Main Characters in The Canterville Ghost
Sir Simon de Canterville
Sir Simon de Canterville is the central supernatural character of the story. Once a nobleman who was accused of treachery and murder, Sir Simon’s spirit is condemned to haunt Canterville Chase, the family estate, as a result of his past sins. Wilde presents Sir Simon as a tragic yet somewhat comic figure, embodying the theme of guilt and remorse.
Characteristics:
- A restless, centuries-old ghost who appears in a variety of traditional ghostly forms.
- Wears a tarnished suit of armor, often depicted with chains and a mournful expression.
- Trapped by his past sins, he seeks redemption and peace through the story’s progression.
Role in the Story:
- Initially frightens the Otis family, creating comic and eerie situations.
- Attempts to scare them away, but his efforts mostly result in humorous encounters.
- Develops a kind of friendship with the young Otis daughter, Virginia, who shows him compassion and understanding.
Significance:
- Symbolizes guilt and the burden of past sins.
- Wilde’s portrayal offers a humorous yet sympathetic view of the ghost, challenging traditional horror narratives.
Hiram B. Otis
Hiram B. Otis is the American Minister to Britain and the head of the Otis family. He embodies practical American skepticism and rationality, often dismissing the supernatural elements of the story.
Characteristics:
- Pragmatic, no-nonsense, and confident in his beliefs.
- Disapproves of superstition and ghost stories.
- Seeks to modernize his family and adapt to British customs.
Role in the Story:
- Arrives at Canterville Chase with his family and dismisses the ghost’s existence.
- Attempts to deal with Sir Simon through practical means, such as locking doors and ignoring the ghost.
- Becomes a figure of comic disbelief in the supernatural.
Significance:
- Represents American pragmatism and skepticism.
- His attitude contrasts sharply with the ghost’s traditional Victorian fears, highlighting cultural differences.
Lucretia Otis
Lucretia Otis, the wife of Hiram Otis, is a strong-willed, intelligent woman. She shares her husband's skepticism about ghosts but is also caring and protective of her family.
Characteristics:
- Practical and modern in her outlook.
- Shows concern for her children’s safety, especially Virginia.
- Initially dismissive of the ghost but later becomes more understanding.
Role in the Story:
- Participates in the family’s efforts to ignore or dismiss Sir Simon.
- Supports Virginia’s compassionate approach toward the ghost.
- Expresses concern about the ghost’s distress and seeks to help.
Significance:
- Represents Victorian rationality mixed with maternal compassion.
- Her character demonstrates that understanding and kindness can transcend superstition.
Virginia Otis
Virginia Otis, the young daughter of Hiram and Lucretia Otis, is the most empathetic and compassionate character in the novella. She plays a pivotal role in the eventual redemption of Sir Simon.
Characteristics:
- A kind-hearted, gentle girl with a sincere nature.
- Curious and brave, unafraid to interact with the ghost.
- Possesses a spiritual insight that others lack.
Role in the Story:
- Recognizes Sir Simon’s suffering and treats him with kindness.
- Offers him comfort and understanding, seeing him as a tormented soul rather than a frightening apparition.
- Plays a crucial role in his redemption, helping him find peace.
Significance:
- Embodies innocence and compassion.
- Represents the possibility of forgiveness and moral growth.
- Her actions lead to Sir Simon’s ultimate salvation and release from his haunting.
The Duke of Cheshire
The Duke of Cheshire is a minor character but important within the story’s historical context. He appears in a ghostly form during Sir Simon’s attempts to scare the Otis family.
Characteristics:
- A historical figure associated with the ghost’s past.
- Depicted as a nobleman in traditional attire.
Role in the Story:
- Serves as a ghostly figure that adds authenticity to Sir Simon’s backstory.
- Highlights the historical roots of the ghostly legend.
Significance:
- Reinforces the Victorian fascination with history and aristocracy.
- Adds depth to Sir Simon’s character by connecting him to his past.
Supporting Characters and Their Roles
The Otis Family Servants
While the story focuses primarily on the Otis family and Sir Simon, the servants also play a role in depicting Victorian domestic life and social hierarchy.
Examples include:
- The Head Cook: Often reacts with disbelief or annoyance at the ghostly disturbances.
- The Housekeeper: Attempts to keep order amid supernatural chaos.
Significance:
- Their reactions add comedic elements.
- They symbolize the societal order that contrasts with the supernatural chaos.
The Ghost’s Past Acquaintances
Throughout the story, references are made to Sir Simon’s past associates and the history of the estate, providing context to his haunting.
Significance:
- These characters help flesh out the ghost’s backstory.
- They serve as symbols of Victorian aristocratic life and its decline.
Conclusion
The characters in Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost are central to the novella’s enduring appeal. From the tragic yet humorous figure of Sir Simon to the compassionate Virginia Otis, each character embodies different facets of Victorian society, human nature, and moral values. Wilde’s portrayal of these characters not only provides humor and entertainment but also offers a critique of societal hypocrisy, the importance of compassion, and the possibility of redemption. The interplay between skepticism and belief, tradition and modernity, is vividly illustrated through these characters, making The Canterville Ghost a timeless story that continues to resonate with readers. Whether as symbols of guilt, innocence, or rationality, the characters collectively enrich the narrative, ensuring its place as a beloved classic in English literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sir Simon in 'The Canterville Ghost'?
Sir Simon is the main ghost haunting Canterville Chase; he was a 17th-century nobleman who was cursed and doomed to haunt the estate for eternity.
Who is the American minister in 'The Canterville Ghost'?
The American minister, Mr. Hiram B. Otis, is the new owner of Canterville Chase who initially dismisses the ghost's presence and tries to deal with it practically.
What role does Virginia Otis play in the story?
Virginia Otis, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otis, shows compassion towards Sir Simon and helps him find peace, becoming a central compassionate character in the story.
Who is the Otis family dog and what is its significance?
The Otis family's dog, Duke, is a minor character that reacts fearfully to the ghost, highlighting the ghost's frightening influence on the household.
How does the character of the Duke the dog contribute to the story?
Duke's fear and reactions emphasize the ghost's terror and serve as comic relief, contrasting the rational American family with traditional ghost stories.
Are there any other notable characters in 'The Canterville Ghost'?
Yes, characters like the Duke of Cheshire and other minor family members contribute background and context, but Sir Simon, Virginia, and Mr. Otis are the central characters.
