"Wolf Hall" Characters Analysis

Character Analysis: Wolf Hall

List of Characters

Role Identification

Thomas Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell is the protagonist of Hilary Mantel's historical novel, "Wolf Hall." He is portrayed as a trusted advisor and chief minister to King Henry VIII. Cromwell's role is pivotal in the reformation of England and the creation of the Anglican Church. He is a complex character who engages in political maneuvering, displays a strong loyalty to the king, and plays a crucial part in the downfall of Thomas More.

Thomas More

Thomas More serves as the antagonist in "Wolf Hall." He is a devout Catholic and a close advisor to King Henry VIII. More opposes the king's divorce and the reformation of the Catholic Church. Known for his uncompromising principles and sharp intellect, More becomes Cromwell's primary adversary. Their clash of philosophies drives much of the conflict in the novel.

Henry VIII

King Henry VIII is a supporting character in "Wolf Hall." Known for his six marriages, Henry seeks to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn. Henry is depicted as a volatile and unpredictable ruler, heavily influenced by his advisors. His decisions have far-reaching consequences for the characters in the book.

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn is a supporting character and Henry VIII's second wife. She is a pivotal figure in the reformation of England, as her influence over Henry drives the desire to create the Anglican Church. Anne is depicted as an ambitious and cunning woman, willing to go to great lengths to secure her position as queen.

Cardinal Wolsey

Cardinal Wolsey is a supporting character and the Archbishop of York. He initially serves as Henry's trusted advisor before falling out of favor and being replaced by Cromwell. Wolsey's downfall sets in motion the events of the novel, and his relationship with Cromwell is both complex and intriguing.

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour is a supporting character and Henry VIII's third wife. She is a quiet and virtuous woman who becomes queen after the downfall of Anne Boleyn. Jane's role in the novel primarily revolves around her marriage to Henry and the birth of their son, Edward VI.

Character Descriptions

Thomas Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell is portrayed as a man of humble origins who rises to power through his intelligence and cunning. He is described as tall and broad-shouldered, with a weathered face that bears the scars of his past. Cromwell's appearance and mannerisms exude a sense of strength and authority, earning him respect and fear from those around him.

Thomas More

Thomas More is depicted as a small and thin man, with a sharp mind and piercing gaze. He has a distinctive beard and wears simple yet elegant clothing. More's appearance reflects his uncompromising adherence to his Catholic beliefs, and he carries himself with a sense of righteousness.

Henry VIII

Henry VIII is presented as a towering figure with a commanding presence. He is described as having a robust physique, although as he ages, he becomes overweight. Henry's regal attire and expensive jewelry showcase his wealth and status. His appearance reflects his desire for power and his insatiable appetite for pleasure.

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn is described as an alluring and captivating woman. She has a slender figure, with long dark hair and captivating eyes. Anne's fashion-forward clothing and elegant accessories demonstrate her status as a fashionable trendsetter. Her beauty and charm play a vital role in her seduction of Henry and her ascent to the throne.

Cardinal Wolsey

Cardinal Wolsey is presented as an imposing figure, with a large build and a commanding presence. He wears elaborate religious garments befitting his position, adorned with symbols of his high rank. Wolsey's appearance conveys his authority within the Catholic Church and his significance as an advisor to the king.

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour is described as a modest and demure woman, with fair features and a serene expression. Her clothing is simple yet tasteful, reflecting her modesty and virtue. Jane's appearance is meant to contrast with the flamboyance of Anne Boleyn, highlighting her role as a calming influence on the tumultuous court.

Character Traits

Thomas Cromwell

• Intelligent
• Strategic
• Loyal
• Ambitious
• Pragmatic

Thomas More

• Principled
• Devout
• Intellectually sharp
• Stubborn
• Idealistic

Henry VIII

• Impulsive
• Domineering
• Hedonistic
• Charismatic
• Insecure

Anne Boleyn

• Ambitious
• Seductive
• Intelligent
• Manipulative
• Charismatic

Cardinal Wolsey

• Authoritative
• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Ambitious
• Intellectually sharp

Jane Seymour

• Modest
• Virtuous
• Compassionate
• Reserved
• Submissive

Character Background

Thomas Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell's background plays a significant role in shaping his character. Born into a poor family, Cromwell witnesses the hardships of life from an early age. He endures a tumultuous childhood, with a violent father and a flighty mother. Cromwell's experiences as a young man include fleeing his abusive home, enlisting in the army, and traveling to Europe to work as a merchant. These experiences hardened him and equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the treacherous political landscape of Henry VIII's court.

Thomas More

Thomas More comes from a privileged background, raised in an educated and prosperous family. His father is a prominent judge, and More receives an extensive education in law and the classics. More's strong Catholic faith is deeply ingrained in him from an early age, and he becomes known for his religious devotion and his pursuit of justice. Despite his privileged upbringing, More's principled character is tested when he finds himself at odds with the king over matters of faith.

Henry VIII

Henry VIII is born into a life of privilege and power as the second son of King Henry VII. His upbringing is marked by the expectation of becoming king and the weight of his royal responsibilities. Henry is tutored in languages, arts, and political affairs, shaping his worldview. His marriage to Catherine of Aragon and his subsequent desire for an heir lead him down a path that impacts not only his personal life but also the future of England.

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn is born into a noble family and receives a prestigious education. She spends several years in Europe, where she becomes exposed to the ideas of the Reformation. Anne's intelligence and charm attract the attention of influential men, including Henry VIII. Her background helps shape her ambition and determination to become queen and have a lasting impact on the course of English history.

Cardinal Wolsey

Cardinal Wolsey rises from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful men in England. He obtains extensive education and secures influential positions within the Catholic Church. Wolsey's background as a son of a butcher gives him a unique perspective on power and an unwavering ambition to rise to the pinnacle of authority. His early years as a servant provide him with valuable insights into human behavior, which he utilizes to manipulate those around him.

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour is born into a minor noble family. She receives an education appropriate for her rank and becomes a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine of Aragon and later to Anne Boleyn. Jane's unassuming background allows her to navigate the politics of the court with subtlety and discretion. Her humble origins contribute to her virtuous and modest character.

Character Arcs

Thomas Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell's character arc in "Wolf Hall" is one of ascent in power and influence. Starting as a relatively low-ranking advisor, Cromwell gradually gains the trust and admiration of Henry VIII. He maneuvers through the political landscape, meticulously orchestrating the fall of his enemies, including Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas More. Cromwell's arc is a testament to his intelligence, resilience, and ability to adapt, ultimately making him one of the most powerful men in Henry's court.

Thomas More

Thomas More's character arc in "Wolf Hall" revolves around the conflict between his unwavering principles and his loyalty to Henry VIII. As the king's close advisor, More faces the dilemma of maintaining his faith and integrity while navigating Henry's demands. His refusal to support the king's divorce and the subsequent Act of Supremacy ultimately leads to his downfall. More's arc is characterized by his unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church and the price he pays for it.

Henry VIII

Henry VIII's character arc in "Wolf Hall" showcases his transformation from a charismatic and idealistic young king to a ruthless and jaded ruler. Initially driven by passion and desire, Henry becomes increasingly consumed by his pursuit of power and the need for a male heir. Throughout the novel, Henry's character is shaped by his relationships with his advisors, wives, and the political landscape of England.

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn's character arc in "Wolf Hall" highlights her rise and inevitable downfall. She starts as a captivating and ambitious woman who captivates Henry VIII and becomes queen. However, as her influence wanes and she fails to produce a male heir, Anne's status diminishes, leading to her trial and execution. Anne's arc emphasizes the fragility of power and the consequences of challenging the status quo.

Cardinal Wolsey

Cardinal Wolsey's character arc in "Wolf Hall" follows his fall from grace and eventual demise. Once the king's most trusted advisor, Wolsey's influence declines due to his inability to secure Henry's divorce. His arc showcases the complexity of his character and the price he pays for his ambition and manipulations.

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour's character arc in "Wolf Hall" portrays her as a calm and virtuous presence amidst the chaos of Henry's court. She transitions from being a lady-in-waiting to becoming Henry's third wife and the mother of his long-awaited male heir. Seymour's arc focuses on her supportive role and her ability to provide stability in comparison to the complex and ambitious women surrounding the king.

Relationships

Thomas Cromwell and Thomas More

The relationship between Thomas Cromwell and Thomas More is one of the central conflicts in "Wolf Hall." Cromwell respects More's intelligence, but their differing religious and political beliefs create a strained dynamic. Their encounters showcase the clash of ideologies and the lengths to which they are willing to go to defend their respective positions.

Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII

The relationship between Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII evolves throughout the novel. Cromwell initially serves as a loyal advisor and confidant, leveraging his intelligence to navigate the king's whims. As Cromwell rises in power, his relationship with Henry becomes more complex, with Cromwell manipulating events to fulfill the king's desires. Their relationship showcases the delicate balance of power between a ruler and his trusted advisor.

Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn

The relationship between Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn is characterized by a complex blend of mutual respect, manipulation, and ambition. Cromwell admires Anne's intelligence and determination, but he also recognizes the threat she poses to his influence over Henry. Their relationship is marked by political maneuvering and the constant battle for power and survival in the treacherous court.

Thomas Cromwell and Cardinal Wolsey

The relationship between Thomas Cromwell and Cardinal Wolsey is one of mentorship and betrayal. Wolsey takes Cromwell under his wing and recognizes his potential as a political operative. However, as Cromwell's influence grows, he becomes a rival to Wolsey. Their relationship exemplifies the political intrigue and power struggles inherent in the court of Henry VIII.

Thomas Cromwell and Jane Seymour

The relationship between Thomas Cromwell and Jane Seymour is one of mutual respect and understanding. Cromwell values Jane's modesty and acts as a supporter and protector during her courtship with Henry VIII. Their relationship portrays Cromwell's capacity for empathy and demonstrates his ability to foster alliances that serve his own interests.

In conclusion, "Wolf Hall" presents a diverse cast of characters with intricate relationships and complex character arcs. The interplay between characters like Thomas Cromwell, Thomas More, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Cardinal Wolsey, and Jane Seymour drives the plot forward and showcases the dynamic political and personal landscape of Tudor England. Hilary Mantel's meticulous characterization breathes life into this historical fiction masterpiece.