"Horrorstör" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the novel "Horrorstör" by Grady Hendrix, the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story's suspenseful and terrifying atmosphere. The main character, Amy, takes on the role of the protagonist and employee at Orsk, a fictional furniture store. Basil serves as the store manager, while Ruthie, Trinity, and Matt are fellow employees. Pastor Devon adds a supernatural element to the story as an expert in the occult, and Mr. Vandertunt plays the role of the store owner.

Character Descriptions

1. Amy: Amy is a young woman in her late twenties who works at Orsk to make ends meet. She is described as intelligent, resourceful, and determined. Amy is initially skeptical of supernatural occurrences but becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the hauntings in the store.
2. Basil: Basil is the store manager at Orsk. He takes his job seriously and strives to maintain a professional atmosphere. Basil is described as strict, straightforward, and authoritative. As the story progresses, Basil's demeanor shifts from being strictly business-oriented to more concerned and fearful.
3. Ruth Anne "Ruthie": Ruthie is one of Amy's co-workers at Orsk. She is depicted as a friendly and outgoing individual who tries to keep the workplace lively. Ruthie has a keen eye for detail and becomes one of Amy's closest allies in uncovering the mysteries of the store.
4. Trinity: Trinity is another employee at Orsk. She is reserved and often keeps to herself. Trinity is known for her creative skills and contributes to the store's visual merchandising. As the story progresses, Trinity's reserved nature unravels, revealing her own fears and vulnerabilities.
5. Matt: Matt is a laid-back employee at Orsk, known for his sense of humor. He often lightens the mood in the workplace with his jokes and pranks. Matt's character provides moments of comic relief amidst the escalating tension and horror within the store.
6. Pastor Devon: Pastor Devon is a supernatural expert who is called upon to investigate the hauntings at Orsk. He is knowledgeable about occult practices and serves as a guide for Amy and her colleagues in understanding the supernatural events occurring in the store.
7. Mr. Vandertunt: Mr. Vandertunt is the owner of Orsk. He is depicted as a wealthy and detached character who is more concerned with profit than the well-being of his employees. Mr. Vandertunt's character represents the corporate greed and disregard for employee safety that ultimately leads to the haunting experiences in the store.

Character Traits

1. Amy: Intelligent, resourceful, determined, skeptical
2. Basil: Strict, straightforward, authoritative, concerned, fearful
3. Ruthie: Friendly, outgoing, observant, supportive
4. Trinity: Reserved, creative, vulnerable
5. Matt: Laid-back, humorous, light-hearted
6. Pastor Devon: Knowledgeable, wise, spiritual
7. Mr. Vandertunt: Wealthy, detached, greedy

Character Background

1. Amy: Amy is a college dropout who works at Orsk to support herself financially. She has a troubled past and is determined to make a better life for herself. Her skepticism stems from a desire to rely on logic and reason rather than believe in the supernatural.
2. Basil: Basil has worked at Orsk for several years and takes pride in his managerial position. He has a strict work ethic and expects his employees to follow the rules. Basil's background is not extensively explored in the novel, but his dedication to his job suggests a history of loyalty and responsibility.
3. Ruthie: Ruthie is a young woman who enjoys working at Orsk and brings a sense of camaraderie to the workplace. She is passionate about her job and strives to create an enjoyable environment for both employees and customers. Ruthie's background is not explicitly detailed in the novel.
4. Trinity: Trinity is a reserved and creative individual who keeps her personal life private. Her background is not extensively explored, but her skills in visual merchandising suggest a creative background or interest in design.
5. Matt: Matt is a laid-back individual who enjoys his role at Orsk and uses humor as a coping mechanism. His background is not explicitly explored, but his sense of humor and light-hearted attitude suggest a desire to bring joy to others.
6. Pastor Devon: Pastor Devon has a background in the occult and supernatural. He has dedicated his life to studying and understanding supernatural phenomena. His knowledge and experience make him a valuable resource for Amy and her colleagues in unraveling the mysteries of Orsk.
7. Mr. Vandertunt: Mr. Vandertunt is a wealthy businessman who owns Orsk. His background and motivations are primarily driven by profit and corporate success. His disregard for employee safety and well-being contributes to the haunting experiences in the store.

Character Arcs

1. Amy: Amy's character arc revolves around her initial skepticism transforming into a determination to uncover the truth about Orsk's hauntings. She grows from a somewhat passive employee to a proactive investigator, willing to confront the supernatural forces within the store.
2. Basil: Basil's character arc involves a shift from strict professionalism to a state of fear and concern for his employees' safety. He initially dismisses the hauntings as a prank but becomes increasingly aware of the supernatural occurrences, leading him to question his own beliefs and decisions.
3. Ruthie: Ruthie's character arc centers around her transformation from a lively and outgoing employee to a more cautious and observant individual. She becomes a supportive figure for Amy and plays a crucial role in uncovering the secrets of Orsk.
4. Trinity: Trinity's character arc reveals her vulnerabilities and fears as the supernatural events escalate. She initially appears reserved and distant but becomes more open and reliant on her colleagues for support.
5. Matt: Matt's character arc provides moments of comic relief but also showcases his growth as he faces the horrors within Orsk. His jokes and pranks become less frequent as the story progresses, reflecting his increasing awareness of the gravity of the situation.
6. Pastor Devon: Pastor Devon serves as a guide and mentor for Amy and her colleagues, sharing his knowledge and expertise in the supernatural. While his character arc is not as pronounced as the others, he plays a crucial role in helping the group navigate the horrors they encounter.
7. Mr. Vandertunt: Mr. Vandertunt's character remains relatively static throughout the novel, representing corporate greed and disregard for employee safety. His actions and motivations drive the haunting experiences in Orsk.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "Horrorstör" are essential in shaping the unfolding events and the development of the story's suspenseful atmosphere. Amy, Ruthie, Trinity, and Matt form a close-knit group as they face the horrors of Orsk together. Their camaraderie and mutual support provide emotional strength and a sense of unity in the face of supernatural terror.

Amy's relationship with Basil evolves from a professional dynamic to one of shared fear and determination. They rely on each other for support and guidance as they navigate the escalating horrors within Orsk.

Pastor Devon serves as a mentor figure for Amy and her colleagues, providing them with knowledge and guidance to understand and combat the supernatural forces at play. His relationship with the group is one of trust and reliance on his expertise.

The relationship between the employees and Mr. Vandertunt is one of power dynamics and corporate indifference. His disregard for their safety and well-being deepens the sense of dread and desperation within the story.

In conclusion, the characters in "Horrorstör" by Grady Hendrix play crucial roles in the development of the story's suspenseful and terrifying atmosphere. Their traits, backgrounds, relationships, and character arcs contribute to the overall narrative and keep readers engaged as they uncover the mysteries and face the horrors within Orsk.