Estimated read time: 8 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Aleister Crowley | Protagonist, Occultist |
| Aiwass | Supernatural being, Messenger |
| Rose Edith Kelly | Crowley's wife |
| Victor Neuburg | Crowley's disciple |
| Allan Bennett | Crowley's mentor |
| Leila Waddell | Crowley's lover |
| George Cecil Jones | Crowley's friend |
| Maud Gonne | Occultist, Activist |
| Florence Farr | Occultist, Actress |
| Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers | Occultist, Founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn |
| Charles Stansfeld Jones | Occultist, Crowley's student |
Role Identification
"The Book of the Law" by Aleister Crowley is a mystical and occult book that explores Crowley's spiritual journey and the occult philosophy known as Thelema. The characters in the book play various roles, including being influential figures in Crowley's life, occultists, and supernatural beings.
Character Descriptions
- Aleister Crowley: The protagonist of the book, Crowley is an influential occultist, writer, and philosopher. He is deeply dedicated to exploring the spiritual realm and understanding the mysteries of life. With his eccentric personality and strong belief in individual freedom, Crowley becomes the central figure in the development of Thelema.
- Aiwass: Aiwass is a supernatural being who serves as the messenger of the divine entities that dictate "The Book of the Law" to Crowley. Aiwass is described as having a powerful presence and profound knowledge of the occult. It is through Aiwass that Crowley receives the revelations that shape his spiritual journey.
- Rose Edith Kelly: Crowley's wife, Rose Edith Kelly, plays a significant role in Crowley's exploration of the occult. She becomes a channel for the messages from Aiwass and is instrumental in Crowley's reception of "The Book of the Law." Rose's involvement in the occult rituals and her connection to the supernatural adds depth to the narrative.
- Victor Neuburg: Victor Neuburg is one of Crowley's closest disciples. He accompanies Crowley on various spiritual quests and plays a crucial role in the development of Thelema. Neuburg's unwavering dedication to Crowley and his willingness to explore the boundaries of the occult make him an essential character in the book.
- Allan Bennett: Allan Bennett is a mentor to Crowley and introduces him to the esoteric traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Bennett's teachings and guidance shape Crowley's understanding of the occult and lay the foundation for his spiritual journey.
- Leila Waddell: Leila Waddell, also known as Laylah, is Crowley's lover and a skilled violinist. She is an active participant in Crowley's occult rituals and contributes to the development of Thelema through her artistic and spiritual pursuits.
- George Cecil Jones: George Cecil Jones is a close friend of Crowley and a fellow occultist. He supports Crowley in his spiritual endeavors and assists in the dissemination of Thelema's teachings. Jones' dedication and friendship provide Crowley with emotional and intellectual support throughout his journey.
- Maud Gonne: Maud Gonne, an occultist and activist, appears as a significant character in the book. Known for her involvement in Irish nationalism, Gonne's presence adds a political and social dimension to the occult themes explored by Crowley.
- Florence Farr: Florence Farr, an actress and occultist, plays a pivotal role in Crowley's spiritual development. As a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Farr introduces Crowley to the esoteric traditions and guides him on his path towards self-discovery.
- Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers: Mathers is a prominent occultist and the founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Although not directly involved in the events of the book, his influence on Crowley's understanding of the occult cannot be overlooked.
- Charles Stansfeld Jones: Also known as Frater Achad, Charles Stansfeld Jones is one of Crowley's most dedicated students. He plays a significant role in the later stages of Crowley's spiritual journey and becomes an influential figure in the development and interpretation of Thelema.
Character Traits
| Character | Traits |
|---|---|
| Aleister Crowley | Eccentric, Determined, Philosophical, Unconventional |
| Aiwass | Mysterious, Powerful, Wise |
| Rose Edith Kelly | Spiritual, Open-minded, Supportive |
| Victor Neuburg | Adventurous, Devoted, Curious |
| Allan Bennett | Knowledgeable, Enlightened, Disciplined |
| Leila Waddell | Artistic, Passionate, Free-spirited |
| George Cecil Jones | Loyal, Intellectual, Supportive |
| Maud Gonne | Activist, Strong-willed, Spiritual |
| Florence Farr | Influential, Knowledgeable, Guiding |
| Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers | Visionary, Knowledgeable, Enigmatic |
| Charles Stansfeld Jones | Diligent, Studious, Innovative |
Character Background
Aleister Crowley, the central character of the book, was a real-life British occultist and writer who lived from 1875 to 1947. He studied various esoteric traditions, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and developed his own occult philosophy called Thelema. Crowley's background in the occult and his quest for spiritual enlightenment heavily influence the narrative of "The Book of the Law."
Many of the other characters in the book are also based on real people who were part of Crowley's life and the occult community of the early 20th century. Rose Edith Kelly was Crowley's first wife, and Victor Neuburg and Leila Waddell were his close disciples. Allan Bennett, George Cecil Jones, Maud Gonne, Florence Farr, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, and Charles Stansfeld Jones were all influential figures in the occult and spiritual movements of the time.
Character Arcs
"The Book of the Law" primarily focuses on Aleister Crowley's character arc as he embarks on a transformative spiritual journey. Initially seeking answers and enlightenment through various esoteric traditions, Crowley ultimately receives the revelations of "The Book of the Law" from the supernatural being Aiwass. This event marks a turning point in his life and sets him on the path of Thelema and the development of his own occult philosophy.
Throughout the book, Crowley's character evolves from a curious and dedicated occultist to a visionary leader of Thelema. His experiences with the other characters, such as Allan Bennett, Rose Edith Kelly, and Victor Neuburg, shape his understanding of the occult and contribute to his personal growth.
Relationships
| Character | Relationships |
|---|---|
| Aleister Crowley | Rose Edith Kelly (wife), Victor Neuburg (disciple), Leila Waddell (lover), George Cecil Jones (friend) |
| Aiwass | Spiritual guide to Aleister Crowley |
| Rose Edith Kelly | Wife of Aleister Crowley |
| Victor Neuburg | Disciple and close companion of Aleister Crowley |
| Allan Bennett | Mentor to Aleister Crowley |
| Leila Waddell | Lover and companion of Aleister Crowley |
| George Cecil Jones | Friend and supporter of Aleister Crowley |
| Maud Gonne | Fellow occultist and activist |
| Florence Farr | Influential occultist and guide to Aleister Crowley |
| Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers | Founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn |
| Charles Stansfeld Jones | Student and later influential figure in Thelema |
The relationships between the characters in "The Book of the Law" are diverse and play significant roles in the development of the narrative. These relationships range from personal connections, such as Crowley's relationships with Rose Edith Kelly and Leila Waddell, to professional mentorship, such as his relationship with Allan Bennett. Each relationship brings unique dynamics and contributes to Crowley's understanding of the occult and his personal growth.
In conclusion, "The Book of the Law" by Aleister Crowley presents a fascinating array of characters who shape the narrative and explore the depths of the occult. From Crowley himself to supernatural beings like Aiwass, each character adds depth and complexity to the story. Through their interactions and relationships, Crowley's character arc unfolds, leading him on a transformative spiritual journey towards the development of Thelema.
