"The Madness Underneath" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Madness Underneath" by Maureen Johnson, the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story. The protagonist, Rory Deveaux, leads the narrative, while Jerome Leung serves as her love interest. Charlotte Holmes acts as a friend and confidante, and Stephen Dene plays the role of a mentor and guide. Thorpe acts as the primary antagonist, and Jazza provides support as a friend. Lastly, Boo, a ghost, adds a supernatural element to the story.

Character Descriptions

• Rory Deveaux: Rory is a determined and resilient protagonist who possesses the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. She has a strong sense of justice and a desire to help those in need. Physically, she is described as having wavy red hair and blue eyes, which accentuate her vibrant personality.
• Jerome Leung: Jerome is Rory's love interest and a fellow student at Wexford, a boarding school in London. He is charming, intelligent, and supportive of Rory. Jerome is of Chinese descent and is described as having a warm smile and kind eyes.
• Charlotte Holmes: Charlotte is Rory's best friend and roommate at Wexford. She is highly observant, logical, and possesses a keen intellect. Charlotte often assists Rory in her ghost-related investigations and provides valuable insights. Her appearance is described as having sleek dark hair and sharp features.
• Stephen Dene: Stephen is a mentor figure to Rory and a member of the secret ghost-hunting organization known as the Shades. He is knowledgeable about the supernatural and guides Rory in understanding her abilities. Stephen is described as tall, with a serious demeanor and piercing gaze.
• Thorpe: Thorpe is the primary antagonist of the story. He is a powerful ghost who poses a threat to both the living and the dead. Thorpe is cunning, manipulative, and seeks to exploit Rory's abilities for his own gain.
• Jazza: Jazza is Rory's supportive friend who also has the ability to see ghosts. She provides emotional support to Rory and offers a sense of camaraderie. Jazza has a punk-rock style and is known for her vibrant hair colors and eclectic fashion choices.
• Boo: Boo is a ghost who becomes an important character in the story. Initially, he is mysterious and reluctant to reveal his past. As the narrative progresses, Boo's backstory is gradually uncovered, adding depth to his character and his connection to the supernatural world.

Character Traits

• Rory Deveaux: Determined, resilient, empathetic, curious, courageous.
• Jerome Leung: Charming, supportive, intelligent, caring, compassionate.
• Charlotte Holmes: Observant, logical, intelligent, analytical, loyal.
• Stephen Dene: Knowledgeable, serious, wise, perceptive, dedicated.
• Thorpe: Cunning, manipulative, dangerous, vengeful, relentless.
• Jazza: Supportive, eccentric, artistic, rebellious, loyal.
• Boo: Mysterious, troubled, compassionate, haunted, protective.

Character Background

• Rory Deveaux: Rory is originally from the United States and has moved to London to attend Wexford. She comes from a supportive family and is adjusting to life in a new country.
• Jerome Leung: Jerome is also a student at Wexford and comes from a multicultural background. He is intelligent and well-liked by his peers.
• Charlotte Holmes: Charlotte comes from a wealthy and prestigious family. She is academically advanced and has a reputation for her deductive reasoning skills.
• Stephen Dene: Stephen is a seasoned member of the Shades and has extensive knowledge about the supernatural. He takes on the role of guiding Rory in understanding her abilities.
• Thorpe: Thorpe was once a powerful figure in London but became a vengeful ghost after his death. He seeks to exert control over Rory and the ghostly realm.
• Jazza: Jazza is an artist and musician who attends Wexford. She has a rebellious streak and is unafraid to challenge authority.
• Boo: Boo is a ghost who has a mysterious past and a deep connection to the supernatural world. His history becomes intertwined with Rory's journey.

Character Arcs

• Rory Deveaux: Throughout the story, Rory experiences personal growth as she grapples with her abilities and the dangers of the ghostly realm. She becomes more confident in her role as a ghost hunter and learns to navigate the complexities of the supernatural.
• Jerome Leung: Jerome's character arc revolves around his growing relationship with Rory and his involvement in her ghostly investigations. He develops a deeper understanding of the supernatural and becomes an ally to Rory in her adventures.
• Charlotte Holmes: Charlotte's arc revolves around her friendship with Rory and her role in assisting with the ghostly investigations. She becomes more open and vulnerable, allowing her emotions to surface and deepening her bond with Rory.
• Stephen Dene: Stephen's arc involves his mentorship of Rory and his efforts to protect her from the dangers of the ghostly realm. He becomes more invested in Rory's journey and reveals more about his own past and motivations.
• Thorpe: Thorpe's arc centers around his pursuit of power and control. As the primary antagonist, he poses a constant threat to Rory and the balance between the living and the dead. His actions and motives drive the conflict in the story.
• Jazza: Jazza's arc focuses on her friendship with Rory and her exploration of her own abilities. She becomes more involved in the ghostly investigations and embraces her unique perspective on the supernatural.
• Boo: Boo's arc is revealed gradually throughout the story, highlighting his connection to the supernatural world and his role in Rory's journey. His past and experiences shape his actions and his interactions with Rory.

Relationships

• Rory and Jerome: Rory and Jerome's relationship evolves from friendship to romance. Their connection grows stronger as they face supernatural challenges together, providing support and understanding for each other.
• Rory and Charlotte: Rory and Charlotte share a deep bond of friendship and trust. Charlotte acts as a pillar of support for Rory, offering advice and assistance in her ghostly investigations.
• Rory and Stephen: Stephen serves as a mentor and guide to Rory. Their relationship is built on trust and mutual respect as Stephen helps Rory navigate the complexities of the ghostly realm.
• Rory and Thorpe: Rory's relationship with Thorpe is one of conflict and danger. Thorpe seeks to manipulate Rory for his own gain, leading to intense confrontations and high-stakes situations.
• Rory and Jazza: Rory and Jazza have a close friendship that provides emotional support and camaraderie. They share a common understanding of the supernatural and face challenges together.
• Rory and Boo: Rory's relationship with Boo is initially mysterious, but as their connection deepens, Boo becomes a source of guidance and protection for Rory.

In "The Madness Underneath" by Maureen Johnson, the characters play significant roles in driving the story forward. Rory's determination, Jerome's support, Charlotte's intellect, Stephen's guidance, Thorpe's antagonism, Jazza's friendship, and Boo's supernatural presence all contribute to a compelling narrative filled with mystery and suspense.