The End of the Affair: Analysis of Major Characters
"The End of the Affair" is a novel that intricately explores the emotional lives of its major characters, each contributing to the themes of love, loss, and faith. Maurice Bendrix, the cynical narrator, grapples with the abrupt end of his affair with Sarah Miles, whose vow to forsake their relationship in the wake of a traumatic event deeply impacts both their lives. Sarah, a passionate woman and the wife of civil servant Henry Miles, transforms from a lover into a figure of piety and sacrifice, ultimately leading to her tragic demise. Henry, oblivious to Sarah’s infidelity, represents a different facet of love—one that is stable yet unobservant. Bendrix's journey is complicated further by Alfred Parkis, the private detective, whose earnestness contrasts with Bendrix’s cynicism. Other characters, like Richard Smythe and Father Crompton, illustrate themes of belief and morality, particularly in the wake of Sarah's death, as they undergo transformations stemming from her influence. The narrative weaves together these characters' experiences, ultimately examining how love can transcend personal tragedy and inspire unexpected redemption.
The End of the Affair: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Graham Greene
First published: 1951
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, England
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: 1939–1946
Maurice Bendrix, the narrator, a cynical novelist usually addressed by his surname. Bendrix always sees the worst in people. Suffering from sudden, inexplicable rejection by his mistress and obsessed with her memory, he decides to hire a private detective to investigate her after her husband confides to Bendrix his fear that she may be having an affair. On learning that she is innocent and even saintly, he tries to revive their love. When she flees him into death, he is left with her memory, her example, and his friendship with her husband, factors that are at war with his characteristic cynicism when the novel ends.
Sarah Miles, Bendrix's mistress and the wife of a civil servant. A beautiful, long-haired woman with a great intensity of feeling, she is overcome when Bendrix appears to have been killed in a London blitz. She makes a vow that if he is allowed to live, she will discontinue their relationship, and she keeps this vow. The suffering that results finally leads her to true piety as well as to death by neglected pneumonia. After her death, she appears to work miracles, and her possessions seem curative. She is perceived by her loved ones as a saint, and her influence for good grows.
Henry Miles, a highly placed British civil servant. Although he takes his wife for granted, he does love her in his way. He is too innocent to be aware of her affair with Bendrix while it is going on, almost literally under his nose. After Sarah's death, he turns to Bendrix for friendship and support.
Alfred Parkis, the private detective hired by Bendrix. He is solemn and not particularly intelligent but kindly and conscientious. He takes his job very seriously, and, although he misses the obvious inductions, he is able to steal Sarah's diary and present it to Bendrix.
Lancelot Parkis, his twelve-year-old son, who likes to take part in his father's investigations and be given ices. After Sarah's death, a book she gave him apparently cures him of a serious illness.
Richard Smythe, a rationalist lecturer and counselor. A tall, ugly man with a face marred by birthmarks, he is approached by Sarah for counsel that will help her set aside her vow. Instead of his converting her from tentative and fearful belief to atheism, however, her goodness converts him. After her death, his birthmark is cured, apparently by her agency, and he becomes one of her disciples.
Father Crompton, a Roman Catholic priest. He is stern and dogmatic in argument but compassionate in the face of suffering and loss. He wants Sarah to have a Catholic funeral, but Bendrix, partly out of spite against a God whom he believes has robbed him, refuses.
Mrs. Bartram, Sarah's mother, an eccentric old lady who is always borrowing money. She fills in Sarah's background for Bendrix. Appearing for the first time at Sarah's funeral, she explains that Sarah had been baptized as a Catholic at the age of two.