ii) Describe and analyse the contribution of rustic characters in the development of plot of the novel,
„The Invisible Man‟.
Answers
Griffin
He is the Invisible Man. Primarily an albino college student, he changes his area of study from medicine to physics and then becomes interested in refractive indexes of tissue. While studying, he stumbles across formulae that would make body tissues invisible. Finally, he successfully tries the formula on himself and thinks about all the things he could do if he were invisible. Sadly, the positives are far outweighed by the disadvantages, so Griffin starts opting for crime as a means of survival.
Mr Marvel
This is the first character that Griffin makes his assistant and uses as a partner in crime. Mr Marvel is a short, fat loner who is the area tramp. Griffin thinks that he stupid and so trusts him by believing that he will not be believed even if he tries to tell anyone about his predicament.
Dr Kemp
Griffin’s former associate from his college days. As students, Griffin was aware that even Kemp was keen about strange and idiosyncratic aspects of science. Griffin actually goes to Kemp’s house in his final attempt to find an accomplice and start leading a more normal life. Kemp; however, does not have a sense of loyalty to his former student and is not willing to be a part of Griffin’s grand schemes. He is also quite cunning and lands up betraying the invisible man by pretending to support Griffin’s experiments.
Minor Characters
The Halls
Proprietors of the Coach & Horses. Mrs Hall is primarily in charge. She is someone who will leave Griffin alone as long as she gets her money on time. But her husband is more apprehensive but avoids interfering until Griffin’s erratic behavior starts becoming obvious.
Teddy Henfrey
Teddy is a clock repairman who visits the inn for a cup of tea. Mrs Hall finds a way to take advantage of him and get some information about her strange guest. Since the stranger does not talk, Teddy convinces himself that the man has a “suspicious” nature. He also starts spreading rumors that the man is wanted by the police and merely does this to conceal his own identity.
Fearenside
A cartman whose job is to deliver luggage from the required stations. He is the one who notices darkness through a torn pant leg where he should ideally be seeing some pink flesh. So, he spreads stories that Griffin is either a black man
Cuss
A general practitioner who wants to interview Griffin as he realizes that he actually saw emptiness where there should be flesh and bone. He begins telling despicable stories to his friends in town when Griffin scares him by using his invisible hand for pinching his nose.
Mr And Mrs Bunting
Bunting is the vicar and Cuss is the one who tells the story of Griffin to Bunting. Then, Bunting and his wife hear some noises in their house after going to bed next evening. They also hear someone sneezes and their money disappears right before their eyes.