Alias Grace: Analysis of Major Characters
"Alias Grace" is a historical novel by Margaret Atwood that delves into the complexities of character, particularly through its protagonist, Grace Marks. Grace, a troubled young woman, becomes embroiled in the infamous murder case of Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery, a crime she may or may not have committed. As a young maid who faced a traumatic upbringing marked by neglect and loss, her character embodies themes of memory, identity, and societal judgment.
Dr. Simon Jordon, a young physician, represents the voice of inquiry and idealism as he attempts to understand Grace's psyche through his pioneering theories on mental illness. Other significant characters include James McDermott, whose dark personality complicates Grace's narrative, and the various figures of authority and support that surround her, such as the Governor's wife and Reverend Verringer, both of whom have conflicting motivations regarding Grace's fate. The relationships among these characters highlight the societal attitudes of the time towards women, mental health, and justice, inviting readers to consider the personal and systemic factors that shape individual destinies.
The intricacies of these characters not only propel the narrative but also provide a rich exploration of themes such as class disparity, trauma, and the quest for truth, making "Alias Grace" a profound study of human nature and societal dynamics.
Alias Grace: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Margaret Atwood
First published: 1996
Genre: Novel
Locale: Toronto, Canada
Plot: Historical fiction
Time: 1851
Grace Marks, a naive girl who becomes a maid at age 13; possible murderer. Grace is described as having a straight nose and a dainty mouth with the “vapid pensiveness of a Magdalene.” She is circumspect and has accepted her fate—life in prison for the murder of Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery, though she has lost any memory of the time surrounding the murders. Her mother died when she was nine, and she assumed the care of her younger siblings. Her father was a violent alcoholic who neglected his children. She is a lonely person, with her only true friend, Mary Whitney, having died from a back-alley abortion. Grace learned distrust very early, and only reluctantly tells her story to Dr. Jordon. Later, she is exonerated of the murder and immigrates to Ithaca, New York with her new husband, Jamie Walsh.
Dr. Simon Jordon, a young physician and idealist. Dr. Jordon is a pioneer in the world of “cerebral diseases and nervous afflictions,” with a dream of building his own asylum. He believes in the power of free association—finding meaning in mental responses to everyday objects—and dreams to unlock the unconscious mind, and he is hoping his theory can lead to healing for the mentally ill. Grace is an intriguing subject upon whom he begins testing his theories. Having recently lost his father, (and all the family wealth) Dr. Jordon, like Grace, is also lonely.
Dr. Bannerling, former director of Grace's previous asylum. He is not sympathetic to Grace's case.
Mrs. Burt, landlady to Grace's family upon their arrival in Toronto. Mrs. Burt is quite stout with a fat, mottled face. Having lost her husband and young child to cholera, she appears to have a romantic interest in Grace's father until she learns the nature of his true character.
Dr. Jerome Dupont/Jeremiah, a peddler and charlatan mesmerist. Woven throughout the novel, Jeremiah is mostly a comfort and protector for Grace. With the air of a pied piper, he has dark, curly hair, a long nose, and long arms. He expresses some personal interest in Grace, asking her to join him on the road to become a “medical clairvoyant.” He appears toward the end of the novel, as a foreign doctor who mesmerizes Grace in an attempt to unlock her memories. His intentions regarding Grace are ambiguous, and he expresses a connection with her as a kindred spirit—though in what way is left to speculation.
Prison Governor's wife, a flighty do-gooder, who takes a special interest in Grace. The Governor's wife is a frivolous woman, who uses Grace as a housemaid while she is incarcerated. She sponsors social gatherings where she presents Grace as if she's a sideshow exhibition: a famous murderess. She keeps a scrapbook of the crimes and criminals associated with the prison, which she displays on a side table, along with a fashion catalogue and her daughters' keepsake albums. She serves on the committee that works to exonerate Grace.
Mrs. Rachel Humphrey, Dr. Simon Jordan's landlady. A needy woman who tries to survive on her own (though she is incapable of performing even the most simple household tasks) after her abusive husband abandons her. There is some intimation that she tries to seduce Dr. Jordan in exchange for his support, financial and otherwise.
Mr. Thomas Kinnear, a young Scottish gentleman farmer. Mr. Kinnear hires Grace as a household servant whom he treats with kindness, though she soon learns he is a womanizer who has taken his last housemaid, Nancy, as a mistress. There are intimations that he may have similar designs on Grace.
Kenneth McKenzie, Grace's trial lawyer. By listening to Grace's recollections of her trial, it appears that her attorney's primary concern was how much drama he could create in her story, rather than seeing that justice was served.
Reverend Verringer, a Methodist minister. Reverend Verringer takes pity on Grace, arranging for her to serve some of her prison time as a maid for the Governor's wife. He believes Grace is innocent of the crime for which she is being punished. He has spearheaded a committee that seeks Grace's freedom.
James McDermott, stable hand to Thomas Kinnear. A dark, tempestuous man of about 21, with dark hair swept forward over his brow, who frightens Grace with his leering and negativity. He manipulates Grace into, at the very least, appearing to be his accomplice in murdering Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery. He is eventually convicted and hanged for his crime.
Mr. and Mrs. Alderman Parkinson, Grace's first employers. Mr. Parkinson is rotund, with skinny little legs. He wears a lot of gold chains and pins, and carries gold snuffboxes. Mrs. Parkinson is a formidable and domineering, large-breasted woman.
Aunt Pauline, Grace's mother's sister. She is Grace's aunt who occasionally sends money to help the family.
Mrs. Quennell, a spiritualist involved with proving Grace is innocent.
Uncle Roy, Grace's uncle. He discourages his wife from sending money to her sister's (Grace's) family.
Jamie Walsh, a kind and gentle 14-year-old boy, neighbor to Thomas Kinnear. Jamie has red hair and a freckled face. Though he is a few years younger than Grace, he asks her to be his girl. After Grace is exonerated, he marries her and the two move to Ithaca, New York.
Mary Whitney, Grace's friend. A pretty, cheerful girl of 16, Mary is petite with dark hair and sparkling, black eyes. She has rosy cheeks with dimples and becomes one of Grace's only friends. Her bright playful spirit is uplifting for Grace, who has had few such positive relationships in her life. Mary is hopeful about her future after embarking on a romantic relationship with her employer's son. She is tragically disappointed once she learns she is pregnant.
Nancy Montgomery, housekeeper and mistress to Mr. Thomas Kinnear. At 24, Nancy is pretty, with dark hair and beautiful brown eyes, seemingly good-natured and easy to laugh. However, she is also unpredictable and is sometimes cruel to Grace.
Dora, surly and rotund maid in the boarding house where Dr. Simon Jordon is staying. She quits after Mrs. Humphrey is unable to pay her wages.
Janet, the warden's daughter. Janet delivers the news of Grace's pardon to her.
Mrs. Honey, housekeeper for Mr. and Mrs. Alderman Parkinson. As a friend of the landlady, Mrs. Burt, Mrs. Honey offers Grace her first job as a household servant.