The Moonstone: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Moonstone" is a classic detective novel written by Wilkie Collins, often regarded as one of the first detective stories in English literature. The narrative revolves around the mysterious theft of a valuable diamond, the Moonstone, which is steeped in cultural significance and believed to bring misfortune to those who are not worshipers of the Moon-God. The major characters include Franklin Blake, a good-natured young man who becomes involved in the mystery under dubious circumstances; Rachel Verinder, his cousin, who struggles with her feelings and societal pressures after the diamond goes missing; and Godfrey Ablewhite, a charming yet morally ambiguous figure who plays a pivotal role in the theft.
Other important characters include Gabriel Betteredge, the loyal house steward who provides insight through his narration; Sergeant Richard Cuff, the determined detective investigating the case; and Rosanna Spearman, a housemaid whose unrequited love for Blake leads to tragic consequences. The diverse cast reflects various social standings and personal motivations, enriching the story's exploration of loyalty, love, and deception. Through their interconnected lives, Collins delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the quest for truth, making "The Moonstone" a compelling read for those interested in character-driven narratives and early detective fiction.
The Moonstone: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Wilkie Collins
First published: 1868
Genre: Novel
Locale: India and England
Plot: Detective and mystery
Time: 1799–1849
Franklin Blake, a genial young man, Lady Verinder's nephew. According to the terms of John Herncastle's will, he is given temporary charge of the Moonstone, a diamond that Herncastle had taken during the storming of Seringapatam and that is to be given to his niece, Rachel Verinder, on her birthday following her uncle's death. Of great religious significance in the worship of Brahma and Vishnu, the stone, which is worth about thirty thousand pounds, is supposed to bring ill fortune to any but worshipers of the Moon-God from whose forehead it had been stolen. After presenting the stone to Rachel, Blake, who has been suffering from insomnia, is given secretly a dose of laudanum. In his partly drugged state, he goes to Rachel's sitting room during the night and takes the stone from a cabinet. Rachel witnesses the act but, being in love with Blake and thinking he is taking the stone because he needs money, she does not tell what she has seen. A year later, after the stone has been located and the details of its disappearance are cleared, Blake and Rachel are married.
Rachel Verinder, his cousin. In keeping the secret of the lost gem, she suffers the accusations of officials, servants, and friends. Thinking Blake does not love her, she vents her unhappiness on others. During Blake's absence from England, she promises to marry Godfrey Ablewhite, but she suddenly breaks the engagement. She and Blake are married after the mystery has been solved.
Godfrey Ablewhite, a handsome young Londoner who, seeing that Blake is semiconscious when he takes the diamond, removes the gem from Blake's hand. Godfrey delivers the gem at once to a London moneylender for safe keeping. After a year, he redeems the diamond with the intention of selling it in Amsterdam in order to pay his debts. In the maneuver to get aboard ship, he disguises himself as a sailor. His dead body is found in a waterfront lodging house, but the stone is missing; it has been reclaimed by its Hindu owners.
Lady Julia Verinder, Rachel's mother and the sister of John Herncastle, who brought the diamond from India. A gentlewoman, she is unnerved by having the police in her home. She goes to London, where she dies of a heart ailment.
Gabriel Betteredge, the venerable house steward to Lady Julia Verinder; he narrates much of the story. His life is guided by philosophies he combs from Robinson Crusoe, a book he reads over and over and quotes constantly.
Sergeant Richard Cuff, a grizzled, elderly detective of the London police force, sent by Blake's father to investigate the loss of the diamond. Amiable and knowledgeable in human nature, he is loved by almost everyone who knows him. His keen interest is rose culture, which subject he argues ardently with the Verinder gardener during the investigation.
Mr. Bruff, the old lawyer who, as family counselor for three generations, executed John Herncastle's will. As the executor of Lady Julia Verinder's will, he becomes Rachel's guardian. Sensing the motive for the girl's silence and bitterness, he arranges to bring her and Franklin Blake together whenever possible.
Rosanna Spearman, the second housemaid at Lady Julia Verinder's estate. The former inmate of a reformatory, she has been taken in by Lady Julia and given a fresh start in life. In love with Blake and suspecting him of the theft of the diamond because of paint (from the door to Rachel's sitting room) on his nightgown, Rosanna takes the garment, locks it in a box, and sinks the box in quicksand. She herself commits suicide. From a letter she leaves with a friend, Blake and Betteredge learn, about a year later, the details of her love for Blake and her effort to help him.
Dr. Thomas Candy, the family physician, who administers laudanum for Franklin Blake's sleeplessness after Rachel Verinder's birthday party. Dr. Candy, pictured as a suspect, loses his memory after an illness contracted from exposure on the night of the party.
Ezra Jennings, Dr. Candy's assistant during the physician's long illness. Strange in appearance and of questionable background, Jennings is a likely suspect as an accomplice in the theft. He is actually a congenial person; his behavior is caused by a severe disease, from which he dies. His explanation of the effects of laudanum leads to the solution of the mystery of the diamond's disappearance.
Mr. Murthwaite, an authority on Indian religions. At the end, he writes to Bruff a letter describing a religious festival in India, a ceremony that revealed the Moon-God with the restored diamond gleaming in its forehead.
Septimus Lukier, the London moneylender with whom Godfrey leaves the Moonstone while he makes plans to get the gem out of England.
Superintendent Seegrave, the first police officer to investigate the disappearance of the Moonstone. His bungling tactics and manner emphasize Cuff's aptness.
Drusilla Clack, a poor relation of Lady Verinder and a religious fanatic. Her descriptions of tract-passing in her efforts to save people's souls are classics in literary humor.
Penelope, Betteredge's daughter and Lady Julia's servant, who reminds her father of events as he narrates his part of the story. Penelope tells of the actions of the servants during the investigation.
Lucy Yolland, Lady Julia's young clubfooted neighbor. Ugly, sullen, and distrustful, she becomes friendly with Rosanna. Lucy shows her loyalty by keeping Rosanna's suicide letter secret for a year.
Octavius Guy, Bruff's young employee, nicknamed “Gooseberry” because of his bulging eyes. Gooseberry follows Godfrey as he makes his way toward the boat with the diamond.
The Three Indians, whose actions are always related by another person. Never “seen” in the story, they are always in quest of the stolen diamond. Their presence at the scene of Godfrey Ablewhite's murder is proved, and they are reported by Mr. Murthwaite as “disappearing” in the throng gathered at the Hindu ceremony where the Moonstone was last seen.