The characters in “The Turn of the Screw” evolve in haunting ways, revealing the story’s deeper psychological horror beneath its ghostly surface.
Henry James’s novella The Turn of the Screw thrives not just on ambiguity but on character transformation. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the real horror lies in how each character changes—or fails to—when confronted with fear, responsibility, and isolation. This article explores the psychological and emotional journeys of the central figures and how those shifts drive the story’s suspense.
The Governess: From Naïve Optimism to Obsessive Vigilance
The governess is the novella’s most complex character. Her emotional arc is both a descent and a revelation.
Initial Hope and Responsibility
At the start, the governess arrives full of idealism and eager to prove herself.
- She views her job as noble, taking pride in caring for the children.
- Her early descriptions show her fascination with the estate and her employer.
Gradual Shift to Obsession
As ghostly occurrences begin, her transformation is swift and unsettling.
- Her mission to protect the children escalates into possessiveness.
- Her isolation and lack of validation push her into believing her interpretation is the only truth.
Miles: The Child Who Forces Adults to Question Morality
Miles’s arc is subtle but deeply unsettling. His behavior challenges traditional ideas of childhood innocence.
From Angelic to Ambiguous
Initially presented as charming and sweet, his expulsion from school raises red flags.
- His language and confidence seem advanced for his age.
- He plays mind games, especially with the governess, revealing maturity beyond his years.
A Symbol of Unreachable Truth
Miles becomes the battleground of interpretation—his real thoughts and feelings remain a mystery.
- He never directly confirms or denies seeing ghosts.
- His death at the climax feels tragic, possibly caused more by adult intervention than supernatural forces.
Flora: A Study in Withdrawal and Denial
Flora’s development contrasts with Miles’s, showcasing how silence can be just as haunting.
Innocence in Question
She’s initially described as beautiful and pure—but hints soon surface that she knows more than she lets on.
- Her reactions during key moments suggest fear or pretense.
- Her sudden illness after confrontations signals suppressed trauma.
The Retreat from Conflict
Eventually removed from the situation by Mrs. Grose, Flora fades into the background.
- Her removal leaves a void, further isolating the governess.
- Her silence becomes symbolic of emotional damage and loss.
Mrs. Grose: Loyalty Tested by Uncertainty
As the only adult confidante, Mrs. Grose undergoes a shift from passive support to hesitant distance.
Supportive but Hesitant
She initially believes and backs the governess, showing loyalty and concern.
- She listens carefully and often agrees, though without strong conviction.
- She tries to stay hopeful and maternal toward the children.
The Breaking Point
Her faith in the governess begins to waver after key confrontations.
- When Flora becomes ill, Mrs. Grose starts questioning the governess’s methods.
- Her departure with Flora signals a loss of trust and a desire to escape the chaos.
Peter Quint and Miss Jessel: Ghosts That Represent More Than Death
Though deceased, these characters shape the psychological journeys of the living.
Ghosts or Manifestations?
Their influence isn’t physical but psychological, pushing characters toward fear and instability.
- The governess believes they’re trying to corrupt the children.
- They serve more as projections of fear, guilt, and sexual repression than literal spirits.
Triggers of Change
Their appearances mark turning points for the living characters.
- After each sighting, the governess becomes more extreme in her actions.
- The children’s behavior shifts subtly, suggesting inner turmoil or reaction to the governess.
FAQs About Character Journeys in The Turn of the Screw
Here are some questions and answers about character development in The Turn of the Screw:
What does the governess’s transformation tell us?
Her arc illustrates how fear, isolation, and a desire for control can distort perception and drive people to dangerous conclusions.
Was Miles evil or misunderstood?
Miles’s behavior is ambiguous. He may have been mature beyond his years or manipulated by adult projections. The story never confirms either interpretation fully.
Why is Flora’s character important?
Flora symbolizes innocence lost or silenced. Her removal from the story highlights the emotional cost of the governess’s decisions.
Does Mrs. Grose trust the governess until the end?
No, her trust erodes gradually. By the end, she takes Flora away, showing a clear shift in allegiance.
Are Quint and Miss Jessel real?
The novella leaves this open to interpretation. They may be ghosts or manifestations of guilt and repression, especially within the governess’s mind.
Understanding how these characters evolve across The Turn of the Screw reveals that the most unsettling transformations are not the supernatural ones—but the deeply human ones. Each journey is shaped by fear, loneliness, and the desperate search for meaning, making the novella a profound psychological study disguised as a ghost story.