Keyword Guide · character-analysis
Students often overlook the weight of character names in literary texts, but in this gothic novella, names carry intentional meaning. This guide breaks down every core character, their narrative purpose, and how to use this analysis in class or on exams. Start by listing every named character you can recall from your reading, then cross-reference with the details below.
The core named characters in Dr. Jekyll are Henry Jekyll, Edward Hyde, Gabriel Utterson, Richard Enfield, Hastie Lanyon, and Poole. Each name ties to their role: Jekyll’s formal, proper label contrasts with Hyde’s rough, menacing one, while Utterson and Enfield represent the story’s investigative framework. Write this list on a flashcard to memorize for quizzes.
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Character names in Dr. Jekyll are not arbitrary. Each label signals a character’s core traits, narrative function, or thematic alignment. Jekyll’s full name evokes Victorian respectability, while Hyde’s name suggests a hidden, animalistic side. Supporting characters like Utterson and Lanyon mirror the novella’s focus on logic and moral boundaries.
Next step: Highlight 2-3 name-to-trait connections in your class notes and add a 1-sentence explanation for each.
Action: Review your reading notes to compile a complete list of named characters
Output: A typed or handwritten list with 1-line role descriptions for each
Action: Research the etymology of 3 core character names (Jekyll, Hyde, Utterson)
Output: A 1-paragraph write-up linking each name’s origin to its narrative function
Action: Connect name analysis to one major theme from the novella
Output: A 2-sentence argument frame you can use for essays or discussions
Essay Builder
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Action: Go back through your reading notes and list every named character in the novella
Output: A typed or handwritten list with no missing core or minor characters
Action: For each character, write a 1-word trait that connects to their name (e.g., Jekyll = respectable)
Output: A 2-column chart matching character names to core traits
Action: Connect 2-3 name-trait pairs to a major theme like duality or secrecy
Output: A 3-sentence write-up that can be used for essays or class discussion
Teacher looks for: Accurate recall of all core character names and their basic roles
How to meet it: Create flashcards and quiz yourself daily until you can list all core characters and their roles from memory
Teacher looks for: Clear, specific connections between character names and thematic ideas
How to meet it: Research the etymology of 3 core names and link each origin to a concrete trait or theme in your notes
Teacher looks for: Name analysis that anchors or supports a broader thematic argument
How to meet it: Use one of the thesis templates from the essay kit and expand it with evidence from the novella
The novella’s main characters include Henry Jekyll, a respected Victorian doctor; Edward Hyde, his hidden, violent alter ego; Gabriel Utterson, a lawyer and Jekyll’s friend who investigates Hyde; and Hastie Lanyon, a doctor who rejects Jekyll’s experiments. Supporting characters like Richard Enfield (Utterson’s cousin) and Poole (Jekyll’s butler) aid the story’s investigative framework. Write each character’s name and role on a separate flashcard for quiz prep.
Jekyll’s name evokes Victorian respectability and formal logic, while Hyde’s name suggests a hidden, animalistic side that seeks to hide from society. Utterson’s name aligns with his role as a quiet, persistent investigator, and Lanyon’s name signals his rigid, uncompromising moral stance. Use this analysis to anchor a discussion about duality in class tomorrow.
Name symbolism can add depth to essay arguments about duality, Victorian morality, or the nature of identity. For example, you can argue that Jekyll and Hyde’s contrasting names serve as a literal representation of the novella’s central theme. Use one of the thesis templates from the essay kit to draft your argument before your next essay workshop.
Quizzes often test students on character names and their basic roles. Create flashcards with each character’s name on one side and their role on the other. Quiz yourself for 10 minutes each night leading up to the test. Write down any names or roles you struggle with and review them again the morning of the quiz.
One common mistake is confusing Enfield and Utterson’s roles as investigators. Another is failing to link character names to thematic ideas in essays, which makes analysis feel shallow. Highlight these mistakes in your notes and double-check your work to avoid them. Add a reminder to your essay draft template to include name-to-theme connections.
For class discussions, prepare 2-3 questions about character names and their symbolism. For example, you can ask how Hyde’s name reflects his role in the novella’s conflict. Practice explaining your answers out loud to build confidence. Use this prep before your next literature class to contribute thoughtfully to the conversation.
The core named characters are Henry Jekyll, Edward Hyde, Gabriel Utterson, Richard Enfield, Hastie Lanyon, and Poole. Write this list on a flashcard for quick memorization.
Jekyll’s name evokes Victorian respectability and formal logic, while Hyde’s name suggests a hidden, animalistic side that seeks to avoid public scrutiny. Link these connections to the theme of duality in your notes.
Name symbolism can anchor arguments about duality, Victorian morality, or identity. Use one of the thesis templates from the essay kit to frame your argument and add concrete evidence from the novella.
Core minor characters like Poole and Enfield may appear on quizzes, so it’s helpful to memorize their names and basic roles. Create flashcards for these characters to prepare.
Editorial note: This page is independently written for educational support. Verify specifics with assigned class materials and the original text.
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