Characters
It is vital that you understand that characters are often used symbolically to express ideas. Du Maurier uses all of her characters to symbolise various ideas prevalent in her society, and the differences between characters reflect contemporary debates. Therefore, it is very useful not only to learn about each character individually but how they compare and contrast to other characters in the novel.
It is important to consider the range of strategies used by du Maurier to create and develop characters within Rebecca. This includes:
- How characters are established
- How characters are presented:
- Physical appearance or suggestions about this
- Their actions and motives
- What they say and think
- How they interact with others
- What others say and think about them
- How far the characters conform to or subvert stereotypes
- Their relationships to other characters
Below you will find character profiles of:
Main characters
Other characters