Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Characters

Dr. Jekyll is a well-respected, intelligent doctor and experimental scientist. His reputation is marked by wealth and respectability, although he had a wild side in his youth.
He grapples with an internal conflict, attempting to reconcile his public persona with his hidden desires, which drive him to undertake a famous experiment.
Jekyll's aim is to permanently separate his "evil" side, hoping to further knowledge and alleviate sorrow and suffering.
His experiments lead to erratic behaviour, alienating him from friends such as Utterson and Lanyon. As things go awry, he loses control of the transformations, struggling to contain the malevolent Hyde persona, ultimately resulting in his demise.

Mr. Hyde is depicted as a devilish, evil, and criminal figure. His introduction in the novel involves violently trampling a young girl, and his malevolence escalates, culminating in the murder of Sir Danvers Carew.
Physically, Hyde is smaller and younger than Jekyll, symbolising the dominance of Jekyll's good side and the later development of his evil aspect.
Hyde's physical appearance remains a mystery, yet people are profoundly repulsed by him.
He exhibits an unforgiving nature, showing no remorse for his crimes and selfishly desiring complete dominance over Jekyll.

Mr. Utterson is a central character, a loyal friend to Dr. Jekyll, and the narrative's primary perspective.

Diagram

Utterson's loyalty and concern for Jekyll are evident as he tries to protect his friend when Sir Danvers Carew is murdered, concealing their relationship from the police.
A lawyer by profession, Utterson represents the respectable, wealthy class in Victorian London. He approaches life rationally and scientifically, often weighing evidence.
His curiosity and persistence drive him to uncover the truth about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde's relationship.

Dr. Lanyon was once a close friend to Dr. Jekyll but became estranged due to their differing views on scientific matters.
Lanyon is deeply attached to his scientific certainties and views Jekyll's theories as "scientific balderdash."
In contrast, Jekyll regards Lanyon as "hidebound" and conventional in his approach to medical science, leading to their falling out.
Lanyon witnesses Hyde's transformation back into Jekyll, which shatters his rational worldview, causing a severe mental breakdown from which he never recovers.