List of Characters

Role Identification

Henry Drummond

Henry Drummond is the defense attorney representing Bertram Cates, a young teacher on trial for teaching evolution in a small town. He is a renowned and respected lawyer known for his intellect and wit.

Matthew Harrison Brady

Matthew Harrison Brady is the prosecuting attorney in the trial against Cates. A former presidential candidate, Brady is a celebrated figure who represents the conservative Christian ideology prevalent in the town.

Bertram Cates

Bertram Cates is a high school teacher who is charged with violating a state law by teaching the theory of evolution in his classroom.

E.K. Hornbeck

E.K. Hornbeck is a cynical and sharp-tongued newspaper reporter who comes to the town to cover the trial. He is critical of the town's narrow-mindedness and is a vocal advocate for free speech and intellectual freedom.

Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown is Bertram Cates' girlfriend and the daughter of Reverend Jeremiah Brown. She undergoes a personal transformation as the trial unfolds, torn between her love for Cates and her loyalty to her father and religious beliefs.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown

Reverend Jeremiah Brown is a fervent preacher and a prominent figure in the town. He is a staunch advocate against the teaching of evolution and is deeply opposed to his daughter's relationship with Cates.

Character Descriptions

Henry Drummond

Henry Drummond is a seasoned and eloquent attorney. He is depicted as a rational and open-minded individual who is dedicated to defending freedom of thought and expression.

Matthew Harrison Brady

Matthew Harrison Brady is a charismatic and influential figure, known for his oratory skills and strong convictions. However, his unwavering adherence to traditional beliefs and his desire for public adulation lead to his downfall during the trial.

Bertram Cates

Bertram Cates is portrayed as a principled and courageous young teacher who is willing to challenge the status quo for the sake of academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge.

E.K. Hornbeck

E.K. Hornbeck is characterized as a sharp-witted and cynical journalist who provides scathing commentary on the town's close-mindedness and the trial proceedings. He serves as a voice of reason and skepticism.

Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown initially embodies the values of her conservative upbringing but undergoes a transformation as she grapples with conflicting loyalties to her father, her boyfriend, and her own beliefs.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown

Reverend Jeremiah Brown is depicted as a zealous and authoritarian figure who adamantly opposes any challenge to the traditional religious teachings and fervently protects the town's conservative values.

Character Traits

Henry Drummond

• Intellectual
• Witty
• Open-minded
• Rational
• Charismatic

Matthew Harrison Brady

• Charismatic
• Egotistical
• Authoritative
• Traditional
• Oratorical

Bertram Cates

• Courageous
• Principled
• Idealistic
• Determined
• Rational

E.K. Hornbeck

• Cynical
• Sharp-tongued
• Skeptical
• Observant
• Independent

Rachel Brown

• Conflicted
• Loyal
• Compassionate
• Independent
• Evolving

Reverend Jeremiah Brown

• Authoritarian
• Zealous
• Traditional
• Dogmatic
• Protective

Character Background

Henry Drummond

Henry Drummond is an experienced and highly-regarded lawyer known for taking on controversial cases. His reputation as a defender of intellectual freedom precedes him, and he is sought after for his ability to challenge societal norms through his legal expertise.

Matthew Harrison Brady

Matthew Harrison Brady is a prominent political figure with a background in law and a history of championing conservative values. His involvement in the trial reflects his desire to maintain the status quo and uphold traditional religious beliefs.

Bertram Cates

Bertram Cates is a young teacher who, inspired by scientific progress and intellectual curiosity, decides to teach the theory of evolution despite knowing the potential consequences in the conservative town.

E.K. Hornbeck

E.K. Hornbeck is a seasoned newspaper reporter known for his critical and often controversial commentary. His background in journalism has shaped his skeptical and independent approach to covering events and issues.

Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown has grown up in a conservative, religious environment, deeply influenced by her father's teachings and the expectations of the community. Her relationship with Cates forces her to confront her beliefs and values.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown

Reverend Jeremiah Brown has been a leading figure in the town for years, using his position to uphold traditional religious values and oppose any challenges to his authority or the established beliefs of the community.

Character Arcs

Henry Drummond

Throughout the trial, Henry Drummond's character arc revolves around his unwavering commitment to defending intellectual freedom and challenging the status quo. His interactions with the townspeople and his legal strategies reveal his evolution as a character.

Matthew Harrison Brady

Matthew Harrison Brady experiences a significant character arc as he transitions from a revered, confident figure to a humbled and broken man. His arc reflects the consequences of rigid adherence to traditional beliefs and the inability to adapt to changing times.

Bertram Cates

Bertram Cates undergoes a profound character arc as he transforms from a young teacher passionate about scientific knowledge to a symbol of resistance against societal oppression. His experiences during the trial shape his understanding of freedom and courage.

E.K. Hornbeck

E.K. Hornbeck's character arc is characterized by his growing disillusionment with the town's narrow-mindedness and his increasing determination to expose the injustices and hypocrisies he witnesses during the trial.

Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown experiences a compelling character arc as she confronts the conflicts between her love for Cates, her loyalty to her father, and her own evolving beliefs. Her journey reflects the internal struggle of breaking free from societal constraints.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown

Reverend Jeremiah Brown's character arc is marked by his unyielding commitment to traditional values and his refusal to accept any dissent. His arc culminates in a confrontation with the consequences of his rigid beliefs.

Relationships

The characters in "Inherit the Wind" play pivotal roles in the exploration of fundamental themes such as freedom of thought, the conflict between tradition and progress, and the complexities of personal conviction. Each character's distinct traits, backgrounds, and relationships contribute to the rich tapestry of the story and the thought-provoking commentary it offers on societal values and individual beliefs.