obsessed, stern, traumatized |
| Motivation | To prepare his sons for a world of monsters |
| Flaws | Paranoid, emotionally distant |
Background
The legendary vampire hunter, now living in America, remains haunted by his past. His relationship with his sons is fraught with secrecy and severity.
Character Arc
Van Helsing remains largely static, an immovable force. His character serves as a catalyst for John’s transformation.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| John | Son | Authoritative, emotionally distant |
| Other son | Son | Similarly strict |
Alan Parker
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Human |
| Personality | Fearful, resourceful, determined |
| Motivation | To escape his kidnapper |
| Flaws | Prone to despair, but resilient |
Background
Alan is kidnapped by the Grabber in "The Black Phone." He discovers a supernatural phone that connects him with previous victims.
Character Arc
Alan moves from terror to courage. He uses the advice of past victims to fight for survival, representing hope amidst despair.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| The Grabber | Antagonist | Victim, survivor |
| Ghost boys | Supernatural | Receives guidance |
The Grabber
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Human |
| Personality | Cruel, manipulative, sadistic |
| Motivation | To exert control, to kill |
| Flaws | Underestimates his victims |
Background
The Grabber is a serial child abductor and killer. His fate is sealed by his arrogance and the supernatural intervention of his victims.
Character Arc
The Grabber is a static antagonist. He embodies pure evil, serving as the obstacle Alan must overcome.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Parker | Victim | Tormentor |
| Past victims | Victim | Unrepentant killer |
George
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Human |
| Personality | Desperate, impulsive, haunted |
| Motivation | To escape his failures, to find meaning |
| Flaws | Self-destructive tendencies, loneliness |
Background
George, in "In the Rundown," is a drifter with a criminal past. His life spirals as he becomes embroiled in violence.
Character Arc
George’s journey is a downward spiral. His inability to change course leads to his undoing, making his story a cautionary tale.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Victims | Antagonist | Perpetrator of violence |
| Himself | Internal | Struggles with self-loathing |
Willie
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Human |
| Personality | Nostalgic, regretful, gentle |
| Motivation | To reconnect with Bobby, to process the past |
| Flaws | Hesitant, haunted by old decisions |
Background
Willie is an extra on a zombie film, where he reunites with his ex-boyfriend Bobby. Their encounter is tinged with unresolved emotions.
Character Arc
Willie’s arc is about closure. Through reconciling with Bobby, he finds a measure of peace with his past.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Bobby Conroy | Romantic (past) | Lingering affection and regret |
Bobby Conroy
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Human |
| Personality | Restless, creative, vulnerable |
| Motivation | To act, to process his breakup with Willie |
| Flaws | Uncertain, emotionally raw |
Background
Bobby, once in a relationship with Willie, is trying to establish himself as an actor. The film set provides a backdrop for personal reckoning.
Character Arc
Bobby’s arc mirrors Willie’s: both seek closure and understanding. Their brief reunion is poignant and cathartic.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship Type | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Willie | Romantic (past) | Complex, emotional |
Character Arcs Across the Collection
"20th Century Ghosts" features a mosaic of character arcs, many of which share common themes:
| Theme | Characters Impacted | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Confronting the Past | Alec, Willie, Bobby, John | Characters must face unresolved memories or traumas |
| Supernatural Interference | Alec, Alan, Francis | The supernatural forces characters to grow or to face their fears |
| Loss and Acceptance | Eddie, Nate, Imogene | Characters grapple with grief, acceptance, and moving on |
| Moral Choices | George, John | Choices define fates, often with irreversible consequences |
Relationships and Interpersonal Dynamics
Relationships are central to character development in "20th Century Ghosts." The following table summarizes key relational dynamics:
| Primary Character | Key Relationship(s) | Nature of Relationship | Impact on Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alec Sheldon | Imogene, staff | Haunter/Haunted, Professional | Drives the narrative, explores memory |
| Eddie Carroll | Nate, parents | Friendship, Familial | Explores themes of difference and acceptance |
| John | Abraham Van Helsing | Father/Son | Coming-of-age, generational trauma |
| Francis | Peter Kilrue | Professional, Obsessive | Pushes plot into dangerous territory |
| Alan Parker | The Grabber, ghost boys | Victim, Supernatural Guidance | Survival, supernatural justice |
| Willie | Bobby Conroy | Romantic (past) | Closure, regret, nostalgia |
Character Table Overview
| Name | Story | Background Summary | Arc Summary | Key Traits | Relationship Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alec Sheldon | 20th Century Ghost | Aging theater owner | Acceptance of the supernatural | Nostalgic, caring | Imogene (ghost) |
| Imogene Gilchrist | 20th Century Ghost | Spirit tied to theater | Achieves solace through remembrance | Lonely, tragic | Alec Sheldon |
| Francis | Best New Horror | Jaded horror editor | From curiosity to horror | Curious, jaded | Peter Kilrue |
| Eddie Carroll | Pop Art | Lonely boy, Nate’s friend | Learns to accept loss | Empathetic, creative | Nate (friend) |
| Nate | Pop Art | Inflatable boy, bullied | Resilient in adversity | Gentle, vulnerable | Eddie Carroll |
| John | Abraham’s Boys | Van Helsing’s son | Coming-of-age amidst darkness | Curious, brave | Abraham Van Helsing |
| Abraham Van Helsing | Abraham’s Boys | Legendary vampire hunter | Static, catalyst for John | Stern, obsessed | John (son) |
| Alan Parker | The Black Phone | Kidnap victim | From fear to resourcefulness | Determined, fearful | The Grabber, ghost boys |
| The Grabber | The Black Phone | Child abductor | Static antagonist | Sadistic, cruel | Alan Parker |
| George | In the Rundown | Drifter, criminal past | Downward spiral | Desperate, haunted | Victims |
| Willie | Bobby Conroy... | Zombie extra, Bobby’s ex | Seeks closure | Nostalgic, gentle | Bobby Conroy |
| Bobby Conroy | Bobby Conroy... | Actor, Willie’s ex | Reconciliation with the past | Restless, vulnerable | Willie |
Thematic Analysis of Character Development
Memory and Haunting
Many characters are shaped by memory—personal, familial, or communal. Alec and Imogene embody the persistence of the past, while John and Abraham Van Helsing illustrate generational trauma.
Loss and Acceptance
Loss is a recurring theme. Eddie’s friendship with Nate, and Willie’s reunion with Bobby, are meditations on grief and acceptance. These stories use the supernatural as a metaphor for emotional truths.
Confrontation with Evil
Characters like Alan Parker and Francis are forced to confront evil—sometimes supernatural, sometimes all-too-human. Their arcs focus on survival, resilience, and the cost of curiosity.
Belonging and Otherness
"Pop Art" is a poignant exploration of otherness. Nate’s literal difference is a metaphor for all forms of social alienation. Eddie’s acceptance of Nate is a lesson in empathy.
Character Relationships Table
| Character A | Character B | Relationship Description | Emotional Impact on Narrative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alec Sheldon | Imogene Gilchrist | Haunter/Haunted | Drives exploration of memory and grief |
| Eddie Carroll | Nate | Friendship, protector/protected | Heart of empathy and loss |
| John | Abraham Van Helsing | Father/Son | Coming-of-age, legacy of trauma |
| Francis | Peter Kilrue | Obsession, editor/author | Leads to confrontation with real horror |
| Alan Parker | The Grabber | Victim/abductor | Survival, overcoming evil |
| George | Himself | Internal struggle | Downward spiral, cautionary tale |
| Willie | Bobby Conroy | Past lovers, unresolved feelings | Closure, emotional resonance |
Character Traits Comparison Table
| Character Name | Courage | Empathy | Resilience | Vulnerability | Nostalgia | Obsession |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alec Sheldon | Medium | High | Medium | High | High | Medium |
| Imogene Gilchrist | Low | High | Medium | High | High | Low |
| Francis | Medium | Low | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Eddie Carroll | High | High | Medium | High | Medium | Low |
| Nate | Medium | High | High | High | Low | Low |
| John | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
| Abraham Van Helsing | High | Low | High | Medium | Low | High |
| Alan Parker | High | Medium | High | High | Low | Low |
| The Grabber | Low | Low | High | Low | Low | High |
| George | Low | Low | Low | High | Medium | High |
| Willie | Medium | High | Medium | High | High | Medium |
| Bobby Conroy | Medium | High | Medium | High | High | Medium |
Summary of Character Evolution
"20th Century Ghosts" is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. Joe Hill crafts characters who are both archetypal and deeply human, using the supernatural as a lens for exploring memory, trauma, loss, and connection. Each protagonist navigates a unique landscape of fear, love, or regret. Relationships—whether between friends, lovers, or parents and children—are the crucible in which Hill’s characters are tested and transformed. The collection’s enduring power lies in its honest, empathetic portrayal of the haunted and the haunting, the remembered and the forgotten.
Further Insights: Character Function and Symbolism
| Character Name | Symbolic Function | Narrative Function |
|---|---|---|
| Alec Sheldon | Memory, legacy | Observer, catalyst |
| Imogene Gilchrist | Lost dreams, grief | Haunting presence |
| Francis | Curiosity, hubris | Victim of obsession |
| Eddie Carroll | Innocence, acceptance | Emotional center |
| Nate | Otherness, vulnerability | Metaphor for difference |
| John | Coming-of-age, generational conflict | Seeker of truth |
| Abraham Van Helsing | Trauma, obsession | Authority, catalyst |
| Alan Parker | Hope, resilience | Underdog, survivor |
| The Grabber | Pure evil, danger | Antagonist |
| George | Despair, fatalism | Tragic antihero |
| Willie | Nostalgia, regret | Seeker of closure |
| Bobby Conroy | Renewal, reconciliation | Partner in closure |
Conclusion
Joe Hill’s "20th Century Ghosts" showcases a spectrum of unforgettable characters. Each is meticulously crafted, their arcs reflecting universal human themes through horror, fantasy, and realism. The relationships and inner journeys of these characters elevate the collection, making it resonate with readers long after the final page. Through layered narrative and nuanced character development, Hill demonstrates the haunting power of stories, memory, and connection.
