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The Invisible Man
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"The Invisible Man" Characters Analysis

By H.G. Wells

classics | 155 pages | Published in 2021

ISBN_13: 9783985944064
ISBN_10: 3985944067

Estimated read time: 5 min read

List of Characters

NameRole
GriffinProtagonist
Dr. KempAntagonist
MarvelSupporting Character
Mr. HallSupporting Character
Mrs. HallSupporting Character
Colonel AdyeSupporting Character
Mr. CussSupporting Character
Teddy HenfreySupporting Character
JannySupporting 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.