Mr Utterson

Gabriel Utterson, whilst not named in the novella’s title, is one of the pivotal characters in the text. The omniscient narrator speaks in the third person about Mr Utterson, recounting his journey in relation to the main narrative. Though he himself is party to many of the turbulent events of the story, Stevenson makes note that Utterson is a generally dull and uncomplicated character – an everyman whose journey of discovery mirrors ours as readers. In our first introduction to him, we are told his face was “never lighted by a smile,” the imagery here conveying a gloom and consistency to the man’s countenance. It is noted on several occasions, however, that there is a lovable quality to him and that he is much admired by his small circle, perhaps due to his fierce loyalty as a friend. He never shirks his friendship to Henry Jekyll, trying at every turn to help his friend through his unexplained maladies and seclusions. He attempts to reconcile Lanyon and Jekyll, showing his wish for peace amongst the once bonded trinity, allowing the author to explore themes of friendship within the mystery of the text.