"The Invisible Man" Characters Analysis
By H.G. Wells
classics | 155 pages | Published in 2021
Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
Name | Role |
---|---|
Griffin | Protagonist |
Dr. Kemp | Antagonist |
Marvel | Supporting Character |
Mr. Hall | Supporting Character |
Mrs. Hall | Supporting Character |
Colonel Adye | Supporting Character |
Mr. Cuss | Supporting Character |
Teddy Henfrey | Supporting Character |
Janny | Supporting Character |
Role Identification
Griffin
Griffin is the protagonist of the novel. He is a brilliant scientist who conducts an experiment that turns him invisible. However, his newfound power leads him down a dark path, and he becomes the antagonist of the story.
Dr. Kemp
Dr. Kemp serves as the antagonist in the novel. He is a former colleague of Griffin's and becomes embroiled in the invisible man's sinister plans.
Marvel, Mr. Hall, Mrs. Hall, Colonel Adye, Mr. Cuss, Teddy Henfrey, Janny
These characters play supporting roles in the story, interacting with Griffin and becoming involved in the chaos that unfolds due to his invisibility.
Character Descriptions
Griffin
Griffin is a brilliant but arrogant scientist who becomes invisible after a failed experiment. His invisibility drives him to madness and villainy, as he struggles to reverse the effects of his experiment.
Dr. Kemp
Dr. Kemp is an intelligent and respected figure in the scientific community. He is initially portrayed as a friend of Griffin's but later becomes a key figure in the effort to stop the invisible man's reign of terror.
Marvel
Marvel is a tramp who becomes entangled in Griffin's schemes after the invisible man seeks his assistance. Despite being coerced into helping Griffin, Marvel ultimately becomes a pivotal figure in the story's resolution.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Colonel Adye, Mr. Cuss, Teddy Henfrey, Janny
These characters are ordinary townspeople who find themselves caught up in the chaos caused by Griffin's invisibility. Each character reacts differently to the events, adding depth to the story.
Character Traits
Griffin
- Brilliant
- Arrogant
- Paranoid
- Vengeful
- Isolated
Dr. Kemp
- Intelligent
- Respected
- Ambitious
- Deceitful
- Calculating
Marvel
- Resourceful
- Opportunistic
- Fearful
- Determined
- Adaptive
Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Colonel Adye, Mr. Cuss, Teddy Henfrey, Janny
- Varied reactions to the events
- Reflect the diversity of human responses to extraordinary circumstances
- Provide insight into the impact of Griffin's actions on ordinary people
Character Background
Griffin
Griffin is a brilliant young scientist who becomes obsessed with the concept of invisibility. His initial experiments lead to his own invisibility, but he struggles to reverse the effect. Frustrated and isolated, Griffin's mind deteriorates, turning him into a vengeful and dangerous figure.
Dr. Kemp
Dr. Kemp is a former colleague of Griffin's and a respected member of the scientific community. His past association with Griffin draws him into the invisible man's schemes, and his own ambitions and intellect make him a formidable adversary.
Marvel
Little is known about Marvel's background, as he is introduced as a tramp. His resourcefulness and adaptability become evident as he navigates the challenges presented by Griffin's invisibility.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Colonel Adye, Mr. Cuss, Teddy Henfrey, Janny
These characters are ordinary residents of the town where the events unfold. Their diverse backgrounds and personalities provide a varied perspective on the impact of Griffin's actions.
Character Arcs
Griffin
Griffin's character arc revolves around his descent into madness and villainy following his transformation into an invisible man. Initially driven by a desire to reverse the effects of his experiment, he ultimately becomes consumed by paranoia and a thirst for power.
Dr. Kemp
Dr. Kemp's character arc shifts from being a respected scientist to becoming embroiled in Griffin's plans. His initial disbelief gives way to a determination to stop the invisible man, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
Marvel
Marvel's character arc is one of unexpected heroism. Initially coerced into assisting Griffin, he finds the courage to resist and ultimately plays a crucial role in thwarting the invisible man's plans.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Colonel Adye, Mr. Cuss, Teddy Henfrey, Janny
The supporting characters experience varied arcs, influenced by their encounters with Griffin and the chaos he unleashes. Their arcs provide insight into the impact of extraordinary events on ordinary lives.
Relationships
Griffin and Dr. Kemp
Griffin and Dr. Kemp share a complex relationship shaped by their shared scientific background and eventual antagonism. Their interactions drive much of the novel's conflict, culminating in a climactic showdown.
Griffin and Marvel
Griffin and Marvel's relationship is initially one of coercion, with the invisible man forcing Marvel to assist him. However, Marvel's defiance and eventual resistance change the dynamics of their relationship.
Griffin and Townspeople
Griffin's interactions with the ordinary townspeople, including Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Colonel Adye, Mr. Cuss, Teddy Henfrey, and Janny, highlight the impact of his actions on the community. These relationships showcase the diverse reactions to Griffin's presence and the chaos he causes.
In conclusion, "The Invisible Man" features a diverse cast of characters whose interactions and arcs contribute to the novel's exploration of power, madness, and the impact of extraordinary abilities on ordinary lives. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, enriching the narrative and underscoring the timeless themes of H.G. Wells's classic work.