Mr Utterson

• Mr Utterson


  Lawyer who serves as the main protagonist of the novel and is a bachelor
• Mr Utterson


  • Symbolises honesty and acts as the moral compass of the novella
  • Epitome of the Victorian gentleman - respectable, reputable, and rational
  • Central position in the social circle of characters, in the best position to investigate the case
  • Narrative provides a stable anchor point through which we view the events of the story
  • Reliable narrator due to his respectable profession and loyal and honest character qualities
• Law


  Mr Utterson's occupation as a lawyer is referenced multiple times, may have shaped him as a moral and relatable character for wealthier members of Stevenson's readership
• Religious impact


  Mr Utterson's routine is centred around the church bells near his house, demonstrating the importance of religious schedules in his life
• Victorian Gentleman


  Utterson is portrayed as a Victorian gentleman, which serves to emphasise Mr Hyde's evil and unreputable behaviour
• Mr Utterson


  • Trustworthy and loyal - maintains a strong friendship with Jekyll even with doubts, has an approved tolerance for others
  • Respectable - aware of public expectations, maintains a serious demeanor in public
  • Curious - becomes increasingly persistent in attempting to figure out the case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
  • Candid - speaks the truth, expresses his honest feelings even when it may compromise friendships
• Jekyll


  Utterson has had a close friendship with Jekyll for many years, and Jekyll confides in him frequently throughout the novel
• Hyde


  Utterson takes an obvious, immediate disliking to Mr Hyde, is suspicious of the man and shocked by Hyde's violent nature
• Enfield


  Utterson's friend and cousin, they frequently take walks around London and Enfield is the person who initially informs Utterson about Hyde
• Utterson: '"A rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile"'
• Utterson: '"If he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek"'
• Utterson: '"The last good influence in the lives of down-going men"'
• Utterson: '"I shall consider it my duty to break in that door"'
• Utterson: '"I felt bound to do as he requested"'
• Utterson: '"professional honour and faith to his dead friend were stringent obligations; and the packet slept in the inmost corner of his private safe."'
• Utterson: '"They have only differed on some points of science,' he thought; and being a man of no scientific passions (except in the matter of conveyancing), he even added: 'It is nothing worse than that!'"'