"Under the Net" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"Under the Net" by Iris Murdoch is a novel that explores the philosophical musings and adventures of the protagonist, Jake Donaghue. The story revolves around Jake's encounters and relationships with various characters as he attempts to navigate through life and find meaning in his existence.

Character Descriptions

Jake Donaghue

Jake Donaghue serves as the book's protagonist and narrator. He is a witty and intellectually curious writer who often finds himself in comical and absurd situations. Jake has a quick sense of humor but struggles to find stability and purpose in his life. He is an observer of people and events, constantly analyzing the world around him.

Hugo Belfounder

Hugo Belfounder is Jake's best friend and a struggling actor. He is depicted as a clumsy and forgetful person, often finding himself in peculiar situations. Hugo provides comic relief throughout the novel and acts as a confidant and sounding board for Jake's philosophical inquiries.

Sadie

Sadie is Jake's former lover who still holds a certain power over him. She is depicted as a charismatic and enigmatic woman who captivates those around her. Jake's interactions with Sadie are often filled with conflict, as he grapples with his lingering feelings for her.

Lefty

Lefty is a film star and an eccentric character in the novel. He leads a lavish lifestyle and is frequently surrounded by scandal. Lefty's larger-than-life presence adds a sense of glamour and intrigue to the story.

Madame d'Ortolan

Madame d'Ortolan is an art collector, wealthy widow, and a patron of the arts. She seeks to commission Jake to write a biography of her late husband. Madame d'Ortolan is portrayed as elegant, mysterious, and deeply passionate about art.

Anna Quentin

Anna Quentin is a young and talented musician who captures Jake's attention. She is intelligent, independent, and possesses a unique aura that fascinates Jake. Anna plays a crucial role in Jake's self-discovery and quest for meaningful connections.

Character Traits

Jake Donaghue

• Witty
• Curious
• Philosophical
• Observant
• Lost
• Procrastinator

Hugo Belfounder

• Forgetful
• Comical
• Loyal
• Friendly
• Clumsy
• Aspiring actor

Sadie

• Enigmatic
• Charismatic
• Manipulative
• Seductive
• Independent
• Emotional

Lefty

• Eccentric
• Larger-than-life
• Scandalous
• Charismatic
• Mysterious
• Wealthy

Madame d'Ortolan

• Elegant
• Mysterious
• Passionate
• Wealthy
• Artistic
• Socialite

Anna Quentin

• Talented
• Independent
• Intelligent
• Fascinating
• Passionate
• Musician

Character Background

Jake Donaghue

Jake Donaghue comes from a working-class background in London. He is a struggling writer and translator. Jake tends to drift through life without clear direction, embodying the archetype of a perpetual outsider. He is known to be unreliable and often fails to meet his commitments due to his tendency to procrastinate.

Hugo Belfounder

Hugo Belfounder is from a middle-class background and shares a deep bond of friendship with Jake. Despite aspiring to be an actor, Hugo often finds himself in odd jobs to make ends meet. He is loyal to Jake and supports him through his various adventures and philosophical ponderings.

Sadie

Sadie is a charismatic and seductive woman who has had a tumultuous relationship with Jake. Her allure and manipulative nature make her a complex and intriguing character. Despite their separation, Sadie still holds a significant influence over Jake's emotions and actions.

Lefty

Lefty is a famous film star who enjoys a life of excess and scandalous affairs. He represents the allure and dangers of fame and fortune. His larger-than-life personality and eccentricities create an aura of mystique, drawing people into his orbit.

Madame d'Ortolan

Madame d'Ortolan is a refined, wealthy widow who becomes entangled in Jake's life. She becomes interested in Jake's writing abilities and offers him an opportunity to write her late husband's biography. Her love for art and her desire to preserve her husband's memory make her a pivotal character in the story.

Anna Quentin

Anna Quentin is a young musician from a privileged background. Her talent and independent spirit captivate Jake's attention. As Jake becomes infatuated with Anna, he embarks on a journey to understand the complexity of love and meaningful connections.

Character Arcs

Jake Donaghue

Jake's character arc revolves around his quest for meaning and belonging. Initially lost and uncertain, he gradually starts to question his own complacency and confronts the consequences of his actions. Through his encounters with various characters and his pursuit of Anna, Jake undergoes a transformative journey that leads him towards self-discovery and personal growth.

Hugo Belfounder

Hugo's character arc primarily revolves around his unwavering loyalty and support for Jake. His role intensifies as a humorous sidekick and a sounding board for Jake's philosophical inquiries. While Hugo's personal growth is not as pronounced, his loyalty highlights the importance of friendship and genuine connections.

Sadie

Sadie's character arc focuses on her power over Jake and her manipulation of his emotions. She represents a temptation that Jake must overcome to find stability and fulfillment. As Jake breaks free from her grasp, Sadie's significance diminishes, and she becomes a catalyst for his growth.

Lefty

Lefty's character arc emphasizes the ups and downs of fame and the consequences of a lavish lifestyle. He serves as a contrast to Jake, highlighting the dangers of excess and the pursuit of pleasure without purpose. Lefty's presence adds a touch of glamour to the story and serves as a cautionary tale.

Madame d'Ortolan

Madame d'Ortolan's character arc revolves around her desire to preserve her husband's memory and protect her art collection. She becomes entangled in Jake's life through her artistic pursuits, ultimately leading to a profound impact on his journey of self-discovery. Madame d'Ortolan's role illustrates the power of art and inspiration in transformative experiences.

Anna Quentin

Anna Quentin's character arc centers around her mission to pursue her passion for music and maintain her independence. As Jake becomes infatuated and captivated by her, Anna challenges his preconceived notions about love and relationships. Through their relationship, she becomes a catalyst for Jake's personal growth and pursuit of true connections.

Relationships

Jake and Hugo

Jake and Hugo share a deep friendship that withstands the test of time. Hugo serves as Jake's confidant and loyal companion throughout his adventures. Their witty banter and shared experiences highlight the importance of companionship and support in navigating life's complexities.

Jake and Sadie

Jake's relationship with Sadie is filled with conflict and manipulation. Despite their separation, Sadie lingers in Jake's thoughts, creating a constant struggle for him to move forward. Their complex relationship explores the dynamics of power and the consequences of unresolved emotions.

Jake and Lefty

Jake's encounters with Lefty highlight the stark contrast between their lifestyles. Although they come from different worlds, Jake's interactions with Lefty offer a glimpse into the dangers of excess and the emptiness that can result from a life of indulgence.

Jake and Madame d'Ortolan

Madame d'Ortolan becomes an influential figure in Jake's life as she commissions him to write her late husband's biography. Their shared interest in art and the creative process forms a unique bond between them. Madame d'Ortolan's role as Jake's benefactor and muse brings an element of intrigue to their relationship.

Jake and Anna Quentin

Jake's infatuation with Anna Quentin sparks a journey of self-discovery and growth. Their connection challenges Jake's preconceived ideas about love and relationships. Jake's pursuit of Anna becomes intertwined with his pursuit of meaning, ultimately leading him towards a deeper understanding of himself.

In conclusion, "Under the Net" delves into the philosophical ponderings of the protagonist, Jake Donaghue, as he embarks on a quest for meaning and self-discovery. Through his encounters with various characters, Jake undergoes a transformative journey, exploring themes of friendship, love, art, and the pitfalls of a purposeless existence. Iris Murdoch skillfully crafts complex and multifaceted characters, each contributing to the novel's exploration of human nature and the pursuit of fulfillment.