"Kraken" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Kraken" by China Miéville, Billy Harrow serves as the protagonist and the central character driving the plot. Dane Parnell, on the other hand, takes on the role of the antagonist and serves as the leader of a dangerous cult. Other characters such as Goss and Subby, Wati, Marge, Leon, Collingswood, Grisamentum, The Tattoo, and The Tattoo Thief play significant roles in the story, each contributing to the overall narrative.

Character Descriptions

Billy Harrow

Billy Harrow is a museum curator specializing in cephalopods. He is described as a mild-mannered and intelligent individual with a deep passion for his work. Billy is portrayed as an ordinary person who finds himself thrust into extraordinary circumstances when the giant squid known as Grisamentum is mysteriously stolen from the museum. Throughout the story, he becomes more resilient and resourceful as he navigates the strange and dangerous world he is thrown into.

Dane Parnell

Dane Parnell is the leader of a cult known as the Church of the Kraken Almighty. He is depicted as a charismatic and manipulative individual who possesses a deep obsession with the supernatural. Parnell's character is shrouded in mystery and his true intentions and motivations are gradually revealed as the story unfolds. He becomes the primary antagonist, constantly posing a threat to Billy and the other characters.

Goss and Subby

Goss and Subby are twins and loyal henchmen of Dane Parnell. They are portrayed as enigmatic and dangerous individuals who possess supernatural abilities. Goss is distinguished by his sharp wit and cunning, while Subby is more physically imposing and possesses immense strength. Together, they serve as Parnell's right-hand men, carrying out his orders and enforcing his will.

Wati

Wati is an ancient Egyptian god who takes the form of a statue in the British Museum. He is awakened by the theft of Grisamentum and becomes instrumental in guiding Billy through the hidden supernatural realms of London. Wati is characterized by his wisdom and ancient knowledge, acting as both a mentor and a protector to Billy.

Marge

Marge is Billy's co-worker and friend at the museum. She is depicted as a quirky and resourceful individual who provides support and assistance to Billy throughout his journey. Marge's character adds a touch of humor to the story, providing moments of levity amidst the intense and dark plot.

Leon and Collingswood

Leon and Collingswood are police officers who become involved in the investigation surrounding the theft of Grisamentum. Leon is portrayed as a seasoned detective with a pragmatic approach, while Collingswood is a passionate and ambitious officer determined to uncover the truth. Their characters add an element of law enforcement and crime-solving to the narrative.

Grisamentum

Grisamentum is a gigantic squid and a central element of the story. Although not possessing a voice or consciousness, the presence of Grisamentum drives the plot forward as its disappearance sets off a chain of events that uncover the hidden supernatural world of London. The squid's character is largely symbolic, representing the unknown and mysterious forces at play in the narrative.

The Tattoo

The Tattoo is a sentient tattoo that comes to life on Billy's skin. It acts as a guide and protector, offering insight and assistance throughout his journey. The Tattoo's character is unique and serves as a mystical and supernatural element in the story.

The Tattoo Thief

The Tattoo Thief is a mysterious character who is responsible for stealing Grisamentum and triggering the events of the novel. Their identity and motivations remain unknown for much of the story, adding an element of suspense and intrigue.

Character Traits

Billy Harrow

• Intelligent
• Curious
• Mild-mannered
• Resourceful
• Determined

Dane Parnell

• Charismatic
• Manipulative
• Obsessive
• Ruthless
• Mysterious

Goss and Subby

• Enigmatic
• Loyal
• Supernatural abilities
• Cunning (Goss)
• Physically imposing (Subby)

Wati

• Wise
• Ancient knowledge
• Mentor-like figure
• Protective
• Spiritual

Marge

• Quirky
• Resourceful
• Supportive
• Humorous
• Trustworthy

Leon and Collingswood

• Leon:
  • Seasoned detective
  • Pragmatic
  • Experienced
  • Observant
  • Analytical
• Collingswood:
  • Ambitious
  • Passionate
  • Determined
  • Idealistic
  • Tenacious

Grisamentum

• Symbolic of the unknown
• Mysterious
• Majestic
• Central to the plot

The Tattoo

• Sentient
• Guide and protector
• Mysterious
• Supernatural

The Tattoo Thief

• Mysterious
• Stealthy
• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Motivations unknown

Character Background

Billy Harrow

Billy Harrow is an ordinary human being with a love for marine biology and cephalopods. He has dedicated his life to studying and preserving these creatures, working as a curator at the British Museum. Billy's background is not extensively explored in the novel, as the focus is primarily on his journey and the events unfolding around him.

Dane Parnell

Dane Parnell's background is shrouded in mystery. He emerges as the enigmatic leader of the Church of the Kraken Almighty, a cult dedicated to the worship of supernatural beings. His motivations and how he came to possess his charismatic and manipulative traits are not explicitly revealed, adding to his mysterious persona.

Goss and Subby

The background of Goss and Subby remains largely unknown. They are depicted as loyal henchmen of Dane Parnell, carrying out his orders with unwavering dedication. Their supernatural abilities and origins are hinted at but not fully explored in the story.

Wati

As an ancient Egyptian god, Wati's background is rooted in mythology. He takes the form of a statue in the British Museum and possesses ancient knowledge and wisdom. Wati's history and the reasons for his presence in the museum are not explicitly explained but are intertwined with the supernatural elements of the story.

Marge

Marge's background is not extensively explored in the novel. She is portrayed as a fellow curator and friend of Billy at the museum. Her quirky personality and resourcefulness suggest a unique perspective and experiences, but these aspects of her background are left to the imagination of the reader.

Leon and Collingswood

The backgrounds of Leon and Collingswood are primarily presented through their roles as police officers. Leon's experience and pragmatic approach suggest years of service, and Collingswood's ambition and determination imply a relatively new officer with a drive to make a difference.

Grisamentum

Grisamentum's background is not explicitly explored in the novel. It is introduced as a giant squid residing in the museum, captivating the public with its presence. The squid's significance lies more in its role as a catalyst for the events of the story rather than its personal background.

The Tattoo

The origin and background of the sentient tattoo on Billy's skin are left largely unexplained. It comes to life and acts as a guide and protector, offering assistance throughout his journey. The tattoo's existence is presented as a mysterious and supernatural occurrence.

The Tattoo Thief

The background and motivations of the Tattoo Thief are not revealed in the novel. The character serves as a catalyst for the plot, stealing Grisamentum and setting off a chain of events. The Thief's background remains a mystery, adding an element of suspense and intrigue to the story.

Character Arcs

Billy Harrow

Billy Harrow undergoes a significant character arc throughout the novel. Initially portrayed as a mild-mannered and somewhat naive curator, he is thrust into a world of danger and supernatural forces. As he navigates this unfamiliar territory, Billy becomes more resilient and resourceful. His growth is highlighted through his ability to adapt to the challenges he faces, ultimately finding the strength to confront and overcome the antagonistic forces threatening him and the world.

Dane Parnell

Dane Parnell's character arc revolves around his obsession with the supernatural and his role as the leader of the Church of the Kraken Almighty. He starts as a charismatic and manipulative figure, but as the story progresses, his obsession consumes him, leading to his downfall. Parnell's arc explores the destructive power of obsession and the consequences it can have on both individuals and those around them.

Goss and Subby

Goss and Subby's character arcs are intertwined with their loyalty to Dane Parnell. They start as enigmatic and dangerous henchmen, but as the story unfolds, their loyalty is tested. Their arc explores the complexities of loyalty and the choices individuals make when faced with conflicting loyalties.

Wati

Wati's character arc revolves around his role as a mentor and protector to Billy. As the story progresses, Wati's wisdom and guidance become essential in navigating the hidden supernatural realms. His arc highlights the importance of ancient knowledge and the guidance of mentors in overcoming challenges.

Marge

Marge's character arc is subtle but serves as a source of support and humor throughout the story. Her arc primarily revolves around her unwavering loyalty and resourcefulness, providing a stable presence amidst the chaos. Marge's character growth lies in her ability to adapt and support Billy through the challenges they face together.

Leon and Collingswood

Leon and Collingswood's character arcs are primarily tied to their roles as police officers investigating the theft of Grisamentum. Their arcs highlight their determination to uncover the truth and bring justice. Leon's arc focuses on his seasoned perspective, while Collingswood's arc explores her ambition and idealism.

Grisamentum

Grisamentum's character arc is symbolic of the unknown and mysterious forces at play in the story. Its disappearance and the subsequent events act as a catalyst, setting off a chain of events that lead to the uncovering of the hidden supernatural world. Grisamentum's arc highlights the transformative power of its absence and its role as a driving force in the narrative.

The Tattoo

The Tattoo's character arc revolves around its role as a guide and protector for Billy. As the story progresses, the Tattoo becomes more integral to Billy's journey, offering insight and assistance. Its arc explores the mystical and supernatural aspects of the story, with the Tattoo's presence growing in significance as the plot unfolds.

The Tattoo Thief

The Tattoo Thief's character arc is largely focused on their role as the catalyst for the events of the novel. Their motivations and background are not revealed, but their arc centers around their stealthy actions and the consequences they face as the story progresses. The Tattoo Thief's arc adds an element of mystery and suspense to the narrative.

Relationships

Billy Harrow and Dane Parnell

The relationship between Billy Harrow and Dane Parnell is one of opposition and conflict. Billy, as the protagonist, becomes the target of Parnell's obsession and manipulation. Their relationship highlights the struggle between good and evil, as Billy tries to outsmart and overcome Parnell's dangerous influence.

Billy Harrow and Wati

The relationship between Billy Harrow and Wati is one of mentorship and guidance. Wati, as an ancient Egyptian god, provides wisdom and support to Billy as he navigates the supernatural realms. Their relationship showcases the importance of guidance and the exchange of knowledge in overcoming challenges.

Billy Harrow and Marge

The relationship between Billy Harrow and Marge is one of friendship and support. Marge serves as a constant source of humor and assistance to Billy throughout his journey. Their relationship adds a touch of camaraderie and warmth to the story.

Billy Harrow and The Tattoo

The relationship between Billy Harrow and The Tattoo is one of symbiosis and guidance. The Tattoo acts as a sentient guide and protector, offering insight and assistance to Billy as he navigates the supernatural world. Their relationship showcases the mystical and supernatural elements of the story.

Leon and Collingswood

The relationship between Leon and Collingswood is one of partnership and shared goals. They work together as police officers investigating the theft of Grisamentum, relying on each other's skills and perspectives. Their relationship highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration in solving crimes.

Goss and Subby

The relationship between Goss and Subby is one of loyalty and partnership. They serve as loyal henchmen to Dane Parnell, carrying out his orders without question. Their relationship showcases the complexities of loyalty and the bond between siblings.

Grisamentum and the Tattoo Thief

The relationship between Grisamentum and the Tattoo Thief is one of theft and consequence. The Thief's actions of stealing Grisamentum set off the events of the novel, leading to the uncovering of the hidden supernatural world. Their relationship highlights the consequences of one's actions and the ripple effects they can have.

In conclusion, "Kraken" by China Miéville presents a diverse cast of characters with unique roles and relationships. The protagonist, Billy Harrow, undergoes a significant character arc as he navigates the supernatural world and confronts the antagonist, Dane Parnell. The relationships between the characters add depth and complexity to the narrative, showcasing themes of loyalty, guidance, and the consequences of one's actions.