Estimated read time: 12 min read
Table of Contents
- List of Characters in "Lockwood & Co.: The Empty Grave"
- Role Identification
- Character Descriptions and Traits
- Character Arcs Table
- Character Relationships
- In-Depth Character Studies
- Themes Reflected in Character Arcs
- Character Dynamics and Conflict
- Character Impact on Plot
- Final Character Dynamics Table
- Conclusion
List of Characters in "Lockwood & Co.: The Empty Grave"
| Character Name | Role | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lucy Carlyle | Protagonist | Skilled Listener, narrator, sensitive to ghosts |
| Anthony Lockwood | Protagonist | Head of Lockwood & Co., charismatic, secretive |
| George Cubbins | Main Support | Researcher, intelligent, eccentric |
| Holly Munro | Team Member | Organized, resourceful, sensitive |
| Quill Kipps | Rival/Ally | DEPRAC agent, formerly competitor |
| Flo Bones | Informant | Gutter-runner, streetwise, resourceful |
| Penelope Fittes | Antagonist | Head of Fittes Agency, ambitious, manipulative |
| Marissa Fittes | Antagonist/Legend | Founder of Fittes Agency, enigmatic, ghostly |
| Barnes | DEPRAC Inspector | Law enforcement, skeptical, fair |
| Skull (in a jar) | Supernatural Ally | Type Three ghost, sarcastic, knowledgeable |
Role Identification
Main Characters
- Lucy Carlyle: Central voice and emotional core. Drives much of the investigation.
- Anthony Lockwood: Leader, face of the agency, sets the pace and tone.
- George Cubbins: Research and strategy, uncovers crucial information.
Supporting Characters
- Holly Munro: Brings order and balance.
- Quill Kipps: Once a rival, now an uneasy ally.
- Flo Bones: Provides street intelligence and practical help.
Antagonists
- Penelope Fittes: Human adversary, manipulates events against Lockwood & Co.
- Marissa Fittes: Legendary ghost, central to the book’s mystery.
Others
- Barnes: Represents official authority.
- Skull: Offers supernatural insight, comic relief.
Character Descriptions and Traits
Lucy Carlyle
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Brave | Faces powerful ghosts, breaks into grave sites |
| Empathetic | Connects with ghosts, feels their pain |
| Loyal | Protects and supports her friends |
| Reflective | Narrates with honesty, doubts, and insights |
| Sensitive | Talented Listener, senses emotions |
Lucy’s sensitivity allows her to interact with ghosts more deeply than others. She is brave but also self-doubting, often questioning her place in the team. Her empathy for the dead sets her apart and drives much of the plot.
Background
Lucy’s past involves the trauma of her mother’s betrayal and the loss of her agency’s team. These experiences fuel her caution and loyalty.
Arc
She grows from a hesitant outsider to a confident, integral team member. By the end, she owns her unique abilities and makes peace with her role.
Anthony Lockwood
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Charismatic | Inspires confidence, leads the group |
| Secretive | Hides personal pain and motivations |
| Daring | Takes risks others avoid |
| Intelligent | Spots patterns others miss, plans complex operations |
| Driven | Obsessed with solving the case |
Lockwood’s charm masks deep trauma. He often takes reckless actions but is always focused on the team’s mission.
Background
Lockwood’s family tragedy (the loss of his sister and parents) shapes his determination. His secretive nature stems from guilt and a desire to protect his friends from similar pain.
Arc
He learns to trust his team, sharing more of himself. Lockwood’s leadership matures, and he accepts help, especially from Lucy.
George Cubbins
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Eccentric | Odd habits, unconventional research methods |
| Brilliant | Solves mysteries, finds obscure information |
| Loyal | Defends his friends fiercely |
| Stubborn | Insists on his theories |
| Courageous | Faces danger, even when terrified |
George’s research skills are crucial. He is often the first to spot connections and inconsistencies.
Background
George was a Fittes Agency reject, which fuels his drive to prove himself. His loyalty to Lockwood & Co. is unwavering.
Arc
He moves from comic relief to a respected strategist. His insights often save the team.
Holly Munro
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Organized | Keeps the team focused and efficient |
| Caring | Looks after the group’s well-being |
| Sensitive | Skilled Listener, senses ghost presence |
| Diplomatic | Mediates conflicts, soothes tempers |
| Resourceful | Handles unexpected challenges |
Holly often runs logistics, but her ghost-sensing skills contribute during confrontations.
Background
Holly joined after Lucy’s departure. She struggled to fit in but has become essential.
Arc
She finds acceptance and respect. Holly’s practical skills and empathy become vital.
Quill Kipps
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Competent | Skilled agent, formerly Lockwood’s rival |
| Grudgingly Fair | Acknowledges Lockwood & Co.'s achievements |
| Sarcastic | Wry humor, often at the team’s expense |
| Practical | Focuses on results, not glory |
Initially dismissive, Kipps eventually aids the team, moving from adversary to ally.
Background
Kipps leads his own team at DEPRAC, feeling pressure to outperform Lockwood & Co.
Arc
He learns respect for his rivals, collaborating for a common goal.
Flo Bones
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Street-smart | Navigates London’s underbelly |
| Loyal | Risks herself for Lockwood’s team |
| Resourceful | Finds hidden information |
Flo’s knowledge of the streets and contacts are invaluable.
Background
Flo is a gutter-runner, surviving on wit and connections.
Arc
She becomes more invested in the team’s cause, risking her safety for them.
Penelope Fittes
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Powerful | Controls the Fittes Agency, influences DEPRAC |
| Manipulative | Orchestrates events from behind the scenes |
| Ruthless | Sacrifices others for her goals |
| Ambitious | Seeks to dominate the ghost-hunting industry |
Penelope’s desire for control drives much of the conflict.
Background
As Marissa Fittes’s descendant, Penelope wields immense power.
Arc
Her machinations are finally exposed, undermining her legacy.
Marissa Fittes
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Enigmatic | Shrouded in legend, both revered and feared |
| Powerful | The greatest ghost-hunter of her age |
| Deceptive | Her true fate and identity are central mysteries |
| Intimidating | Commands awe, even in death |
Marissa’s ghostly presence haunts the narrative.
Background
Founder of the Fittes Agency, her methods and end are shrouded in mystery.
Arc
Her secrets unravel, shaking the foundations of the ghost-hunting world.
Barnes
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Skeptical | Questions Lockwood & Co.’s actions |
| Lawful | Adheres to DEPRAC protocol |
| Fair-minded | Listens to reason, even from kids |
Barnes represents adult authority, often skeptical but ultimately fair.
Background
Longtime inspector at DEPRAC, experienced in supernatural crises.
Arc
Moves from obstructionist to reluctant supporter.
Skull (in a jar)
| Trait | Evidence in Story |
|---|---|
| Sarcastic | Mocks Lucy and others |
| Knowledgeable | Offers unique insights into the Problem |
| Unpredictable | Helps, but only on his own terms |
The Skull provides supernatural perspective and comic relief.
Background
A rare Type Three ghost, once a powerful psychic when alive.
Arc
Gradually helps Lucy more directly, forming a strange bond.
Character Arcs Table
| Character | Starting Point | Key Challenges | Ending Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucy Carlyle | Outsider, self-doubting | Facing Marissa Fittes, trusting others | Confident, central to the team |
| Anthony Lockwood | Secretive, reckless leader | Accepting help, sharing vulnerabilities | More open, collaborative leader |
| George Cubbins | Comic relief, overlooked researcher | Proving his theories, facing danger | Respected strategist, integral to solutions |
| Holly Munro | Newcomer, insecure | Gaining trust, showing her worth | Valued, trusted by others |
| Quill Kipps | Rival agent, antagonistic | Working with Lockwood & Co. | Cooperative, respectful ally |
| Flo Bones | Detached informant | Risking safety for the team | Invested ally, team supporter |
| Penelope Fittes | Unassailable authority | Secrets threatened, exposure | Discredited, power challenged |
| Marissa Fittes | Legendary founder, mystery | Confronted by truth, legacy questioned | Exposed, legend upended |
| Barnes | Skeptical official | Evidence of conspiracy | Supportive, acknowledges team’s value |
| Skull | Untrustworthy source | Assisting Lucy, revealing information | Ally with unique connection to Lucy |
Character Relationships
Main Relationships Table
| Character A | Character B | Relationship Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucy Carlyle | Anthony Lockwood | Partnership/Friendship | Deep trust, unspoken affection, mutual reliance |
| Lucy Carlyle | George Cubbins | Friendship | Teasing, mutual respect, team support |
| Lucy Carlyle | Holly Munro | Friendship | Initial jealousy, grows to respect and camaraderie |
| Lucy Carlyle | Skull | Supernatural Ally | Banter, reluctant help, growing trust |
| Anthony Lockwood | George Cubbins | Friendship | Lockwood relies on George’s research |
| Anthony Lockwood | Holly Munro | Teammates | Lockwood appreciates Holly’s orderliness |
| George Cubbins | Holly Munro | Teammates | Initially distant, but become close through shared danger |
| Lockwood & Co. | Quill Kipps | Rivals/Allies | Competitive, but join forces against bigger threats |
| Lockwood & Co. | Flo Bones | Informant/Ally | Flo provides street intelligence, becomes emotionally invested |
| Lockwood & Co. | Penelope Fittes | Antagonists | Penelope seeks to destroy the team |
| Penelope Fittes | Marissa Fittes | Descendant/Ancestor | Penelope’s power derives from Marissa’s legacy |
| Lockwood & Co. | Barnes | Youths/Authority | Tense, but Barnes grows to respect the team’s abilities |
| Lucy Carlyle | Marissa Fittes | Protagonist/Antagonist | Lucy uncovers the truth behind Marissa’s legend |
Relationship Developments
- Lucy and Lockwood: Their bond deepens, built on shared danger and emotional honesty. They move from leader and subordinate to equals.
- Lucy and George: Their friendly banter shifts to mutual reliance. George’s insights save Lucy multiple times.
- Lucy and Holly: Jealousy fades as they recognize each other’s strengths.
- Lockwood and Kipps: Former rivals. They begrudgingly acknowledge each other’s skills and unite against Penelope.
- Lucy and Skull: Initially a tool, Skull becomes a confidant, offering insight and even risking himself to help her.
- Team and Flo Bones: Flo moves from detached informant to trusted member. Her risks for the team show deepening loyalty.
In-Depth Character Studies
Lucy Carlyle
Lucy is the soul of the narrative. Her ability to Listen allows her to interact with the supernatural more profoundly than her peers. This skill, combined with her empathy, makes her the team’s heart. She is plagued by self-doubt, stemming from her traumatic past, but she overcomes her fears through loyalty to her friends and commitment to uncovering the truth. Lucy’s arc is about personal growth, learning to trust herself and others, and accepting her place in the world.
Anthony Lockwood
Lockwood’s charisma and recklessness conceal deep wounds. His tragic family history haunts him, driving his relentless pursuit of answers. Throughout the story, he learns to accept help and let others in, especially Lucy. Lockwood’s journey is one of self-acceptance and transformation from a lone wolf to a true leader who trusts his team.
George Cubbins
George’s encyclopedic knowledge and research skills are often underestimated. His arc revolves around gaining respect and confidence. He is the team’s unsung hero, providing the clues and context needed to solve mysteries. His loyalty and courage come to the fore in "The Empty Grave," proving his worth beyond measure.
Holly Munro
Holly begins as an outsider, facing skepticism from the original team members. Her diligence, organization, and sensitivity eventually win everyone over. Holly becomes the team’s stabilizing force, handling logistics and emotional support. Her arc is about finding acceptance and proving her value.
Penelope and Marissa Fittes
Penelope Fittes epitomizes the corrupting influence of power. She manipulates events to maintain her control, but her downfall is inevitable as secrets come to light. Marissa Fittes’s legacy is deconstructed, revealing the dangers of unchecked ambition and mythmaking. Both characters serve as warnings about the costs of secrecy and deception.
Themes Reflected in Character Arcs
| Theme | How Characters Reflect Theme |
|---|---|
| Trust | Lucy and Lockwood must trust each other to succeed |
| Teamwork | Each member’s skills are essential to solving the mystery |
| Sacrifice | Flo, George, and others risk themselves for the greater good |
| Truth vs. Legend | Marissa and Penelope’s exposure challenges accepted truths |
| Growth | All main characters evolve, overcoming personal limitations |
Character Dynamics and Conflict
Conflict arises from both internal and external sources. Lucy’s doubts, Lockwood’s secrecy, George’s need for recognition, and Holly’s quest for acceptance create rich interpersonal drama. Penelope Fittes and Marissa Fittes provide external pressure, forcing the team to unite and confront powerful foes. Each character’s arc dovetails with the central mystery, ensuring that every victory or setback is both personal and plot-driven.
Character Impact on Plot
- Lucy’s Listening uncovers critical ghostly clues.
- Lockwood’s daring leads the team into (and out of) danger.
- George’s research reveals the truth behind Marissa Fittes.
- Holly’s organization keeps the group operational under pressure.
- Flo’s street skills facilitate crucial breakthroughs.
- Kipps’s cooperation enables a united front against Penelope.
- The Skull provides supernatural insight at key moments.
- Penelope’s schemes drive the central conflict.
- Marissa’s true identity is the ultimate revelation.
Final Character Dynamics Table
| Character | Key Relationships | Major Turning Point | Contribution to Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucy Carlyle | Lockwood, George, Holly, Skull | Facing Marissa Fittes in the grave | Uncovers the truth, saves the team |
| Anthony Lockwood | Lucy, George, Holly, Kipps | Admitting vulnerability, trusting Lucy | Leads final confrontation |
| George Cubbins | Lucy, Lockwood, Holly | Proving research correct about Fittes agency | Provides evidence, supports plan |
| Holly Munro | Lucy, Lockwood, George | Organizing the escape from Fittes headquarters | Keeps team together |
| Quill Kipps | Lockwood, team | Cooperating with rivals to defeat Penelope | Provides DEPRAC support |
| Flo Bones | Lockwood, team | Risking her life in the graveyard | Supplies critical information |
| Penelope Fittes | Marissa, Lockwood & Co. | Exposure of her conspiracy | Drives the conflict |
| Marissa Fittes | Penelope, Lucy | Her true fate revealed in the empty grave | Central mystery, thematic payoff |
| Barnes | Lockwood & Co. | Believing the team’s evidence | Enables DEPRAC intervention |
| Skull | Lucy | Helping during confrontation with Marissa Fittes | Provides key supernatural insight |
Conclusion
"Lockwood & Co.: The Empty Grave" is defined by its vibrant, complex characters. Each individual brings unique strengths and weaknesses, shaping the story’s suspense and resolution. The interplay of trust, sacrifice, and revelation ensures that the characters’ personal journeys are inseparable from the novel’s thrilling ghostly mysteries. Together, their arcs create a satisfying, emotionally resonant conclusion to Jonathan Stroud’s acclaimed series.