"The Hand on the Wall" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Hand on the Wall" by Maureen Johnson, Stevie Bell serves as the protagonist and the primary investigator. She is a student at Ellingham Academy, a prestigious school known for its mysterious past and unsolved crimes. Stevie's father, David Bell, is a supportive figure who encourages her pursuit of truth. Ellie, a close friend of Stevie, provides emotional support and assists in her investigation. Hayes Major and Nate Ellington are classmates who become involved in the investigation. Dr. Fenton is the headmaster of Ellingham Academy. Edward King and Alice Ellingham are the victims of the unsolved crimes, and Senator Bell and Vincent Bell are suspects in the case.

Character Descriptions

Stevie Bell

Stevie Bell is a determined and intelligent teenager with a passion for crime-solving. She is described as having unruly dark hair and a penchant for vintage clothing. Stevie is socially awkward but driven by her curiosity and desire for justice. She possesses a keen eye for details and is known for her exceptional deductive reasoning skills.

David Bell

David Bell is Stevie's father and a supportive presence in her life. He is a professor and a true crime enthusiast who shares his daughter's passion for solving mysteries. David is described as kind-hearted and understanding, always willing to provide guidance and encouragement to Stevie.

Ellie

Ellie is Stevie's loyal and caring friend. She is depicted as a supportive and outgoing individual who often acts as a sounding board for Stevie's theories and ideas. Ellie provides emotional support to Stevie throughout her investigation, helping to keep her grounded and focused.

Hayes Major

Hayes Major is a classmate of Stevie's who becomes involved in the investigation. He is described as intelligent and resourceful, with a knack for technology. Hayes assists Stevie in uncovering crucial information using his computer skills and research abilities.

Nate Ellington

Nate Ellington is another classmate of Stevie's who joins her in investigating the unsolved crimes. He is depicted as a charismatic and observant individual who adds a fresh perspective to Stevie's investigation. Nate's background in theater and acting allows him to understand people's motives and behaviors, making him an asset to the team.

Dr. Fenton

Dr. Fenton is the headmaster of Ellingham Academy. He is described as strict and authoritative, often maintaining a professional demeanor. As the head of the school, Dr. Fenton plays a significant role in Stevie's investigation, providing access to restricted areas and crucial information.

Edward King

Edward King is one of the victims of the unsolved crimes at Ellingham Academy. He was a student at the academy during the time of his disappearance. Edward's mysterious disappearance is one of the central mysteries that Stevie aims to solve.

Alice Ellingham

Alice Ellingham is another victim of the unsolved crimes. She was the founder of Ellingham Academy and vanished under mysterious circumstances. Alice's disappearance serves as the catalyst for the ongoing investigation at the academy, and her story intertwines with Stevie's pursuit of truth.

Senator Bell

Senator Bell is a suspect in the unsolved crimes. He is Stevie's great-grandfather and a prominent political figure. Throughout the book, Stevie investigates the potential involvement of Senator Bell in the crimes that occurred at Ellingham Academy.

Vincent Bell

Vincent Bell is another suspect in the case and Stevie's grandfather. He is a wealthy and influential individual who holds significant power within the Ellingham family. Stevie explores the possibility of Vincent's involvement in the unsolved crimes, delving into the complex web of family secrets.

Character Traits

Stevie Bell

• Intelligent
• Curious
• Determined
• Socially awkward
• Observant

David Bell

• Supportive
• Enthusiastic
• Knowledgeable
• Kind-hearted

Ellie

• Loyal
• Caring
• Outgoing
• Supportive

Hayes Major

• Intelligent
• Resourceful
• Technologically skilled

Nate Ellington

• Charismatic
• Observant
• Theatrical
• Insightful

Dr. Fenton

• Strict
• Authoritative
• Professional

Edward King

• Mysterious
• Victim
• Intriguing backstory

Alice Ellingham

• Founder of Ellingham Academy
• Mysterious disappearance
• Central to the investigation

Senator Bell

• Suspect
• Prominent political figure
• Stevie's great-grandfather

Vincent Bell

• Suspect
• Wealthy and influential
• Stevie's grandfather

Character Background

Stevie Bell is a unique and determined character with a background in crime-solving. She gained recognition for her online blog, where she analyzed unsolved crimes and cold cases. Her exceptional deductive reasoning skills and passion for justice led her to be accepted into Ellingham Academy, a school renowned for its mysterious past and unsolved crimes. Stevie's father, David Bell, is a professor and a true crime enthusiast who has supported her interest in crime-solving from a young age.

Throughout "The Hand on the Wall," Stevie's investigation focuses on the unsolved crimes at Ellingham Academy. The disappearance of Edward King, a student at the academy, and the mysterious vanishing of Alice Ellingham, the school's founder, serve as the primary mysteries that Stevie aims to solve. As she delves deeper into the cold cases, Stevie uncovers a complex web of family secrets and potential suspects, including her own great-grandfather, Senator Bell, and her grandfather, Vincent Bell.

Character Arcs

Stevie Bell's character arc in "The Hand on the Wall" is centered around her growth as an investigator and her journey towards uncovering the truth behind the unsolved crimes at Ellingham Academy. Initially socially awkward and uncertain of her abilities, Stevie gains confidence as she uncovers new clues and pieces together the puzzle. Throughout the book, she learns to trust her instincts and rely on her own abilities, ultimately becoming a skilled investigator.

Additionally, Stevie's relationships with other characters contribute to her character arc. Her friendship with Ellie provides emotional support and allows her to open up about her fears and doubts. The introduction of Hayes Major and Nate Ellington into her investigation helps Stevie to see different perspectives and broaden her understanding of the case. These relationships allow Stevie to grow and develop as a character, ultimately leading her closer to solving the mysteries at Ellingham Academy.

Relationships

Stevie Bell's relationships with other characters play a significant role in "The Hand on the Wall." Her friendship with Ellie provides a strong support system throughout her investigation, allowing her to share her theories and frustrations. Hayes Major and Nate Ellington become her partners in solving the mysteries, contributing their unique skills and perspectives.

Stevie's relationship with her father, David Bell, is also crucial to the story. David's enthusiasm for true crime and his unwavering support of Stevie's investigative pursuits strengthen their bond. His guidance and knowledge assist Stevie in her investigation, providing her with essential information and resources.

The relationships with the suspects, Senator Bell and Vincent Bell, add complexity to the story. Stevie's familial connection to both individuals creates tension and challenges her objectivity. These relationships force Stevie to question her own biases and navigate the delicate balance between investigating the truth and protecting her family's reputation.

Overall, the relationships in "The Hand on the Wall" contribute to the character development and the progression of the central mystery, creating a compelling narrative filled with intrigue and emotional depth.