Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde: Mr Gabriel John Utterson Character Analysis (AQA GCSE English Literature) : Revision Note

Utterson is an important character in the novella as most events are revealed by him. As a lawyer, he is a man of integrity and the reader trusts him as a reliable narrator.

Mr Gabriel John Utterson character summary

Why is Mr Gabriel John Utterson important?

Mr Gabriel John Utterson is depicted as:

• Respectable and discreet: Utterson values the importance of a good reputation, and is therefore typical of a gentleman in Victorian society. He becomes very concerned about the good reputation of his friend, Dr Jekyll, and therefore keeps his fears and suspicions to himself to protect Jekyll’s reputation. Furthermore, Utterson values his privacy. For example, once Enfield reveals to Utterson “The Story of the Door”, Utterson agrees not to talk with him about the matter again, suggesting that he values others’ privacy and seeks to avoid gossip. 

• Loyal: Utterson is depicted as being deeply loyal to his friends. At the beginning of the novella, the reader is informed that his “affections, like ivy, were the growth of time”.  However it is his loyalty to Jekyll which prevents him from realising the reality of the situation. When Utterson meets Hyde, he suggests that they have “common friends” and comes to fear for Jekyll’s life. Utterson reminds Jekyll that he can “be trusted” and urges him to make “a clean breast of this in confidence” and that he can “get you [him] out of it”. Utterson’s good and loyal nature contrasts with Jekyll’s “infinite sadness of mien”.

• Suspicious and determined: Utterson becomes suspicious of Hyde and realises that the compensation money Hyde paid must be from Jekyll’s account: “if I do not ask you the name of the other party, it is because I know it already”. Once Utterson meets Mr Hyde, he is convinced that he is blackmailing Jekyll. Utterson makes a concerted effort to speak with Jekyll about his will and offers to help him rid himself of Mr Hyde, who has gained a terrible reputation. 

Mr Gabriel John Utterson’s use of language

Utterson uses language which reflects his rationality, restraint and adherence to Victorian ideals of propriety.

• Measured and formal: Utterson’s language is largely measured and formal which conveys his rational and respectable character as an ideal Victorian gentleman. The novella begins with a detailed description of Utterson: he is described as a dull and serious man, “lean, long, dusty, dreary” with a “loveable” good nature. However, it could be argued that Utterson has a darker aspect to his personality, as he wonders “almost with envy, at the high pressure of spirits” involved in others’ misdeeds.

• Inquisitive: After Sir Danvers Carew’s murder, Utterson assists Inspector Newcomen by taking him to where Hyde lives. He becomes desperate to find Hyde and to try and uncover his true motives: “If he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek”. Also his insistence on resolving the mystery of Jekyll’s will demonstrates his logical, inquisitive and methodical approach.

• Hyperbolic and exclamatory: As the novella progresses, Utterson begins to act more impulsively. For example the description of the effects the transformation has on Utterson and Enfield reveals their terror as it “froze the very blood”. His disturbed state is also revealed through his use of exclamatory language such as “Foul play!” and “God forgive us!”

Mr Gabriel John Utterson key quotes

Mr Gabriel John Utterson character development

Mr Gabriel John Utterson character interpretation

Victorian propriety

As a character, Utterson reflects Victorian ideals in relation to propriety, discretion and reputation. Victorian society emphasised the importance of maintaining outward respectability and suppressing inner desires, which is evident in Utterson’s retrained demeanour and his reluctance to gossip about others. He desperately tries to avert any scandal which could harm Jekyll’s reputation.