20-minute plan
- Skim your class notes to list the 3 core characters (Jekyll, Hyde, Utterson)
- For each character, write 1 trait that ties to duality or societal pressure
- Draft one discussion question that connects a character’s trait to a story event
Keyword Guide · character-analysis
Characters in Jekyll and Hyde: Analysis for Class, Quizzes, and Essays
This guide breaks down the core figures of Jekyll and Hyde to help you prepare for class discussions, quizzes, and literary essays. Each section includes concrete actions you can complete in minutes. Start with the quick answer to get a high-level overview.
The core characters in Jekyll and Hyde drive the story’s exploration of human duality. Henry Jekyll is a respected doctor who creates a separate, violent alter ego named Edward Hyde to act on forbidden impulses. Gabriel Utterson, Jekyll’s lawyer, serves as the story’s persistent investigator, while other supporting characters highlight societal norms and the cost of secrecy.
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Answer Block
Each character in Jekyll and Hyde represents a specific role in the story’s central theme of moral duality. Jekyll embodies the pressure of Victorian respectability, Hyde the unfiltered, violent urges society suppresses. Utterson acts as the audience’s stand-in, uncovering the truth behind Jekyll’s strange behavior.
Next step: List 2 traits for each core character that tie directly to the theme of duality, then compare your list to the key takeaways below.
Key Takeaways
- Jekyll and Hyde are two sides of the same person, not separate characters
- Utterson’s strict moral code makes him both a reliable investigator and a symbol of Victorian societal norms
- Supporting characters highlight the consequences of hiding one’s true self
- Each character’s actions reveal a different perspective on moral responsibility
20-Minute Plan and 60-Minute Plan
60-minute plan
- Create a 2-column chart for Jekyll and Hyde, listing actions that show their contrasting behaviors
- Add a third column for Utterson, noting how his reactions reveal Victorian moral standards
- Draft a thesis statement that links one character’s arc to the story’s central theme
- Outline 2 pieces of evidence from the text to support your thesis
3-Step Study Plan
Action: Map each core character to a central theme (duality, secrecy, societal pressure)
Output: A 1-page theme-character connection chart
Action: Identify 1 supporting character and explain how they mirror or contrast a core character
Output: A 3-sentence character contrast paragraph
Action: Practice explaining Jekyll and Hyde’s relationship without using direct quotes
Output: A 2-minute verbal summary you can use for class discussion
Discussion Kit
- What does Utterson’s reluctance to judge others reveal about Victorian society?
- How does Jekyll’s choice to create Hyde reflect his dissatisfaction with his own life?
- Why do secondary characters react to Hyde with such immediate, intense fear?
- Would Jekyll have made the same choices if he lived in a different time period? Explain your answer.
- How does Utterson’s investigation change his understanding of moral responsibility?
- In what ways do Jekyll and Hyde’s actions challenge the idea of a 'unified self'?
- What role does guilt play in Jekyll’s final decision?
- How do supporting characters highlight the difference between public and private identity?
Essay Kit
Thesis Templates
- In Jekyll and Hyde, Henry Jekyll’s creation of Edward Hyde reveals that Victorian societal pressure can force people to split their identities to avoid judgment.
- Gabriel Utterson’s persistent investigation of Jekyll’s strange behavior shows that strict moral codes can blind people to the complexity of human nature.
Outline Skeletons
- 1. Intro: Hook about societal pressure, thesis linking Jekyll to duality; 2. Body 1: Jekyll’s public persona; 3. Body 2: Hyde’s violent actions; 4. Body 3: Jekyll’s final confession; 5. Conclusion: Tie to modern discussions of identity
- 1. Intro: Hook about moral judgment, thesis linking Utterson to Victorian norms; 2. Body 1: Utterson’s loyalty to Jekyll; 3. Body 2: Utterson’s reluctance to confront Jekyll; 4. Body 3: Utterson’s final realization; 5. Conclusion: Connect to the cost of blind adherence to rules
Sentence Starters
- Unlike Jekyll, Utterson’s strict moral code prevents him from
- Hyde’s violent actions reveal that suppressed urges can
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Exam Kit
Checklist
- Can I explain the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde in 1 sentence?
- Do I have 2 specific character traits for each core character tied to theme?
- Can I connect Utterson’s actions to Victorian societal norms?
- Do I know how supporting characters contribute to the story’s message?
- Can I identify 1 common mistake students make when analyzing these characters?
- Do I have a thesis template ready for an essay prompt on duality?
- Can I list 3 discussion questions about the characters?
- Do I understand the difference between Jekyll’s choice and Hyde’s actions?
- Can I explain how guilt affects Jekyll’s final decision?
- Do I have a 2-minute verbal summary of the core character roles?
Common Mistakes
- Treating Jekyll and Hyde as separate characters alongside two sides of the same person
- Focusing only on Hyde’s violence without linking it to Jekyll’s suppressed urges
- Ignoring Utterson’s role as a symbol of Victorian societal norms
- Using vague trait descriptions (like 'Jekyll is good') alongside specific actions
- Forgetting to connect character actions to the story’s central theme of duality
Self-Test
- Explain why Utterson is the story’s narrator alongside Jekyll or Hyde
- What does Hyde’s physical appearance reveal about the story’s view of suppressed urges?
- How does Jekyll’s confession change the way readers interpret his earlier actions?
How-To Block
Action: List each core character, then write 2 specific actions they take in the story
Output: A 3-row table linking characters to concrete behaviors
Action: For each action, write 1 sentence explaining how it ties to the theme of duality
Output: A set of 6 theme-character connection statements
Action: Compare your statements to the key takeaways, then revise any that don’t directly link to theme
Output: A polished set of analysis points ready for essays or discussion
Rubric Block
Character Analysis Accuracy
Teacher looks for: Clear understanding that Jekyll and Hyde are two sides of the same person, not separate characters
How to meet it: Explicitly state their shared identity in your analysis, and link both’s actions to Jekyll’s suppressed urges
Theme Connection
Teacher looks for: Links between character actions and the story’s central themes of duality and societal pressure
How to meet it: Use specific character actions to support your claims, alongside vague trait descriptions
Critical Thinking
Teacher looks for: Recognition of how supporting characters contribute to the story’s message
How to meet it: Analyze at least one supporting character (like Lanyon or Enfield) and explain their role in highlighting core themes
Core Character Roles
Each core character serves a specific purpose in exploring the story’s central theme. Jekyll represents the pressure of Victorian respectability, Hyde the unfiltered urges society suppresses. Utterson acts as the audience’s guide, uncovering the truth behind Jekyll’s strange behavior. Use this breakdown to ground your analysis in concrete story functions. Write 1 sentence for each character that summarizes their thematic role, then share it in your next class discussion.
Supporting Character Impact
Supporting characters like Lanyon and Enfield highlight the story’s focus on secrecy and public image. Lanyon’s reaction to Jekyll’s transformation reveals the horror of confronting unfiltered human nature. Enfield’s initial encounter with Hyde sets up the story’s central mystery. Use supporting characters to add depth to your essay or discussion points. Pick one supporting character and write a 2-sentence analysis of their thematic role, then use it to answer a discussion question.
Common Student Mistakes
Many students make the mistake of treating Jekyll and Hyde as separate characters, which undermines the story’s central theme of duality. Others focus only on Hyde’s violence without linking it to Jekyll’s suppressed urges. These mistakes can weaken your essay or discussion contributions. Review your notes to ensure you’re framing Jekyll and Hyde as two sides of the same person, then revise any analysis that treats them as separate.
Using This for Exams
For multiple-choice exams, focus on identifying which character represents which thematic role. For essay exams, use the thesis templates and outline skeletons to structure your response quickly. Practice explaining Jekyll and Hyde’s relationship in 1 sentence to prepare for short-answer questions. Use this section to create a 1-page cheat sheet of key character traits and thematic links, then quiz yourself on it the night before your exam.
Class Discussion Prep
Come to class with 1 specific discussion question tied to a character’s actions, along with a 1-sentence explanation of why it matters. This will help you contribute meaningfully to the conversation. Use the discussion kit questions as a starting point, then modify one to reflect your own analysis. Practice stating your question and explanation out loud before class to build confidence.
Essay Draft Tips
Use the sentence starters to introduce your analysis of character traits and actions. Link each body paragraph back to your thesis statement to ensure your essay stays focused. Avoid vague statements by using specific character actions to support your claims. Use this section to draft your introductory paragraph using one of the thesis templates, then share it with a peer for feedback.
Are Jekyll and Hyde the same person?
Yes, Jekyll and Hyde are two sides of the same person. Jekyll creates Hyde through a scientific experiment to act on his forbidden impulses without ruining his public reputation.
What is Utterson’s role in the story?
Utterson is Jekyll’s lawyer and the story’s narrator. He serves as the audience’s stand-in, uncovering the truth behind Jekyll’s strange behavior while representing Victorian societal norms.
Do I need to analyze supporting characters for my essay?
Analyzing supporting characters can add depth to your essay, but it’s not always required. Check your assignment prompt, and if it allows, use supporting characters to highlight core themes or contrast with the main characters.
How do I link characters to the theme of duality?
Focus on specific actions each character takes that reveal conflicting motivations or identities. For example, Jekyll’s public respectability versus Hyde’s violent actions shows the duality of human nature.
Editorial note: This page is independently written for educational support. Verify specifics with assigned class materials and the original text.
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