"The Seance" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Seance" by John Harwood, the characters play various roles in the development of the story. Constance Langton, the protagonist, is a young woman who becomes obsessed with uncovering the mysteries surrounding her mother's past. Eleanor Unwin, the antagonist, is a manipulative and deceitful woman who holds important information about Constance's past. John Montague, Anne Montague, James Lockhart, Mrs. Moxom, and Lilias are supporting characters who contribute to the plot and the development of the main characters.

Character Descriptions

Constance Langton

Constance Langton is a young woman in her early twenties. She is described as intelligent, curious, and determined. Constance has long, dark hair, and her eyes are often described as intense and inquisitive. She dresses modestly and is often seen wearing muted colors. Constance is haunted by her mother's mysterious suicide and is driven to uncover the truth about her family's past.

Eleanor Unwin

Eleanor Unwin is an older woman who becomes a central figure in Constance's quest for answers. She is described as tall and elegant, with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. Eleanor is known for her manipulative nature and her ability to deceive those around her. She is often seen wearing extravagant clothing and jewelry, which adds to her enigmatic persona.

John Montague

John Montague is a middle-aged man who assists Constance in her investigation. He is a historian and scholar with a keen interest in paranormal phenomena. John is described as friendly and approachable, with a warm smile. He is often seen wearing tweed jackets and carrying a leather-bound notebook, in which he documents his research.

Anne Montague

Anne Montague is John Montague's wife and a supportive presence throughout the story. She is described as kind-hearted and empathetic, always willing to lend a listening ear to Constance. Anne has a calm and nurturing demeanor, often seen wearing flowing dresses and tending to her garden.

James Lockhart

James Lockhart is a young man who becomes romantically involved with Constance. He is described as charming and charismatic, with a mischievous smile. James is an artist and often seen with paint-stained clothes and a sketchbook in hand. He provides emotional support to Constance and encourages her in her quest for the truth.

Mrs. Moxom

Mrs. Moxom is the housekeeper at Wraxford Hall, where Constance resides during her investigation. She is described as a stout and practical woman, always wearing an apron and carrying a set of keys. Mrs. Moxom is fiercely protective of the house's secrets and is initially wary of Constance's presence.

Lilias

Lilias is a ghostly presence that Constance encounters during her seances. She is described as ethereal and delicate, with a haunting beauty. Lilias is often seen wearing a flowing white gown and has a mournful expression. She communicates with Constance through whispers and gestures, guiding her towards the truth.

Character Traits

Constance Langton

• Intelligent
• Curious
• Determined
• Haunted
• Inquisitive

Eleanor Unwin

• Manipulative
• Deceitful
• Enigmatic
• Elegant
• Mysterious

John Montague

• Friendly
• Approachable
• Knowledgeable
• Scholarly
• Enthusiastic

Anne Montague

• Kind-hearted
• Empathetic
• Calm
• Nurturing
• Supportive

James Lockhart

• Charming
• Charismatic
• Mischievous
• Artistic
• Supportive

Mrs. Moxom

• Practical
• Protective
• Wary
• Stern
• Knowledgeable

Lilias

• Ethereal
• Delicate
• Haunting
• Mournful
• Guiding

Character Background

Constance Langton's background is shrouded in mystery. She grew up in a small village and was raised by her father after her mother's tragic suicide. Throughout her childhood, Constance struggled with the loss of her mother and the secrets surrounding her death. As she grew older, her curiosity about her family's past intensified, leading her to embark on a journey to uncover the truth.

Eleanor Unwin's background is also mysterious. She appears to have connections to Constance's mother and holds valuable information about the events leading up to her suicide. Eleanor is known for her manipulative nature and her ability to deceive others, making it difficult for Constance to trust her.

John Montague has a background in history and the paranormal. He has dedicated his life to studying supernatural phenomena and is well-respected in his field. John's knowledge and expertise become invaluable to Constance as she delves deeper into the secrets of her family's past.

Anne Montague, John's wife, has a background in botany and horticulture. She provides a nurturing and supportive presence for Constance during her investigation. Anne's gentle nature and love for gardening create a sense of solace in the midst of the mystery surrounding Constance's family.

James Lockhart's background is that of an artist. He is passionate about his craft and uses his creativity to support Constance emotionally. James becomes a source of comfort for Constance as they navigate the twists and turns of their investigation together.

Mrs. Moxom's background is rooted in her role as the housekeeper at Wraxford Hall. She has been in the service of the house for many years and is fiercely protective of its secrets. Mrs. Moxom's knowledge of the Hall's history and her stern demeanor make her a formidable presence in Constance's journey.

Lilias, the ghostly presence, has a tragic background that becomes intertwined with Constance's investigation. Her ethereal nature and haunting beauty add an air of mystery to the story as she guides Constance towards the truth.

Character Arcs

Constance Langton's character arc in "The Seance" is one of self-discovery and resilience. At the beginning of the story, she is haunted by her mother's suicide and feels lost in her quest for answers. As she delves deeper into her investigation, Constance becomes more determined and courageous, facing the dark secrets of her family's past head-on. Through her journey, Constance learns to trust her instincts and find strength within herself.

Eleanor Unwin's character arc revolves around her manipulation and deceit. Initially presented as an enigmatic character, Eleanor's true nature is gradually revealed as the story unfolds. Her arc culminates in a final confrontation with Constance, where her true motives are exposed. Eleanor's arc highlights the consequences of her actions and the impact they have on those around her.

John Montague's character arc focuses on his role as a mentor and guide for Constance. As a scholar and historian, John provides essential knowledge and support throughout her investigation. His arc showcases his passion for the paranormal and his willingness to assist others in their search for the truth.

Anne Montague's character arc centers around her nurturing and supportive nature. She acts as a pillar of strength for Constance, offering comfort and understanding during her journey. Anne's arc highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity.

James Lockhart's character arc intertwines with his romantic involvement with Constance. He provides emotional support and encouragement, serving as a source of stability for her. James's arc emphasizes the power of love and companionship in overcoming obstacles.

Mrs. Moxom's character arc revolves around her role as the protector of Wraxford Hall's secrets. Initially portrayed as a stern and guarded character, her arc reveals a deeper understanding of her motivations and the sacrifices she has made to maintain the house's history.

Lilias's character arc is centered around her connection to Constance and her mission to guide her towards the truth. As a ghostly presence, Lilias's arc is intertwined with the mysteries of the past and her desire for resolution.

Relationships

Constance Langton's relationship with Eleanor Unwin is one of suspicion and manipulation. Constance initially seeks Eleanor's help in unraveling the secrets of her past, but soon realizes that Eleanor has her own hidden agenda. Their relationship becomes a battle of wits and determination, as Constance tries to uncover the truth while Eleanor tries to maintain control.

Constance's relationship with John Montague is one of mentorship and guidance. John provides Constance with valuable knowledge and support, acting as a mentor figure throughout her investigation. Their relationship is built on trust and shared curiosity, as they work together to uncover the secrets of Constance's family history.

Constance's relationship with Anne Montague is one of comfort and understanding. Anne serves as a supportive presence, offering solace and empathy during Constance's journey. Their relationship provides a sense of stability and emotional support in the face of the unknown.

Constance's relationship with James Lockhart is one of love and companionship. James becomes a source of emotional support for Constance, offering encouragement and understanding. Their relationship serves as a beacon of light amidst the darkness of the investigation.

Constance's relationship with Mrs. Moxom is one of tension and secrecy. Mrs. Moxom initially distrusts Constance and is wary of her presence in Wraxford Hall. Their relationship is characterized by a mutual desire to protect the secrets of the house, creating a sense of unease and suspicion.

Constance's relationship with Lilias is one of guidance and mystery. Lilias, as a ghostly presence, communicates with Constance through whispers and gestures, leading her towards the truth. Their relationship is rooted in the shared desire for resolution and closure.