"The Last Days of Night" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Paul Cravath

Paul Cravath is the protagonist of "The Last Days of Night," a young lawyer who takes on the daunting task of representing George Westinghouse in a high-stakes legal battle against Thomas Edison.

George Westinghouse

George Westinghouse serves as the antagonist in the story, as he is pitted against Thomas Edison in the battle for the control of the electrical industry.

Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla plays a key role in the novel as a brilliant but eccentric inventor who becomes involved in the legal and technological conflicts between Westinghouse and Edison.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison is a supporting character in the book, known for his invention of the light bulb and his fierce competition with George Westinghouse.

Agnes Huntington

Agnes Huntington is a supporting character who provides crucial support and guidance to Paul Cravath throughout the legal proceedings.

Sarah Hunt

Sarah Hunt is another supporting character who aids Paul Cravath in his endeavors and provides insight into the challenges faced by women in the late 19th century.

Character Descriptions

Paul Cravath

Paul Cravath is a young, ambitious lawyer with a keen intellect and a strong sense of justice. He is depicted as resourceful and determined, willing to take on seemingly insurmountable challenges.

George Westinghouse

George Westinghouse is a formidable and shrewd businessman, determined to challenge the dominance of Thomas Edison in the electrical industry. He is portrayed as a visionary with a strong moral compass.

Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla is portrayed as a brilliant but idiosyncratic inventor with revolutionary ideas about electricity and technology. He is shown as enigmatic and fiercely dedicated to his work.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison is depicted as a charismatic and competitive figure, driven by a desire to maintain his status as a leading innovator in the field of electricity.

Agnes Huntington

Agnes Huntington is presented as an intelligent and independent woman who defies societal expectations and provides invaluable assistance to Paul Cravath.

Sarah Hunt

Sarah Hunt is portrayed as a determined and resilient woman who navigates the challenges of the male-dominated world and offers support to Paul Cravath.

Character Traits

Paul Cravath

• Resourceful
• Determined
• Intelligent
• Idealistic

George Westinghouse

• Shrewd
• Visionary
• Ethical
• Tenacious

Nikola Tesla

• Brilliant
• Eccentric
• Innovative
• Passionate

Thomas Edison

• Charismatic
• Competitive
• Innovative
• Ambitious

Agnes Huntington

• Intelligent
• Independent
• Supportive
• Courageous

Sarah Hunt

• Resilient
• Supportive
• Empathetic
• Strong-willed

Character Background

Paul Cravath

Paul Cravath is a recent graduate of Columbia Law School, driven by a desire to make a name for himself in the legal profession. He hails from a modest background and is determined to prove himself in the competitive world of New York City.

George Westinghouse

George Westinghouse is an established figure in the business world, known for his innovations in the railroad and electrical industries. He possesses a strong sense of integrity and a commitment to ethical business practices.

Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla is a Serbian immigrant and a brilliant inventor, known for his groundbreaking work in the field of electricity and wireless communication. He is deeply passionate about his work but struggles with financial difficulties and personal challenges.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison is a renowned inventor and businessman, celebrated for his contributions to the development of the light bulb, phonograph, and motion pictures. He is a prominent figure in the emerging field of electricity and technology.

Agnes Huntington

Agnes Huntington is a progressive and well-educated woman from a prominent New York family. She is passionate about women's rights and supports Paul Cravath in his legal endeavors.

Sarah Hunt

Sarah Hunt is a dedicated and resourceful woman who works alongside Paul Cravath, providing valuable assistance and insight into the societal constraints faced by women in the late 19th century.

Character Arcs

Paul Cravath

Throughout the novel, Paul Cravath undergoes a transformative journey, evolving from a young and inexperienced lawyer into a formidable legal advocate. He grapples with moral dilemmas and navigates the complexities of the legal and technological landscape, ultimately emerging as a resilient and principled professional.

George Westinghouse

George Westinghouse experiences a tumultuous journey as he confronts formidable challenges to his business empire and battles against the ruthless tactics of Thomas Edison. His unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and technological innovation shapes his character arc.

Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla's character arc is marked by his relentless pursuit of his inventive vision amid financial hardships and personal setbacks. His unwavering dedication to his work and his unconventional approach to innovation define his evolution throughout the story.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison's character arc portrays his fierce determination to maintain his position as a leading innovator in the electrical industry, even as he faces formidable competition and ethical dilemmas. His relentless pursuit of success and recognition shapes his trajectory in the narrative.

Agnes Huntington

Agnes Huntington's character arc reflects her unwavering commitment to supporting Paul Cravath in his legal endeavors and advocating for women's rights in a male-dominated society. Her resilience and progressive ideals contribute to her evolution as a character.

Sarah Hunt

Sarah Hunt's character arc illustrates her resilience and determination as she confronts societal barriers and provides invaluable support to Paul Cravath. Her unwavering dedication to her work and her advocacy for gender equality shape her character development.

Relationships

Paul Cravath and George Westinghouse

The relationship between Paul Cravath and George Westinghouse evolves from a professional alliance to a deep mutual respect, as they navigate the challenges posed by Thomas Edison and collaborate in their legal battle.

Paul Cravath and Agnes Huntington

Paul Cravath and Agnes Huntington share a close professional and personal bond, characterized by mutual respect and support. Agnes's guidance and encouragement play a pivotal role in Paul's legal pursuits.

Paul Cravath and Nikola Tesla

Paul Cravath's interactions with Nikola Tesla are marked by intellectual exchange and a shared commitment to advancing technological innovation. Tesla's unconventional ideas and inventive genius greatly influence Paul's perspective.

Paul Cravath and Sarah Hunt

Paul Cravath and Sarah Hunt's relationship is defined by mutual support and camaraderie as they navigate the challenges of the legal and societal landscape. Sarah's insights and resilience contribute to Paul's growth as a character.

George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla

The relationship between George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla is characterized by a shared vision for technological advancement and a deep sense of mutual respect. Their collaboration in the pursuit of innovation shapes their dynamic in the narrative.

Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse

The relationship between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse is defined by fierce competition and conflicting ideologies in the realm of electrical innovation. Their rivalry and strategic maneuvers drive the narrative's tension and conflict.

In "The Last Days of Night," Graham Moore masterfully portrays a compelling array of characters whose interactions and dynamics shape the narrative's exploration of ambition, innovation, and ethical complexity. Each character's distinct traits, arcs, and relationships contribute to the rich tapestry of the story, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the historical and technological landscape of the late 19th century.