The Secret Garden Character Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Mary Lennox

Mary Lennox is the protagonist of "The Secret Garden." She is a young girl who is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, after being orphaned. Mary's journey is central to the story's themes of growth, healing, and the power of nature.

Colin Craven

Colin Craven is a major character in the novel and is the son of Archibald Craven. He is initially portrayed as a sickly and spoiled boy who is confined to his bed. His transformation throughout the story is pivotal to the overall narrative.

Dickon Sowerby

Dickon Sowerby is a supporting character who becomes a close friend to Mary and Colin. He has a deep connection with nature and serves as a source of wisdom and guidance for the children.

Martha Sowerby

Martha Sowerby is another supporting character who works as a maid at Misselthwaite Manor. She forms a bond with Mary and introduces her to the magic of the secret garden.

Archibald Craven

Archibald Craven, the uncle of Mary and father of Colin, serves as the antagonist in the story. He is deeply affected by the loss of his wife and is emotionally distant from his son.

Ben Weatherstaff

Ben Weatherstaff is a supporting character who works as the head gardener at Misselthwaite Manor. He initially appears gruff but ultimately becomes an ally to Mary and Colin.

Mrs. Medlock

Mrs. Medlock is the housekeeper at Misselthwaite Manor and is responsible for overseeing the care of Mary and Colin. She initially appears stern and strict but undergoes a transformation as the story progresses.

Susan Sowerby

Susan Sowerby is Dickon's mother and provides maternal wisdom and warmth to the children. Her presence is instrumental in the development of the characters and the unfolding of the plot.

Character Descriptions

Mary Lennox

Mary is depicted as a sullen and neglected girl at the beginning of the story. She is described as having a thin face, gray eyes, and dark hair. As she spends time in the Yorkshire moors and the secret garden, her physical appearance transforms, reflecting her inner growth.

Colin Craven

Colin is initially presented as a frail and temperamental boy who believes he is destined to die young. He is described as pale and thin, with a delicate appearance. As the story progresses, his physical and emotional strength gradually emerge.

Dickon Sowerby

Dickon is portrayed as a robust and nature-loving boy with a deep understanding of plants and animals. He is described as having a ruddy complexion, bright eyes, and a natural ease in the outdoors.

Martha Sowerby

Martha is a warm and cheerful young woman with a kind-hearted nature. She is described as having a round face, a merry laugh, and a Yorkshire accent that adds to her charm.

Archibald Craven

Archibald is depicted as a grieving and distant figure, haunted by the loss of his wife and unable to connect with his son. He is described as a tall, thin man with a haggard and melancholic countenance.

Ben Weatherstaff

Ben is characterized as a grizzled and weathered man with a no-nonsense attitude. He is described as having a craggy face, gray hair, and a soft spot for the natural world.

Mrs. Medlock

Mrs. Medlock is portrayed as a severe and imposing figure with a rigid demeanor. She is described as having a stern face, a commanding presence, and a no-nonsense approach to managing the household.

Susan Sowerby

Susan is depicted as a nurturing and insightful woman with a calming presence. She is described as having gentle eyes, a soothing voice, and a deep connection to the earth and its rhythms.

Character Traits

Mary Lennox

• Independent
• Stubborn
• Curious
• Resilient
• Compassionate

Colin Craven

• Fragile
• Temperamental
• Sensitive
• Determined
• Vulnerable

Dickon Sowerby

• Nature-loving
• Wise
• Empathetic
• Free-spirited
• Resourceful

Martha Sowerby

• Cheerful
• Resourceful
• Caring
• Loyal
• Down-to-earth

Archibald Craven

• Grieving
• Distant
• Tormented
• Protective
• Complex

Ben Weatherstaff

• Gruff
• Kind-hearted
• Observant
• Loyal
• Wise

Mrs. Medlock

• Authoritative
• Stern
• Dutiful
• Protective
• Evolving

Susan Sowerby

• Nurturing
• Wise
• Grounded
• Supportive
• Intuitive

Character Background

Mary Lennox

Mary Lennox is a young girl who is born in India to wealthy British parents. Following a cholera outbreak, she is orphaned and sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire, England.

Colin Craven

Colin is the son of Archibald Craven and is initially raised in seclusion due to the belief that he is too sickly to be seen by others. His mother passed away when he was born, and his father's grief further isolates him.

Dickon Sowerby

Dickon Sowerby comes from a large and loving family that lives on the moors. He has a deep affinity for nature and possesses a remarkable ability to communicate with animals and understand the rhythms of the natural world.

Martha Sowerby

Martha Sowerby hails from a working-class family and takes on the role of a maid at Misselthwaite Manor. She is warm, practical, and deeply connected to the Yorkshire landscape.

Archibald Craven

Archibald Craven is a troubled and grief-stricken man who is deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Lilias. His emotional turmoil leads him to distance himself from his son, Colin, and become an enigmatic figure at Misselthwaite Manor.

Ben Weatherstaff

Ben Weatherstaff has spent his life working as the head gardener at Misselthwaite Manor. He is gruff on the exterior but possesses a deep love for the natural world and a profound understanding of the secret garden.

Mrs. Medlock

Mrs. Medlock has dedicated herself to the service of the Craven family and takes her responsibilities as the housekeeper of Misselthwaite Manor very seriously. Her stern exterior masks a sense of duty and, ultimately, a capacity for growth.

Susan Sowerby

Susan Sowerby is the mother of Dickon and is depicted as a nurturing and wise presence in the story. She embodies the nurturing spirit of the Yorkshire moors and serves as a source of guidance for the children.

Character Arcs

Mary Lennox

Mary undergoes a significant transformation from a neglected and petulant child to a compassionate, independent, and nature-loving young girl. Her journey is marked by the discovery of the secret garden, which becomes a metaphor for her own healing and growth.

Colin Craven

Colin's character arc is centered around his physical and emotional development. Initially, he is bedridden and consumed by thoughts of his own mortality. Through the influence of Mary, the discovery of the secret garden, and the guidance of Dickon, he experiences a profound transformation.

Dickon Sowerby

Dickon's character arc is less overtly dramatic but revolves around his role as a guardian of the natural world and a source of wisdom and support for Mary and Colin. His connection to nature remains unwavering, and his presence continues to inspire growth in others.

Martha Sowerby

Martha's arc is tied to her role as a caretaker and guide for Mary. Her warmth and practical wisdom contribute to Mary's initial adaptation to life at Misselthwaite Manor and her eventual discovery of the secret garden.

Archibald Craven

Archibald's character arc revolves around his emotional healing and reconnection with his son. His journey is intertwined with the unlocking of the secret garden and the profound impact it has on him, ultimately leading to a reconciliation with his past and his family.

Ben Weatherstaff

Ben's character arc involves his evolution from a gruff and solitary figure to a trusted ally for Mary and Colin. His deep knowledge of the secret garden and the natural world plays a pivotal role in the children's development and the unfolding of the narrative.

Mrs. Medlock

Mrs. Medlock's arc is characterized by a subtle but significant shift in her demeanor and approach. Her initial strictness gives way to a more compassionate understanding of the children's needs, reflecting a personal transformation that aligns with the story's themes of growth and healing.

Susan Sowerby

Susan's character arc is rooted in her role as a maternal figure and a guardian of the natural world. Her wisdom and connection to the earth serve as a guiding force for Mary, Colin, and the unfolding of the secret garden's magic.

Relationships

Mary Lennox and Colin Craven

The relationship between Mary and Colin is central to the story, as they both undergo personal growth and healing through their shared experiences in the secret garden. Their bond evolves from initial skepticism to a deep and transformative friendship.

Mary Lennox and Dickon Sowerby

Mary's friendship with Dickon is characterized by their mutual love for nature and the Yorkshire moors. Dickon's wisdom and connection to the natural world provide Mary with guidance and support, fostering a deep and enduring bond between them.

Mary Lennox and Martha Sowerby

Martha serves as a nurturing and practical older sister figure for Mary, introducing her to the wonders of the Yorkshire landscape and playing a crucial role in Mary's adaptation to her new life at Misselthwaite Manor.

Colin Craven and Dickon Sowerby

Colin's friendship with Dickon is instrumental in his journey of self-discovery and physical improvement. Dickon's down-to-earth nature and unwavering support provide Colin with the strength and inspiration he needs to overcome his initial limitations.

Archibald Craven and Mary Lennox

Archibald's relationship with Mary is initially distant and strained but evolves as they both find solace and healing in the secret garden. Their shared connection to the natural world becomes a catalyst for reconciliation and emotional growth.

Ben Weatherstaff and Mary Lennox

Ben serves as a mentor and ally to Mary, introducing her to the secret garden and nurturing her love for nature. His gruff exterior belies a deep understanding of the healing power of the natural world, which he imparts to Mary through their interactions.

Mrs. Medlock and Mary Lennox

Mrs. Medlock's relationship with Mary is initially characterized by strictness and formality. However, as the story unfolds, she becomes more understanding and supportive of Mary's needs, reflecting a shift in their dynamic and Mrs. Medlock's evolving role in Mary's life.

Susan Sowerby and the Children

Susan's relationship with Mary, Colin, and Dickon is rooted in her nurturing presence and deep connection to the natural world. Her guidance and wisdom serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for the children as they navigate their individual journeys.

In conclusion, "The Secret Garden" features a rich tapestry of characters whose interactions and personal transformations drive the narrative forward. From the protagonists' journey of growth and healing to the supportive relationships they form with others, the characters in the novel embody themes of resilience, compassion, and the enduring power of nature.