The Woman in Black: Characters

Key Characters in The Woman in Black

1. Arthur Kipps
2. The Woman in Black (Jennet Humfrye)
3. Alice Drablow
4. Sam Daily
5. Keckwick
6. Mr. Jerome
7. Stella Kipps
8. Spider (the dog)

Arthur Kipps

Quote: "I did not believe in ghosts. Or rather, until this day, I had not done so."

Analysis: Arthur Kipps begins the story as a rational and skeptical young lawyer. His initial disbelief in the supernatural highlights his naivety and modern worldview. As the story progresses, his encounters with the Woman in Black transform him, leaving him deeply scarred. Hill uses Arthur to explore themes of fear, trauma, and the psychological impact of confronting the unknown. His character demonstrates how arrogance and overconfidence in one's understanding of the world can lead to vulnerability.

Quote: "I felt a terrible, cold, sickening sensation that began to spread out from the pit of my stomach."

Analysis: This quote highlights Arthur's growing fear as he confronts the supernatural. His physical reaction underscores the intensity of his dread, showing how the events at Eel Marsh House push him beyond rational thought. Hill uses this transformation to explore the vulnerability of humans when faced with forces beyond their control.

The Woman in Black (Jennet Humfrye)

Quote: "Her face, in its extreme pallor, her eyes, sunken but unnaturally bright, were burning with the concentration of passionate emotion."

Analysis: Jennet Humfrye is the vengeful ghost of the Woman in Black, driven by anger and grief over the loss of her son. Her haunting presence symbolises unresolved trauma and the destructive power of revenge. Hill portrays Jennet as both a victim of societal injustice—having been forced to give up her child—and a perpetrator of violence through her curse, which causes the death of innocent children. This duality makes her a complex figure, highlighting how pain can corrupt and perpetuate cycles of suffering.

Quote: "I had seen the ghost of Jennet Humfrye and she had had her revenge."

Analysis: This line encapsulates Jennet's purpose in the story—her relentless pursuit of vengeance for the loss of her son. It emphasises her tragic role as both victim and aggressor, reflecting how grief and anger can turn destructive when left unresolved. Hill uses Jennet to show the cyclical nature of pain and its power to transcend death.

Alice Drablow

Quote: "The late Mrs. Drablow was, to say the least of it, something of a recluse and something of a rum'un."

Analysis: Alice Drablow is the deceased owner of Eel Marsh House and Jennet Humfrye's sister. She represents societal hypocrisy, having adopted Jennet's son while hiding the truth of his parentage. Her character reflects the rigid social expectations of the time, which forced Jennet into isolation and despair. Alice's secrets and actions contribute to the haunting of Eel Marsh House, making her indirectly responsible for the horrors that unfold.

Quote: "Mrs. Drablow's life was her own and the stories about her were mostly speculation."

Analysis: This highlights Alice Drablow's mysterious and private nature, which fuels the ominous atmosphere of the story. Her secrecy about Jennet's child and her isolation in Eel Marsh House mirror the hidden traumas that haunt the narrative, suggesting that buried truths can lead to lasting harm.

Sam Daily

Quote: "You'll find yourself a good deal less comfortable than you are now, and your nerves not at all improved by the end of it."

Analysis: Sam Daily is a local landowner who befriends Arthur and tries to warn him about the dangers of Eel Marsh House. His practical and protective nature contrasts with Arthur's initial arrogance, serving as a voice of reason. Sam symbolises the community's collective fear and the wisdom of those who respect the supernatural. His character highlights the theme of social responsibility, as he repeatedly tries to shield Arthur from harm.

Quote: "You shouldn't go there alone."

Analysis: Sam Daily's warning reflects his awareness of the supernatural dangers surrounding Eel Marsh House. It also represents the local community's collective fear and their reluctance to confront the Woman in Black. Sam's protective nature contrasts with Arthur's initial dismissiveness, highlighting the tension between scepticism and belief.

Keckwick

Quote: "Keckwick was not a man who welcomed any form of friendly approach."

Analysis: Keckwick, the taciturn pony and trap driver, serves as Arthur's connection to Eel Marsh House. His silence and stoicism reflect the fear ingrained in the local community. Despite his apparent detachment, Keckwick's willingness to return to the house shows his quiet bravery and sense of duty. He represents the resilience of ordinary people in the face of fear and the power of unspoken solidarity.

Quote: "Keckwick said little but nodded at me sharply."

Analysis: Keckwick's terse communication and stoic demeanour reveal his quiet courage in facing the dangers of the marshes. His willingness to assist Arthur despite the risks reflects a sense of duty and solidarity, making him an understated yet significant figure in the story.

Mr. Jerome

Quote: "He was afraid, his hands fumbling, his expression a mixture of bewilderment and alarm."

Analysis: Mr. Jerome, the local solicitor assisting Arthur, is deeply frightened by any mention of the Woman in Black. His character reflects the pervasive fear among the townspeople and their inability to confront Jennet's vengeful spirit. Hill uses Mr. Jerome to emphasise how fear can silence individuals and prevent them from taking action, contributing to the theme of helplessness in the face of trauma.

Quote: "Mr. Jerome looked frozen, pale, his throat moving as if he were unable to utter."

Analysis: This description of Mr. Jerome conveys his profound fear of the Woman in Black. His inability to speak reflects the silencing power of trauma and fear within the local community. Hill uses Mr. Jerome to illustrate how fear can paralyse individuals and prevent them from addressing threats.

Stella Kipps

Quote: "She was full of life and energy and looked the part she played, a young woman who had fallen deeply in love."

Analysis: Stella, Arthur's wife, represents hope and normalcy in his life after the events at Eel Marsh House. Her tragic death, caused by the Woman in Black, underscores the story's theme of inescapable pasts and the far-reaching consequences of unresolved trauma. Stella's death highlights the unfairness of Jennet's revenge, as it affects those who had no part in her suffering.

Quote: "We had been so happy, and now all that happiness was gone."

Analysis: Arthur's reflection on Stella's death underscores the devastating consequences of Jennet's revenge. Stella's tragic end highlights the theme of innocence lost, showing how the past can reach into the present to destroy even those untouched by its original events

Spider (the dog)

Quote: "Spider stood on the brink of the marsh, growling and trembling."

Analysis: Spider, the dog lent to Arthur by Sam Daily, serves as a symbol of loyalty and companionship in a story marked by isolation and fear. Her reactions to the supernatural events provide an external validation of Arthur's experiences. Spider's presence also emphasises the theme of vulnerability, as she nearly succumbs to the dangers of the marsh, mirroring Arthur's perilous position.

Quote: "Spider was panting, her mouth open and tongue lolling."

Analysis: Spider's physical reactions during tense moments provide an external indicator of the supernatural presence. As a loyal companion, Spider symbolises both comfort and vulnerability, showing how even the most steadfast allies are at risk in the hostile environment of Eel Marsh House.