"The Sealed Letter" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Sealed Letter" by Emma Donoghue, the story revolves around three main characters: Helen Codrington, Emily 'Fido' Faithfull, and Captain Harry Codrington. Helen and Fido are the protagonists, while Captain Harry Codrington serves as the antagonist. The other characters, including Helen's and Fido's friends, play supporting roles throughout the book.

Character Descriptions

1. Helen Codrington: Helen is a married woman in her thirties, known for her beauty and intelligence. She is initially depicted as a loyal wife and mother but later becomes involved in a scandalous affair. Helen's physical appearance is described as striking, with captivating blue eyes and flowing auburn hair.
2. Emily 'Fido' Faithfull: Fido is a close friend of Helen and an advocate for women's rights. She is a strong-willed woman with a passion for equality and justice. Fido is described as having a plain appearance, with her strength lying in her intelligence and determination.
3. Captain Harry Codrington: Captain Codrington is Helen's husband, a military officer stationed abroad for most of the story. He is depicted as a charming but controlling man who becomes suspicious of his wife's actions. Captain Codrington's physical appearance is described as tall and handsome, with a commanding presence.

Character Traits

1. Helen Codrington: Initially, Helen is portrayed as loyal, caring, and devoted to her family. However, as the story progresses, her character reveals layers of complexity. She is shown to be impulsive, passionate, and willing to take risks. Helen's actions reflect her desire for personal freedom and a fulfilling life beyond societal expectations.
2. Emily 'Fido' Faithfull: Fido is characterized by her determination, intelligence, and strong moral compass. She possesses a sense of justice and fights tirelessly for women's rights. Fido is also depicted as loyal and supportive towards her friends, willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the greater good.
3. Captain Harry Codrington: Captain Codrington is portrayed as charming and charismatic. However, he also exhibits possessive and controlling traits, which lead to the deterioration of his relationship with Helen. His character highlights the societal expectations and double standards imposed on women during the Victorian era.

Character Background

1. Helen Codrington: Helen comes from a privileged background and has always lived a comfortable life. She is married to Captain Codrington and is the mother of two children. Before the events of the book, Helen had an affair with a younger officer, which led to scandal and strained relationships within her social circle.
2. Emily 'Fido' Faithfull: Fido comes from a middle-class background and has worked hard to establish herself as a respected advocate for women's rights. She runs a printing press and publishes a journal dedicated to promoting gender equality. Fido's background and experiences shape her strong beliefs and determination to challenge societal norms.
3. Captain Harry Codrington: Captain Codrington is a military officer who has spent most of his life serving abroad. His background is not extensively explored in the book, but his actions and attitudes reflect the patriarchal values of the Victorian era.

Character Arcs

1. Helen Codrington: Helen's character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the book. Initially, she conforms to societal expectations of a dutiful wife and mother. However, as she becomes involved in an affair and faces the consequences, Helen begins to question and challenge these expectations. She ultimately finds the strength to assert her independence and make choices that prioritize her own happiness.
2. Emily 'Fido' Faithfull: Fido's character remains consistent in her passion for women's rights and her determination to challenge the status quo. However, her loyalty and support for Helen are tested as she grapples with the moral complexities of Helen's actions. Fido's character arc involves navigating her own beliefs while remaining a steadfast friend.
3. Captain Harry Codrington: Captain Codrington's character arc revolves around his increasing suspicion and control over Helen. His actions and attitudes highlight the toxic masculinity prevalent during the Victorian era. However, his character arc does not involve significant growth or change.

Relationships

1. Helen and Fido: Helen and Fido share a deep and enduring friendship. Fido serves as Helen's confidante and offers support during her moments of struggle. Their relationship is tested when Helen's affair is revealed, causing tension and moral dilemmas for Fido.
2. Helen and Captain Codrington: Helen's relationship with Captain Codrington starts off as a typical Victorian marriage, but it is gradually strained due to their differing expectations and Helen's affair. The dynamics between them highlight the power imbalances and societal pressures faced by women in that era.
3. Other Relationships: The book explores various relationships within Helen and Fido's social circle. These relationships shed light on the societal norms, expectations, and complexities of friendships and marriages during the Victorian era.

In conclusion, "The Sealed Letter" by Emma Donoghue delves into the intricate lives and relationships of its characters, particularly Helen Codrington, Fido Faithfull, and Captain Harry Codrington. Through their development, the book explores themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and the pursuit of personal freedom in the restrictive Victorian era.