Wilkie Collins, a prominent figure in Victorian literature, grappled with balancing popularity and artistic integrity throughout his career. His quest for this equilibrium bore fruit primarily in two masterpieces: The Woman in White and The Moonstone. The Woman in White, in particular, stands out as a work that captivated the audience with its sensational narrative, complex characters, and intricate plotting.

Inspiration from Real-Life Events

The plot of The Woman in White, while elaborate and fantastical, is grounded in a real-life case Collins discovered in Maurice Méjan’s Recueil des causes célèbres (1808). It tells the story of Madame de Douhault, who was deceitfully deprived of her inheritance and imprisoned in a mental asylum by her brother. The parallels between Madame de Douhault's plight and the fictional narrative are striking, though Collins amplifies the drama by introducing a deceased double and an elaborate scheme against the protagonist, Laura Fairlie.

Complexity in Plot and Narrative

Collins weaves a complex tapestry of intrigue and mystery, stretching beyond the central identity theft to include various subplots: Laura's troubled marriage to Percival Glyde, the enigmatic "woman in white" Anne Catherick, the romantic subplot with Walter Hartright, and the sinister Count Fosco's hidden past. Each thread enhances rather than obscures the main arc, showcasing Collins’s adeptness in maintaining narrative tension. As one layer of mystery resolves, another emerges, keeping the reader engaged and the protagonists under relentless pressure. The story's climax is deftly managed, with Walter’s confrontation with Fosco laced with danger yet decisive in restoring justice.

The Narrative Method: A Jigsaw Puzzle

Collins's narrative structure in The Woman in White is notable for its innovation. The story unfolds through multiple narrators, each contributing their unique perspective and limited understanding of events. This fragmented narrative style not only builds suspense but also allows for a rich tapestry of voices and characterizations. Major characters like Walter, Marian Halcombe, and Fosco provide in-depth insights, while others like Frederick Fairlie add texture with their limited yet poignant contributions. Collins's use of this narrative mosaic was pioneering, later applied to great effect in The Moonstone.

Character Dynamics: Passive Protagonist, Strong Supporting Roles

Interestingly, Laura Fairlie, the supposed heroine, is portrayed as a passive character. The real dramatic tension centers around the conflicts between the vigorous Marian Halcombe and Walter Hartright on one side and the antagonistic duo of Percival Glyde and Count Fosco on the other. Marian, though physically described as unattractive, embodies the Victorian virtues of loyalty, courage, and intelligence, giving her a palpable presence in the narrative. Her initial suspicion of the conspiracy and subsequent efforts to thwart it highlight her role as a formidable adversary to the villains.

The Unforgettable Villain: Count Fosco

Count Fosco emerges as one of literature’s most compelling villains, a stark contrast to Percival Glyde, who is depicted as "a weak shabby villain." Fosco's persona grows not through direct description but through the impressions he leaves on others. His imposing physicality and voracious appetites for food, culture, and intrigue paint him as a larger-than-life character, akin to a malevolent Falstaff. Fosco’s intellectual prowess, philosophical justification of crime, and complex character dynamics, including his unexpected admiration for Marian, add layers to his villainy, making him both formidable and fascinating.

Walter Hartright: The Victorian Everyman

While Fosco and Marian often steal the spotlight, Walter Hartright serves as the steadfast moral center of the novel. His portrayal as the industrious son of a drawing-master resonates with the Victorian ideal of middle-class virtue. Walter's attributes—courage, rationality, and determination—underscore the novel’s themes of justice and morality. His climactic victory over Fosco not only aligns with contemporary moral standards but continues to resonate with modern audiences, validating the triumph of virtue over vice in an era rife with moral ambiguity.

The Woman in White remains a testament to Wilkie Collins's narrative skill and his ability to craft a gripping tale that blends sensational elements with profound character studies. Its intricate plot and memorable characters ensure its place as a cornerstone of the sensation novel genre and a perennial favorite among readers and scholars alike.