The Ministry of Fear: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Ministry of Fear" is a novel set against the backdrop of World War II London, centering on the character Arthur Rowe, a middle-aged Englishman grappling with the consequences of his past actions and the chaos of war. A lonely widower, Rowe's life takes a dramatic turn when he inadvertently acquires secret films from Nazi agents, leading to a perilous hunt for his life. Suffering from amnesia after a bombing, he finds himself in a nursing home that doubles as a cover for Nazi operations, where he navigates deceptive alliances and perilous situations.
Key characters include Anna Hilfe, a young Austrian refugee and sister to the Nazi spy leader, who becomes an unexpected ally for Rowe, motivated by her love for him despite her family's connections. Mr. Jones, a private detective initially hired by Rowe, disappears mysteriously, prompting a shift to counter-intelligence for assistance. The story also features Willi Hilfe, Anna's brother, who leads a Nazi faction in England and ultimately meets a tragic end when his true loyalties are revealed. Dr. Forester, the head of the nursing home, represents the sinister elements of wartime betrayal, as he is revealed to be an enemy agent. Together, these characters navigate themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle for survival amidst the complexities of war.
The Ministry of Fear: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Graham Greene
First published: 1943
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, England, and its environs
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: World War II
Arthur Rowe, a middle-aged Englishman living through World War II in London. He is a lonely widower, having killed his wife to prevent her living in pain. By accident, he comes into possession of secret films taken by Nazi agents, and he immediately becomes the object of their search. He suffers amnesia when injured in a bombing raid and is unable for a time to remember anything beyond his youth. He finds himself confined in a nursing home that is a front for Nazi activities. He escapes and, aided by counter-intelligence agents, uncovers the Nazi activities. He regains his memory at the same time. Meanwhile, he has fallen in love with Anna Hilfe, sister of the spy group's leader.
Mr. Jones, a private detective. He is hired by Rowe, who wants to know why someone wants to kill him. Jones disappears, and his employer turns the case over to counter-intelligence.
Anna Hilfe, a young Austrian refugee. She informs Rowe that Nazi agents are after him. Though her brother is a Nazi spy, she helps Rowe uncover the enemy activities because she has fallen in love with the Englishman.
Willi Hilfe, an Austrian refugee, Anna's brother. He helps Rowe “escape” when a man is supposedly murdered. Hilfe turns out to be the head of a Nazi fifth-column group operating in England. He commits suicide when he is found out.
Dr. Forester, head of the nursing home in which Rowe finds himself. Forester, an enemy agent, is killed by one of the hospital attendants.