The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

List of Characters

Role Identification

Walter Hartright

Walter Hartright serves as the protagonist in the novel. He is a young drawing master who becomes involved in a complex web of intrigue and deceit when he encounters the mysterious woman in white.

Marian Halcombe

Marian Halcombe is a strong and intelligent supporting character who is Laura Fairlie's half-sister. She plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth and protecting her sister from harm.

Laura Fairlie

Laura Fairlie is a gentle and kind-hearted young woman who becomes a pawn in the schemes of the antagonists, Sir Percival Glyde and Count Fosco.

Sir Percival Glyde

Sir Percival Glyde is the primary antagonist in the novel. He is a manipulative and deceitful aristocrat who conspires to claim Laura Fairlie's inheritance.

Count Fosco

Count Fosco is a charming yet sinister antagonist who assists Sir Percival Glyde in his nefarious schemes. He is a master of manipulation and deception.

Character Descriptions

Walter Hartright

Walter Hartright is depicted as a principled and compassionate young man. He is determined to uncover the truth and protect those he cares about, even in the face of danger.

Marian Halcombe

Marian Halcombe is described as fiercely intelligent and fiercely loyal. Her physical appearance, with her striking features and resolute demeanor, sets her apart from other characters in the novel.

Laura Fairlie

Laura Fairlie is portrayed as delicate and ethereal, with a gentle and kind nature. Her physical description emphasizes her fragile and vulnerable demeanor.

Sir Percival Glyde

Sir Percival Glyde is characterized by his imposing stature and aristocratic bearing. His cold and calculating demeanor reflects his unscrupulous nature.

Count Fosco

Count Fosco is described as a charismatic and enigmatic figure. His larger-than-life presence and distinctive physical features make him a memorable and intimidating character.

Character Traits

Walter Hartright

• Principled
• Compassionate
• Courageous
• Determined
• Selfless

Marian Halcombe

• Intelligent
• Loyal
• Resolute
• Resourceful
• Independent

Laura Fairlie

• Gentle
• Kind-hearted
• Fragile
• Vulnerable
• Sensitive

Sir Percival Glyde

• Manipulative
• Deceitful
• Arrogant
• Calculating
• Ruthless

Count Fosco

• Charismatic
• Enigmatic
• Manipulative
• Charming
• Sinister

Character Background

Walter Hartright

Walter Hartright is a young drawing master who is initially depicted as a man of modest means and exemplary character. His background as an artist and his commitment to his work serve as important aspects of his identity.

Marian Halcombe

Marian Halcombe hails from a respectable family and is known for her keen intellect and unwavering loyalty to her sister, Laura. Her background as the daughter of a clergyman contributes to her moral fortitude and resilience.

Laura Fairlie

Laura Fairlie comes from a privileged background, having been raised in a wealthy and aristocratic household. Her sheltered upbringing and delicate constitution shape her personality and influence her actions throughout the novel.

Sir Percival Glyde

Sir Percival Glyde is a member of the English aristocracy, with a prestigious lineage and significant wealth. His sense of entitlement and desire for power are rooted in his aristocratic background.

Count Fosco

Count Fosco is an enigmatic and foreign presence in the novel, with a background shrouded in mystery. His exotic origins and sophisticated demeanor contribute to his aura of intrigue and danger.

Character Arcs

Walter Hartright

Walter Hartright undergoes a transformative character arc, evolving from a humble drawing master to a courageous and determined protagonist. His journey involves uncovering the truth, facing danger, and ultimately striving for justice.

Marian Halcombe

Marian Halcombe's character arc is defined by her unwavering loyalty and her evolution into a resourceful and resilient ally. Her fierce determination and intelligence drive her to protect her sister and seek the truth at all costs.

Laura Fairlie

Laura Fairlie experiences a tumultuous character arc, moving from a sheltered and vulnerable young woman to a figure of strength and resilience. Her journey involves navigating betrayal, reclaiming her agency, and ultimately finding her voice.

Sir Percival Glyde

Sir Percival Glyde's character arc is marked by his descent into villainy and moral bankruptcy. His ruthless pursuit of wealth and power leads to his eventual downfall and unmasking.

Count Fosco

Count Fosco's character arc unfolds as a master manipulator whose facade of charm and sophistication gradually gives way to reveal his true malevolent nature. His cunning and deceit lead to his ultimate reckoning.

Relationships

Walter Hartright and Marian Halcombe

Walter and Marian share a deep bond based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to protecting Laura. Their partnership and trust in each other are instrumental in confronting the antagonists.

Laura Fairlie and Marian Halcombe

Laura and Marian's relationship is characterized by sisterly devotion and unwavering support. Marian's protective instincts and Laura's trust in her sister form a crucial emotional anchor in the novel.

Sir Percival Glyde and Count Fosco

Sir Percival and Count Fosco form a sinister alliance based on mutual self-interest and a shared capacity for manipulation. Their collaboration underscores the pervasive malevolence that threatens the protagonists.

Count Fosco and Marian Halcombe

Count Fosco's complex and manipulative relationship with Marian serves as a source of tension and intrigue. His attempts to control and deceive Marian test her resilience and determination.

Laura Fairlie and Walter Hartright

Laura and Walter's relationship is characterized by love, sacrifice, and a shared determination to overcome the obstacles that threaten their happiness. Their bond serves as a driving force in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, "The Woman in White" features a diverse cast of characters whose interactions and conflicts drive the narrative forward, creating a compelling exploration of morality, deception, and resilience. Each character's unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships contribute to the rich tapestry of the novel, making it a timeless classic in the realm of Victorian literature.