Student Question
Who are the characters in Of Human Bondage?
Quick answer:
The characters include Philip Carey, an orphan with a club foot seeking identity through various professions. William Carey, his hypocritical uncle, and Louise Carey, his timid aunt, raised him. Miss Wilkinson introduces Philip to love, while G. Etheredge Hayward and Cranshaw influence his views on life. Mildred Rogers and Norah Nesbit are significant romantic interests. Harry Griffiths is a friend involved with Mildred. Thorpe Athelney and his daughter Sally, whom Philip marries, guide him toward true freedom and peace.
The central character in the novel is Philip Carey, an orphan who is born with a club foot and raised rigidly by relatives. He is a quiet and idealistic character who, in searching for his identity as an adult, tries a variety of different professions and listens to the advice of an assortment of acquaintances.
William Carey, the uncle who raised Philip, is a hypocritical clergyman.
Louise Carey is William Carey's aunt. She is a timid woman who genuinely loves Philip but cannot express her feelings because of the dominance of her husband.
Miss Wilkinson is a governess and friend of the Careys who introduces Philip into "the life of love."
G. Etheredge Hayward is a longtime friend of Philip; though for many years Philip listens to his advice, he ultimately concludes that Hayward's existence is hollow.
Fanny Price is an art student who kills herself because of unrequited love.
Cranshaw is a friend of Philip and a poet; from Cranshaw Philip learns that individuals must determine the course of their own lives.
Mildred Rogers is a waitress who has an inexplicable allure for Philip.
Norah Nesbit is a writer who loves Philip truly, but Philip cannot love her in return.
Harry Griffiths is a friend of Philip who is also involved with Mildred Rogers for a time.
Thorpe Athelney is a wise patient of Philip. It is through Thorpe that Philip discovers that true freedom consists of release "from the bondage of false hopes and desires."
Sally Athelney is Thorpe's daughter. Philip eventually marries her and, though she does not have all the qualities of the other women he has known, with her he finds peace.
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