"The Ghoul Next Door" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "The Ghoul Next Door" by Victoria Laurie, M. J. Holliday is the protagonist and the main character of the story. She is a psychic medium and runs a business called "Ghoul Getters" along with her best friend, Gilley Gillespie. The role of M. J. Holliday is to use her psychic abilities to communicate with spirits and solve paranormal mysteries. She is the driving force behind the investigations and provides the perspective of a medium throughout the story.

Character Descriptions

M. J. Holliday: M. J. Holliday is a strong and independent woman in her late twenties. She has long, dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and a slim figure. M. J. has a no-nonsense attitude and is dedicated to helping both the living and the dead. She possesses a unique charm and a strong sense of justice.

Heath Whitefeather: Heath Whitefeather is M. J.'s love interest and a skilled ghost hunter. He has a muscular build, long brown hair, and warm brown eyes. Heath is passionate about his work and has a deep knowledge of the supernatural. He is a protective and supportive partner for M. J., always ready to lend a helping hand.

Gilley Gillespie: Gilley Gillespie is M. J.'s best friend and partner in the "Ghoul Getters" business. He is a computer whiz with a knack for technology and research. Gilley is short and wears glasses, giving him a nerdy appearance. Despite his timid nature, he is incredibly loyal to M. J. and always has her back.

Dr. Steven Sable: Dr. Steven Sable is a paranormal investigator who often collaborates with M. J. and Gilley on their cases. He is a middle-aged man with graying hair and a serious demeanor. Dr. Sable brings a scientific approach to their investigations and provides valuable expertise in the field of the supernatural.

Dr. Peter DuBois: Dr. Peter DuBois is an archaeologist and ghost expert who assists M. J. and her team. He is an older man with a gentle and wise presence. Dr. DuBois has extensive knowledge of ancient civilizations and their spiritual practices, making him an invaluable resource in understanding the paranormal occurrences they encounter.

Brian: Brian is M. J.'s ghostly roommate, who resides in her house and often interacts with her. He is a mischievous and playful spirit with a strong attachment to the earthly realm. Brian appears as a translucent figure with a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye.

Detective Gauvin: Detective Gauvin is a police officer who frequently collaborates with M. J. and her team on their investigations. He is a middle-aged man with a no-nonsense attitude and a strong dedication to solving crimes. Detective Gauvin values M. J.'s psychic abilities and often seeks her assistance in solving mysterious cases.

Miranda: Miranda is M. J.'s assistant and helps her with administrative tasks and research. She is a young woman with a friendly and outgoing personality. Miranda is an invaluable member of the team, providing support and gathering information to aid in their investigations.

Character Traits

M. J. Holliday: M. J. Holliday is courageous, determined, and compassionate. She is not afraid to confront the supernatural and always puts the needs of others before her own. M. J. is also intuitive and empathetic, allowing her to connect with spirits and understand their messages. She is resourceful, quick-witted, and able to think on her feet during dangerous situations.

Heath Whitefeather: Heath Whitefeather is brave, knowledgeable, and dependable. He is skilled in various ghost-hunting techniques and has a deep understanding of the supernatural world. Heath is also patient and understanding, supporting M. J. in her psychic abilities and offering guidance when needed. He is fiercely loyal and protective of M. J.

Gilley Gillespie: Gilley Gillespie is intelligent, tech-savvy, and loyal. He is a genius when it comes to computers and research, often providing valuable information to solve cases. Gilley's loyalty to M. J. is unwavering, and he is always there to support her, even in the face of danger. He is also a bit of a worrier and tends to overthink situations.

Dr. Steven Sable: Dr. Steven Sable is analytical, logical, and knowledgeable. He brings a scientific approach to their investigations, relying on evidence and research to explain paranormal phenomena. Dr. Sable is calm and level-headed, providing a sense of stability to the team. He is passionate about his work and dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the supernatural.

Dr. Peter DuBois: Dr. Peter DuBois is wise, patient, and spiritual. He possesses a deep understanding of ancient civilizations and their beliefs in ghosts and spirits. Dr. DuBois brings a unique perspective to the team, offering insights into the historical and cultural context of the paranormal occurrences they encounter.

Brian: Brian is mischievous, playful, and curious. As a ghostly roommate, he often enjoys teasing M. J. and causing harmless mischief. Brian has a strong attachment to the earthly realm and is intrigued by the investigations conducted by M. J. and her team. Despite his mischievous nature, he genuinely cares for M. J. and offers guidance when needed.

Detective Gauvin: Detective Gauvin is practical, determined, and open-minded. He values M. J.'s psychic abilities and recognizes their usefulness in solving cases. Detective Gauvin is dedicated to his job and always seeks justice for the victims. He is willing to consider unconventional methods to uncover the truth.

Miranda: Miranda is outgoing, friendly, and organized. She efficiently manages administrative tasks and provides support to M. J. and the team. Miranda is enthusiastic about their work and is always eager to assist in any way she can. She is a quick learner and adapts well to new situations.

Character Background

M. J. Holliday: M. J. Holliday discovered her psychic abilities at a young age and has been using them to help both the living and the dead ever since. She grew up in a small town and had a close relationship with her grandmother, who also had psychic abilities. M. J. honed her skills over the years and eventually started her own business, "Ghoul Getters," to solve paranormal mysteries.

Heath Whitefeather: Heath Whitefeather comes from a long line of ghost hunters and has been investigating supernatural phenomena from a young age. He learned various ghost-hunting techniques from his family members and developed a deep understanding of the supernatural world. Heath's love for his work led him to join forces with M. J. and become a part of "Ghoul Getters."

Gilley Gillespie: Gilley Gillespie grew up as a computer prodigy and developed a fascination with the paranormal. He became friends with M. J. during their college years, and their shared interests led them to start the "Ghoul Getters" business together. Gilley's expertise in technology and research is invaluable to the team's investigations.

Dr. Steven Sable: Dr. Steven Sable has dedicated his life to studying the paranormal and investigating supernatural phenomena. He has a background in parapsychology and has collaborated with various organizations to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural. Dr. Sable's scientific approach and expertise make him an essential member of the team.

Dr. Peter DuBois: Dr. Peter DuBois is an archaeologist who has traveled the world studying ancient civilizations and their spiritual practices. He developed an interest in ghosts and spirits during his research and became a respected expert in the field. Dr. DuBois's knowledge and understanding of the historical and cultural context of the supernatural provide valuable insights during their investigations.

Brian: Brian was a previous tenant of M. J.'s house who passed away and became a ghostly presence. Despite not having a detailed background, Brian's attachment to the earthly realm and his playful nature make him an important character in the story.

Detective Gauvin: Detective Gauvin has a long history in law enforcement and has encountered various paranormal cases throughout his career. He is open-minded and willing to consider alternative explanations for the mysteries he encounters. Detective Gauvin's collaboration with M. J. and her team provides a unique perspective in solving the cases they investigate.

Miranda: Miranda joined "Ghoul Getters" as M. J.'s assistant after being intrigued by the paranormal. She has a background in administrative work and is quick to learn the ropes of the ghost-hunting business. Miranda's enthusiasm and organizational skills contribute to the smooth functioning of the team.

Character Arcs

M. J. Holliday: Throughout the book, M. J. Holliday undergoes a personal and professional transformation. She faces various challenges and confronts her own fears and insecurities. M. J. becomes more confident in her abilities and learns to trust her instincts. She also develops a deeper understanding of the spirit world and her own place within it.

Heath Whitefeather: Heath Whitefeather's character arc focuses on his relationship with M. J. and his growth as a ghost hunter. He learns to balance his passion for his work with the need to prioritize his personal life. Heath becomes more open and vulnerable in his relationship with M. J., allowing their connection to deepen.

Gilley Gillespie: Gilley Gillespie's character arc revolves around his self-confidence and facing his fears. He learns to overcome his anxieties and utilizes his skills and knowledge to their full potential. Gilley becomes more assertive and steps up as a crucial member of the team, proving his worth as more than just a computer whiz.

Dr. Steven Sable: Dr. Steven Sable's character arc involves his growth as a paranormal investigator. He begins to question his rigid scientific beliefs and becomes more open to the possibility of supernatural phenomena. Dr. Sable learns to embrace the unknown and adapt his methods to incorporate spiritual and psychic elements.

Dr. Peter DuBois: Dr. Peter DuBois's character arc highlights his journey of rediscovering his passion for the supernatural. He becomes more involved in the investigations and reconnects with the spiritual realm. Dr. DuBois's character arc also delves into his personal history and the secrets he holds.

Brian: Although Brian is a ghostly character, he plays a significant role in the development of other characters' arcs. His mischievous nature and guidance help M. J. and the team navigate their challenges and grow both personally and professionally.

Detective Gauvin: Detective Gauvin's character arc involves his evolving perspective on the supernatural. He becomes more accepting of M. J.'s abilities and recognizes the value they bring to solving cases. Detective Gauvin's collaboration with M. J. and her team broadens his understanding of the paranormal.

Miranda: Miranda's character arc centers around her growth as a paranormal investigator. She learns to trust her instincts and develop her own abilities. Miranda becomes an integral part of the team and gains confidence in her role as M. J.'s assistant.

Relationships

M. J. Holliday shares a strong bond with her love interest, Heath Whitefeather. Their relationship is built on trust, support, and a shared passion for the supernatural. They provide emotional support for each other and work together to solve paranormal mysteries.

M. J.'s friendship with Gilley Gillespie is characterized by humor, trust, and mutual respect. Gilley is M. J.'s closest confidant and is always there to provide technical expertise and emotional support.

M. J. collaborates with Dr. Steven Sable and Dr. Peter DuBois, who bring their expertise to the investigations. Their relationship is marked by professionalism, mutual respect, and a shared goal of understanding the paranormal.

Brian, M. J.'s ghostly roommate, forms a unique bond with her. Brian's mischievous nature adds a touch of humor to their interactions, and he often provides guidance and insight into the cases they investigate.

Detective Gauvin forms a professional relationship with M. J. and her team. He recognizes the value of M. J.'s psychic abilities and seeks her assistance in solving mysterious cases.

Miranda's relationship with M. J. is one of friendship and mentorship. M. J. guides Miranda in her journey as a paranormal investigator, and Miranda provides valuable support to M. J. and the team.

In conclusion, "The Ghoul Next Door" by Victoria Laurie features a diverse cast of characters with distinct roles, personalities, and relationships. The character analysis provides insights into their backgrounds, traits, and character arcs, highlighting their growth and development throughout the book.