Estimated read time: 4 min read
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Major Henry Scobie | Protagonist |
| Louise Scobie | Henry's wife |
| Helen Rolt | Love interest of Henry |
| Wilson | Friend and colleague of Henry |
| Father Rank | Catholic priest |
Major Henry Scobie: The Protagonist with a Troubled Heart
Major Henry Scobie, the central character in "The Heart of the Matter" by Graham Greene, serves as the novel's protagonist. While stationed in Sierra Leone during World War II, Scobie grapples with the complexities of his personal and professional life, leading him to confront his own moral dilemmas.
Character Description
Major Henry Scobie, a middle-aged Englishman, is described as tall, thin, and stooped. He has a weathered face and thinning hair. Scobie often dresses in a rumpled uniform, reflecting his disheveled state of mind. While he carries himself with a sense of responsibility and dignity, his internal struggles leave him emotionally drained.
Character Traits
Scobie is known for his unwavering sense of duty and honor. He possesses a strong moral compass and strives to do what is right, both in his military service and personal life. However, he is burdened by guilt and a sense of his own inadequacy, causing him to fall into a cycle of self-destructive behavior.
Scobie's most defining trait is his immense capacity for empathy. He is perceptive and compassionate towards others, often sacrificing his own well-being for the sake of those around him. This deep sensitivity becomes both his greatest strength and his tragic flaw throughout the novel.
Character Background
Prior to his deployment in Sierra Leone, Scobie served in various colonial outposts. He has a decorated military career that demands obedience and adherence to strict codes of conduct. Scobie's wife, Louise, accompanies him to Sierra Leone, but their relationship is strained due to their contrasting personalities and a lack of emotional intimacy.
Character Arc
Scobie's character arc in "The Heart of the Matter" follows a downward spiral from a conscientious officer to a man tormented by his own beliefs. As the novel progresses, Scobie becomes entangled in an affair with Helen Rolt, a young widow. This illicit relationship, born out of his desire for connection, serves as the catalyst for Scobie's moral downfall.
Throughout the novel, Scobie's guilt intensifies, leading him to make increasingly desperate choices. He is torn between his loyalty to his wife, his duty to the Church, and his love for Helen. Scobie's internal conflicts ultimately drive him to commit a grave act of deception, sacrificing his own life in the process.
Relationships
Louise Scobie: A Failing Marriage
Scobie's relationship with his wife, Louise, is strained from the start. They are emotionally distant, lacking intimacy and understanding. Louise is suspicious of Henry's actions and questions his love for her. The breakdown of their marriage adds to Scobie's feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
Helen Rolt: Love Amidst Moral Turmoil
Scobie's affair with Helen Rolt becomes a defining relationship in the novel. Helen is a young widow who seeks companionship and finds solace in Scobie's company. Their connection offers an escape from the loneliness and isolation that Scobie experiences. However, their relationship becomes entangled in a web of moral compromises, leading to tragic consequences.
Wilson: A Friend's Perspective
Wilson, a friend and colleague of Scobie, acts as a confidant and sounding board for the protagonist. While Wilson admires Scobie's integrity, he becomes concerned about his friend's deteriorating mental state. Wilson serves as a voice of reason, often challenging Scobie's choices and offering a different perspective.
Father Rank: The Struggles of Faith
Father Rank, a Catholic priest, plays a significant role in Scobie's life. As Scobie grapples with his guilt and moral quandaries, Father Rank becomes a symbol of religious doctrine and accountability. Scobie seeks solace and guidance from Father Rank, but their interactions only deepen his internal conflicts.
In conclusion, Major Henry Scobie is a complex and tragic figure in "The Heart of the Matter." Greene masterfully presents a character riddled with moral dilemmas and internal struggles. Scobie's unwavering sense of duty, deep empathy, and tragic flaws make him a character worth examining and empathizing with. As readers delve into his story, they are confronted with the complexities of the human heart and the consequences of one's choices.
