"The Haunted House" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Charles Dickens' "The Haunted House," the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the plot and the overall atmosphere of the story. The protagonist, known only as the Narrator, serves as the primary observer and storyteller. The supporting characters, including Miss Emily, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, and the Ghostly Family, add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Lastly, Captain Murderer acts as the antagonist, instilling fear and suspense throughout the story.

Character Descriptions

The Narrator

The Narrator is the central character and storyteller of "The Haunted House." He is a curious and observant individual who sets out to investigate the mysteries surrounding the haunted house. Dickens provides limited physical description of the Narrator, focusing more on his analytical and inquisitive nature.

Miss Emily

Miss Emily is a supporting character who appears in the haunted house. She is described as a young woman with an ethereal presence, suggesting a connection to the supernatural. Miss Emily's role is to add an element of mystery and intrigue to the story, leaving readers questioning her true nature.

Captain Murderer

Captain Murderer is the primary antagonist in the book. He is portrayed as a sinister and ruthless character, driven by his murderous tendencies. Dickens describes Captain Murderer as having a menacing appearance, with a twisted smile and a cold, calculating gaze. His role is to create a sense of danger and suspense, heightening the eerie atmosphere of the haunted house.

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are a married couple who also encounter the haunted house. They are depicted as a typical middle-class couple, with Mr. Perkins being a practical and skeptical character, while Mrs. Perkins is more superstitious and fearful. Their role in the story is to provide contrasting reactions to the supernatural events, highlighting the different responses people may have when faced with the unknown.

The Ghostly Family

The Ghostly Family consists of a father, mother, and child who inhabit the haunted house. They are ethereal and translucent, giving off an otherworldly presence. Dickens describes them as melancholic and trapped in their spectral existence. The Ghostly Family's role is to add to the eerie atmosphere of the haunted house and to serve as a metaphor for unresolved past traumas.

Character Traits

The Narrator

• Curious
• Observant
• Analytical
• Brave

Miss Emily

• Mysterious
• Ethereal
• Enigmatic
• Alluring

Captain Murderer

• Sinister
• Ruthless
• Menacing
• Calculating

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins

• Mr. Perkins: Practical, skeptical
• Mrs. Perkins: Superstitious, fearful

The Ghostly Family

• Melancholic
• Trapped
• Ethereal
• Translucent

Character Background

The Narrator

The background of the Narrator is not explicitly provided in "The Haunted House." However, it can be inferred that he is an educated and well-read individual, given his articulate narration and his interest in investigating the mysteries of the haunted house.

Miss Emily

Similarly, the background of Miss Emily is not extensively explored in the book. She appears to have a connection to the supernatural, suggesting a possible otherworldly origin or ability.

Captain Murderer

Captain Murderer's background is revealed through his actions and behavior. He is portrayed as a remorseless murderer with a history of heinous crimes. The details of his past are not explicitly mentioned, leaving room for readers to imagine the dark and twisted origins of his character.

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins

The background of Mr. and Mrs. Perkins is that of a typical middle-class couple. They are portrayed as ordinary individuals who stumble upon the haunted house during their travels. Their background adds a relatable perspective to the story, contrasting the supernatural elements with everyday life.

The Ghostly Family

The background of the Ghostly Family is shrouded in mystery. They are depicted as trapped spirits, doomed to haunt the house due to unresolved traumas or unfinished business. The lack of specific background details adds to the haunting atmosphere and allows readers to interpret their story in various ways.

Character Arcs

The Narrator

The Narrator's character arc in "The Haunted House" revolves around his journey from skepticism to belief in the supernatural. Initially, he approaches the haunted house with a rational mindset, seeking logical explanations for the strange occurrences. However, as he witnesses more supernatural events and interacts with the Ghostly Family, the Narrator's skepticism gradually gives way to acceptance of the paranormal.

Miss Emily

Miss Emily's character arc is more subtle and mysterious. She remains enigmatic throughout the story, leaving her true nature and intentions open to interpretation. Her presence in the haunted house serves as a catalyst for the Narrator's exploration of the supernatural, but her ultimate role and resolution are left ambiguous.

Captain Murderer

Captain Murderer's character arc follows a consistent trajectory of malevolence and villainy. He remains unchanged throughout the story, maintaining his sinister nature until the end.

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins undergo a shared character arc that explores the conflict between skepticism and superstition. Mr. Perkins starts as a skeptical character, dismissing the supernatural events as mere illusions. However, as the hauntings intensify, he becomes more open to the possibility of the paranormal. In contrast, Mrs. Perkins, who initially fears the haunted house, gradually becomes more superstitious and fearful as the story unfolds.

The Ghostly Family

The Ghostly Family's character arc revolves around their longing for release and resolution. Trapped in the haunted house, they serve as a haunting reminder of unresolved past traumas. While their arc is not explicitly resolved in the story, their presence highlights the recurring theme of unresolved spirits and the consequences of unaddressed pain.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "The Haunted House" primarily revolve around their interactions within the haunted house itself. The Narrator forms a connection with Miss Emily, as they both navigate the mysteries of the house together. The relationship between the Narrator and the Ghostly Family is one of fascination and empathy, as he seeks to understand their plight. The relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Perkins showcases the contrasting reactions people can have to supernatural occurrences, highlighting the tension between skepticism and belief.

Overall, the characters in "The Haunted House" contribute to the eerie atmosphere and suspenseful narrative, each playing a unique role in the exploration of the supernatural. Dickens skillfully weaves their traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships together to create a haunting tale that captivates readers until the very end.