"Never Trust a Dead Man" Characters Analysis

Introduction

In the thrilling novel "Never Trust a Dead Man" by Vivian Vande Velde, a gripping tale unfolds with a cast of intriguing characters. From the cunning and mysterious main protagonist to the supporting characters who add depth to the story, each individual plays a crucial role in the narrative. This character analysis delves into the key personalities, their roles, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships, offering a comprehensive understanding of the book's ensemble.

List of Characters

Role Identification

Selwyn

Selwyn, the main protagonist, takes on the role of a young con artist. He is cunning, quick-witted, and often finds himself in dangerous situations due to his deceptive nature. Selwyn's expertise lies in manipulating others and pulling off elaborate schemes.

Marguerite

Marguerite serves as Selwyn's accomplice, working alongside him in their cons. She is resourceful, intelligent, and skilled at playing various roles during their schemes. Marguerite's quick thinking and ability to adapt make her an invaluable partner to Selwyn.

Mr. Devore

Mr. Devore is an eccentric millionaire and the primary target of Selwyn and Marguerite's con. He is portrayed as wealthy and gullible, making him the perfect mark for their schemes. Mr. Devore's naivety and desire for adventure make him susceptible to their manipulations.

Mrs. Devore

Mrs. Devore, the wife of Mr. Devore, plays a minor role in the story. She is portrayed as a more skeptical and astute individual compared to her husband. Her presence adds complexity to the dynamics between the characters.

Detective Galbraith

Detective Galbraith is the investigator assigned to the case involving Selwyn and Marguerite's cons. He is a skilled detective, known for his thoroughness and dedication to solving crimes. Detective Galbraith serves as the main antagonist to Selwyn, constantly pursuing him with relentless determination.

Sergeant Rawlins

Sergeant Rawlins is Detective Galbraith's partner, assisting him in the investigation. Although not as prominent as Galbraith, Rawlins provides support and contributes to the unfolding events within the story.

Character Descriptions

Selwyn

Selwyn is a young con artist with a charming demeanor and a knack for deception. He possesses a confident and calculated aura, which allows him to manipulate others effortlessly. With his striking green eyes and a mischievous smile, Selwyn exudes an air of mystery that draws people in.

Marguerite

Marguerite is a striking brunette with a sharp intellect and an alluring presence. She has a talent for adapting to various personas, making her an excellent partner in Selwyn's cons. Marguerite's expressive blue eyes and graceful movements make her an unforgettable character.

Mr. Devore

Mr. Devore is an older man with a thick white mustache and an eccentric fashion sense. He often dresses in vibrant colors and eccentric patterns, reflecting his adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace the unusual. Mr. Devore's wide-eyed wonder and childlike enthusiasm contribute to his vulnerability as a target.

Mrs. Devore

Mrs. Devore is portrayed as an elegant and perceptive woman. Her refined appearance, characterized by her perfectly coiffed gray hair and tasteful attire, reflects her discerning nature. Mrs. Devore's piercing gaze and sharp wit hint at her ability to see through deception.

Detective Galbraith

Detective Galbraith is a middle-aged man with a stern expression and a no-nonsense attitude. He is often seen wearing a rumpled suit, which adds to his hard-boiled detective persona. Galbraith's piercing eyes and relentless determination make him a formidable adversary for Selwyn.

Sergeant Rawlins

Sergeant Rawlins is a reliable and loyal partner to Detective Galbraith. He is described as a tall, broad-shouldered man with a calm and collected demeanor. Rawlins' observant nature and keen attention to detail make him an asset to the investigative team.

Character Traits

Selwyn

• Cunning
• Deceptive
• Charming
• Quick-witted
• Manipulative

Marguerite

• Resourceful
• Intelligent
• Adaptable
• Quick-thinking
• Skilled actress

Mr. Devore

• Eccentric
• Wealthy
• Gullible
• Adventurous
• Naive

Mrs. Devore

• Elegant
• Perceptive
• Discerning
• Sharp-witted
• Observant

Detective Galbraith

• Stern
• Determined
• Thorough
• Experienced
• Relentless

Sergeant Rawlins

• Reliable
• Loyal
• Observant
• Diligent
• Calm

Character Background

Selwyn

Selwyn's background is shrouded in mystery, with little information provided about his past. It is suggested that he has been involved in cons from a young age, honing his skills and becoming an expert in manipulation. Selwyn's murky past serves as a catalyst for his present actions.

Marguerite

Like Selwyn, Marguerite's background is not extensively explored. However, her ability to seamlessly adapt to different roles suggests a background in acting or performance arts. Marguerite's past remains enigmatic, leaving readers to speculate on her origins.

Mr. Devore

Mr. Devore's background is primarily defined by his eccentricities and his wealth. Although the specifics of his past are not explored, it is implied that he has led a privileged life, allowing him to indulge in his adventurous pursuits and become an easy target for Selwyn and Marguerite.

Mrs. Devore

Similar to her husband, Mrs. Devore's background is not explored in great detail. However, her discerning nature and perceptive insights suggest a well-rounded and sophisticated upbringing.

Detective Galbraith

Detective Galbraith's background is characterized by his extensive experience in law enforcement. He is portrayed as a seasoned detective, having solved numerous cases throughout his career. Galbraith's background in the police force contributes to his relentless pursuit of Selwyn and Marguerite.

Sergeant Rawlins

Sergeant Rawlins' background is not explicitly explored in the book. However, his loyalty to Detective Galbraith and his competence as a detective suggest a similar background in law enforcement. Rawlins' steadfast support of Galbraith indicates a long-standing partnership and shared experiences.

Character Arcs

Selwyn

Throughout the story, Selwyn undergoes a significant character arc. Initially driven solely by personal gain, he gradually develops a moral conscience as he forms a genuine connection with Mr. Devore. Selwyn's arc involves a transformation from a self-serving con artist to a more empathetic individual who questions his actions and ultimately makes a noble sacrifice.

Marguerite

Marguerite's character arc is closely intertwined with Selwyn's. As his accomplice, she initially shares his motivations and objectives. However, as the story progresses, Marguerite's loyalty to Selwyn is tested, forcing her to confront her own moral compass. Her arc involves a journey of self-discovery and a reevaluation of her choices and alliances.

Mr. Devore

While Mr. Devore does not undergo a significant character arc, his interactions with Selwyn and Marguerite challenge his beliefs and perceptions. Through his experiences with them, Mr. Devore learns valuable lessons about trust, adventure, and the consequences of his actions.

Detective Galbraith

Detective Galbraith's character arc is primarily defined by his relentless pursuit of Selwyn. Throughout the story, Galbraith's determination intensifies as he becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing the young con artist. His arc showcases the limits of his dedication and the lengths he will go to achieve his goal.

Sergeant Rawlins

As a supporting character, Sergeant Rawlins does not have a substantial character arc. However, his unwavering loyalty to Detective Galbraith remains a constant throughout the story, demonstrating his steadfastness and commitment.

Relationships

Selwyn and Marguerite

Selwyn and Marguerite share a complex and multifaceted relationship. As partners in crime, they rely on each other's skills and trust. Their relationship evolves from a strictly professional partnership to a deeper connection as they face challenges and make life-altering decisions together.

Selwyn and Mr. Devore

Selwyn's relationship with Mr. Devore is initially one of deception and exploitation. However, as the story progresses, a genuine bond forms between the two characters. Selwyn's interactions with Mr. Devore challenge his perception of trust and influence his character arc.

Detective Galbraith and Selwyn

Detective Galbraith and Selwyn have a contentious relationship throughout the book. Galbraith's relentless pursuit of Selwyn creates a cat-and-mouse dynamic, with each character attempting to outsmart the other. Their relationship is characterized by tension, conflict, and a mutual desire for control.

Detective Galbraith and Sergeant Rawlins

Detective Galbraith and Sergeant Rawlins share a professional relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Rawlins provides support to Galbraith in his investigations, offering a reliable and dependable partnership.

Conclusion

In "Never Trust a Dead Man" by Vivian Vande Velde, each character plays a vital role in driving the narrative forward. From Selwyn and Marguerite's intricate cons to Mr. Devore's vulnerability and Detective Galbraith's relentless pursuit, these characters create a captivating story filled with tension and intrigue. Through their distinct backgrounds, character traits, and relationships, readers are immersed in a world where trust is constantly tested, and where the line between deception and genuine connection becomes blurred.