Farewell, My Lovely: Analysis of Major Characters
"Farewell, My Lovely" is a classic noir novel featuring a complex web of characters driven by love, betrayal, and crime. The protagonist, Philip Marlowe, is a private investigator whose seemingly tough exterior conceals a more sentimental side, particularly evident in his interaction with others and his pursuit of justice. Moose Malloy, a former convict, ignites the narrative with his passionate quest to find his lost love, Velma, which ultimately leads to tragic consequences. Velma, now Mrs. Lewin Lockridge Grayle, is embroiled in deception and murder, revealing a manipulative nature that complicates her relationships. Anne Riordan, a young writer, provides insight and support to Marlowe, fueled by her desire for justice stemming from her father's experiences with corruption. The story is also punctuated by Lieutenant Nulty and Lieutenant Randall, who navigate the ensuing chaos of multiple murders within the investigation. Through these characters, the novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of human nature, offering a gripping tale that resonates with readers interested in the darker aspects of society and individual motivations.
Farewell, My Lovely: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Raymond Chandler
First published: 1940
Genre: Novel
Locale: Los Angeles and Bay City, California
Plot: Detective and mystery
Time: The late 1930's
Philip Marlowe, an intelligent, wisecracking private investigator about forty years old. Although Marlowe presents a hard-boiled, cynical exterior, it is really a cover for his somewhat sentimental and romantic nature. It is Malloy's heartfelt search for his old girlfriend and his obvious love for her even after eight years in prison that inspire Marlowe to investigate. Marlowe's cynicism is belied when, despite Velma's cold-blooded and self-serving murder of Malloy, Marlowe can still attribute her later suicide to the selfless motive of wishing to spare her husband the embarrassment of a murder trial and its ensuing publicity.
Anne Riordan, a beautiful auburn-haired writer in her late twenties. Her father was fired from his job as police chief of Bay City because he refused to give in to corrupting influences. As a result, Anne is interested both in mysteries and in seeing that justice is done. She helps Marlowe figure out elements of the case and serves as a confidant to whom he can tell his theories about the mystery.
Mrs. Lewin Lockridge Grayle, formerly Velma Valento, the beautiful young wife of a rich investment banker many years older than she. Her husband allows her to go out with other men, one of whom is Lindsay Marriott. Mrs. Grayle, then known as Velma Valento, also was at one time Moose's girlfriend; she hid her shady past when she married a wealthy man. Mrs. Grayle is behind the murders of both Mrs. Florian and Marriott and kills Moose to keep him silent. After Moose's murder, she flees, but she kills herself when she is caught.
Moose Malloy, a former convict whose search for his lost love sets the series of tragedies in motion. He is a huge and slow but physically powerful man who dresses in loud outfits that call attention to his appearance. His love for Velma (Mrs. Grayle) is pure and perfect. He dies still unable or unwilling to believe that Velma framed and double-crossed him.
Lieutenant Nulty, a tired policeman. He is the detective in charge of the investigation of Moose's murder of the club manager, which begins the police involvement in the case.
Lieutenant Randall, the police officer in charge of the investigation of Marriott's murder and the person to whom Marlowe gives much of the information that he uncovers.
Lindsay Marriott, the escort of a number of beautiful wealthy women. He is also, however, a finger man for a gang of jewel thieves who rob the women.