"The Body Snatcher" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"The Body Snatcher" by Robert Louis Stevenson features several key characters that play significant roles in the story. Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane serves as the main protagonist, a respected doctor with a dark secret. Fettes, Gray, and Old Joseph are supporting characters who become entangled in MacFarlane's illicit activities. Janet, the innkeeper's daughter, also plays a crucial role in the development of the story.

Character Descriptions

Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane

Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane is a tall, middle-aged man with a stern countenance. He is well-respected in the medical community, known for his expertise in anatomy and surgery. MacFarlane is meticulous in his work, always striving for perfection. However, beneath his respectable facade lies a dark secret – he is involved in the illegal trade of body snatching. MacFarlane's appearance reflects his conflicting nature, as he presents himself as a respectable doctor while engaging in morally questionable activities.

Fettes

Fettes is a former student of Dr. MacFarlane and works as an assistant in his anatomy school. He is a young man with a troubled past, haunted by his involvement in a fatal accident during his student days. Fettes is an essential character who becomes entangled in MacFarlane's body snatching activities, forced to confront his own guilt and fear.

Gray

Gray, another former student of MacFarlane, is depicted as a burly and strong-willed individual. Unlike Fettes, Gray is unburdened by guilt and willingly participates in the body snatching trade. He serves as a foil to Fettes, highlighting the contrasting responses to their involvement in MacFarlane's dark secret.

Old Joseph

Old Joseph is a seasoned grave robber, skilled in the art of body snatching. He is a weathered and mysterious character who introduces Fettes and Gray to the world of illegal corpse procurement. Old Joseph's experience and knowledge of the trade play a vital role in the unfolding events of the story.

Janet

Janet is the daughter of the local innkeeper. She is described as a young woman with a kind and innocent demeanor. Janet becomes romantically involved with Fettes, forming a connection that adds emotional depth to the narrative. Her character brings a sense of humanity to the story, contrasting with the morally ambiguous actions of the other characters.

Character Traits

Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane

• Meticulous: MacFarlane pays great attention to detail, ensuring his work is executed flawlessly.
• Dark Secretive: Despite his respectable appearance, MacFarlane is involved in the illegal trade of body snatching, hiding his activities from the public eye.
• Conflicted: MacFarlane struggles with the moral implications of his actions, torn between his desire for scientific advancement and the unethical means he employs to achieve it.

Fettes

• Troubled: Fettes carries the burden of a tragic accident in his past, haunted by guilt and fear.
• Guilty: Fettes feels responsible for the death of a fellow student, leading to a deep sense of remorse.
• Fearful: Fettes is afraid of being exposed for his involvement in the illegal activities orchestrated by MacFarlane.

Gray

• Unburdened: Gray lacks the guilt and remorse that plagues Fettes, willingly participating in the body snatching trade without moral conflict.
• Strong-willed: Gray is determined and resolute in his actions, displaying a level of conviction that contrasts with Fettes' hesitations.
• Pragmatic: Gray approaches the body snatching trade with a practical mindset, focusing on the financial gains rather than moral considerations.

Old Joseph

• Experienced: Old Joseph is a seasoned grave robber, possessing a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the trade.
• Mysterious: Old Joseph's past and motivations remain enigmatic, adding an element of intrigue to his character.
• Mentor-like: Old Joseph takes Fettes and Gray under his wing, guiding them in the world of body snatching and imparting his wisdom.

Janet

• Kind-hearted: Janet is depicted as a compassionate and empathetic character, offering kindness to Fettes in his moments of distress.
• Innocent: Janet embodies a sense of purity and innocence, serving as a stark contrast to the dark and morally ambiguous actions of the other characters.
• Supportive: Janet provides emotional support to Fettes, offering him comfort and understanding during his internal struggles.

Character Background

Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane

Dr. MacFarlane comes from a respectable background, having received a formal medical education. His passion for anatomy and surgery led him to become a well-regarded doctor in the community. However, MacFarlane's involvement in the body snatching trade stems from his desire for anatomical research and the scarcity of legal cadavers for scientific study.

Fettes

Fettes, once a promising medical student, had his life derailed by a fatal accident. His involvement in the incident left him with deep-seated guilt and fear, causing him to abandon his studies and take up a position as an assistant in MacFarlane's anatomy school.

Gray

Like Fettes, Gray was also a former student of Dr. MacFarlane. However, his character lacks the same moral conflict and guilt that Fettes experiences. Gray readily embraces the body snatching trade, driven by financial gains and a pragmatic mindset.

Old Joseph

Old Joseph's past remains shrouded in mystery. However, his extensive experience in the grave-robbing trade suggests a long history of involvement in illicit activities. He becomes the mentor figure for Fettes and Gray, introducing them to the world of body snatching.

Janet

Janet's background is less explored in the story. As the daughter of the local innkeeper, she resides in the village where the events take place. Janet's role primarily revolves around her relationship with Fettes and her ability to offer emotional support to him.

Character Arcs

Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane

Throughout the story, MacFarlane experiences a gradual deterioration of his moral compass. Initially engaged in body snatching for the sake of scientific progress, he becomes increasingly callous and willing to cross ethical boundaries. MacFarlane's character arc highlights the corrupting influence of his secret activities and the consequences they have on his psyche.

Fettes

Fettes undergoes a transformative character arc as he confronts his guilt and fear. Initially plagued by remorse for his involvement in the fatal accident, Fettes eventually finds the courage to confront MacFarlane and his own past. His character arc is marked by a journey towards self-redemption and a desire to break free from the shackles of his dark secret.

Gray

Gray's character arc is less pronounced compared to Fettes and MacFarlane. He remains steadfast in his pragmatism and financial motivations throughout the story, ultimately serving as a contrasting figure to Fettes' internal struggles.

Old Joseph

Old Joseph's character arc is not as prominent as the other characters. He remains a consistent mentor figure, guiding Fettes and Gray through the dark underworld of body snatching.

Janet

While Janet plays a crucial role in the development of Fettes' character, her arc remains less defined. She serves as a source of emotional support and stability for Fettes but does not experience significant personal growth or transformation.

Relationships

Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane and Fettes

MacFarlane and Fettes share a complex relationship forged during their time as student and teacher. MacFarlane's illicit activities draw Fettes into a web of guilt and fear, straining their bond. Fettes' internal struggles and eventual confrontation with MacFarlane test the limits of their relationship.

Fettes and Gray

Fettes and Gray share a shared history as former students of MacFarlane. However, their perspectives on the body snatching trade differ significantly. Fettes' guilt and moral conflict contrast with Gray's pragmatism, leading to tension and conflict between the two characters.

Fettes and Old Joseph

Old Joseph serves as a mentor to Fettes, introducing him to the world of body snatching. Their relationship is characterized by a combination of trust, respect, and a shared history in the illicit trade.

Fettes and Janet

Fettes and Janet's relationship provides a glimmer of hope and humanity amidst the darkness of the story. Janet's kindness and understanding offer Fettes emotional support, and their romantic connection serves as a source of solace for him.

In "The Body Snatcher" by Robert Louis Stevenson, the characters play vital roles in driving the narrative forward. Each character's traits, background, and relationships contribute to the overall themes of morality, guilt, and the corrupting influence of dark secrets. The character arcs, particularly those of Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane and Fettes, showcase the transformative impact of their actions and the pursuit of redemption.