"Something Upstairs" Characters Analysis

Table of Contents

• List of Characters
• Role Identification
• Character Descriptions
• Character Traits
• Character Background
• Character Arcs
• Relationships

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Something Upstairs," Kenny Huldorf serves as the protagonist, while Caleb, a ghost, acts as a key character. Dr. Cooper, a secondary character, plays the role of the antagonist. Kenny's family members, including his mother, father, and sister Sarah, also contribute to the story.

Character Descriptions

• Kenny Huldorf: Kenny is a young boy who moves into an old house in Providence, Rhode Island. He is described as curious, intelligent, and brave. Kenny is determined to uncover the mysteries surrounding the house, leading to his encounters with the ghost, Caleb.
• Caleb: Caleb is a ghost trapped in the house where Kenny now resides. He was a slave in the 18th century and suffered a tragic death at the hands of his master. Caleb appears as a shadowy figure and initially frightens Kenny. However, as the story progresses, Kenny develops a bond with Caleb and learns about his past.
• Dr. Cooper: Dr. Cooper is a history teacher at Kenny's school. He possesses a dark secret and acts as the primary antagonist in the story. Driven by a desire for power and immortality, he tries to manipulate Kenny and Caleb.
• Mrs. Huldorf: Kenny's mother is a supportive and caring figure. She encourages Kenny's curiosity and helps him settle into their new home. Mrs. Huldorf plays a minor role in the overall plot but provides emotional support to Kenny.
• Mr. Huldorf: Kenny's father is a busy lawyer who is often away from home due to work commitments. Although he has limited involvement in the story, he plays a key role in supporting Kenny and his family.
• Sarah: Sarah is Kenny's younger sister. While she does not have a significant role in the story, she adds depth to Kenny's family dynamics and provides moments of sibling interaction.

Character Traits

• Kenny Huldorf: Kenny is curious, intelligent, brave, and determined. He possesses a strong sense of justice and is willing to confront his fears to uncover the truth.
• Caleb: Caleb is mysterious, wise, and resilient. Despite his tragic past, he remains compassionate and protective towards Kenny. Caleb's experiences as a slave shape his character, emphasizing his strength and perseverance.
• Dr. Cooper: Dr. Cooper is manipulative, power-hungry, and deceitful. He is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals, even if it means harming others.
• Mrs. Huldorf: Mrs. Huldorf is nurturing, supportive, and understanding. She provides emotional support to Kenny and encourages his curiosity.
• Mr. Huldorf: Mr. Huldorf is hardworking, responsible, and caring. Although his presence is limited, he supports Kenny and his family both emotionally and financially.
• Sarah: Sarah is playful, innocent, and loving. She adds a sense of family dynamics and sibling affection to the story.

Character Background

• Kenny Huldorf: Kenny comes from a loving family and has recently moved to Providence, Rhode Island. He is curious about history, which leads him to uncover the secrets of his new house. Kenny's background is relatively ordinary, allowing readers to relate to his experiences.
• Caleb: Caleb's background is rooted in the 18th century when he was a slave in Rhode Island. He suffered a tragic death at the hands of his master and is now trapped as a ghost in the house where Kenny lives. Caleb's background highlights the historical context of slavery and the injustices faced by enslaved individuals.
• Dr. Cooper: Dr. Cooper is a history teacher with a dark secret. His background is revealed gradually throughout the story, showcasing his desire for power and immortality.
• Mrs. Huldorf: Mrs. Huldorf's background is not extensively explored in the book. However, she is portrayed as a caring and supportive mother.
• Mr. Huldorf: Mr. Huldorf is a hardworking lawyer who provides for his family. His background is not the focus of the story but helps establish the family's stability.
• Sarah: Sarah's background is that of a typical younger sister. She adds a sense of innocence and sibling dynamics to the story.

Character Arcs

• Kenny Huldorf: Kenny undergoes significant growth throughout the story. Initially frightened by the ghostly presence of Caleb, Kenny gradually forms a bond with him. He learns about Caleb's tragic past and helps him find closure. Kenny's curiosity and bravery lead him to confront Dr. Cooper, ultimately saving himself and Caleb from the antagonist's clutches.
• Caleb: Caleb's character arc centers around finding peace and closure. Trapped in the house for centuries, Caleb forms a connection with Kenny, allowing him to share his story and seek justice for the wrongs committed against him. Through his interactions with Kenny, Caleb finds solace and a sense of purpose.
• Dr. Cooper: Dr. Cooper's character arc revolves around his quest for power and immortality. Initially portrayed as a respected history teacher, his true intentions are gradually revealed. Driven by his desire to harness the power of the house and its historical significance, Dr. Cooper becomes increasingly antagonistic and ultimately faces the consequences of his actions.

Relationships

• Kenny and Caleb: Kenny forms a unique bond with Caleb, the ghost trapped in his house. Initially frightened, Kenny overcomes his fear and becomes determined to help Caleb find peace. Their relationship evolves from one of fear and uncertainty to trust and friendship.
• Kenny and Dr. Cooper: Kenny's relationship with Dr. Cooper is one of conflict and manipulation. Dr. Cooper tries to exploit Kenny's curiosity to further his own agenda. Kenny's bravery and intelligence allow him to see through Dr. Cooper's deceit and confront him.
• Kenny and his Family: Kenny's relationship with his family, including his mother, father, and sister Sarah, provides a sense of love and support. Although their involvement in the main plot is limited, their presence adds depth to Kenny's character and reinforces the importance of family bonds.

In conclusion, "Something Upstairs" by Avi features a diverse range of characters with distinct roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships. Kenny's growth, Caleb's search for peace, and Dr. Cooper's antagonistic actions shape the narrative, providing a captivating exploration of history, friendship, and bravery.