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Characters - EdexcelKeckwick in The Woman in Black

The story is narrated by the main character, Arthur Kipps. He is haunted repeatedly by the ghost of the Woman in Black and rescued by the kindly landowner, Samuel Daily.

Part of English LiteratureThe Woman in Black

Keckwick in The Woman in Black

  • surly
  • unemotional
  • dependable

Keckwick drives the pony and trap and takes Arthur Kipps across the Nine Lives Causeway to Eel Marsh House. He barely speaks at all and seems surly and difficult to be around. He is dependable however, and turns up to collect Arthur as arranged, even though the causeway is impassable until the early hours of the morning.

Samuel Daily later explains that Keckwick's father was driving the pony trap that crashed with Jennet Humfrye's son inside.

How is Keckwick like this?EvidenceAnalysis
SurlyKeckwick hardly speaks at all.That he was fully aware of my state, knew something had happened to me and was quite unsurprised was clear, and his manner also told me unmistakably that he did not wish to hear what it was.Even when Keckwick seems to understand that Arthur has been disturbed, he shows no desire to discuss what has happened.
UnemotionalWhen Keckwick returns to collect Arthur, he explains that he had to wait for the 'fret' to pass."There's no crossing over while a fret's up," Keckwick said matter-of-factly.He seems to stand in contrast to Arthur, who admits that he is affected by the weather. The phrase 'matter-of-factly' suggests that Keckwick is unemotional.
ReliableAlthough he doesn't speak much, Keckwick does show concern for Arthur by turning up to collect him as promised."I wouldn't have left you over the night," he said at last, "wouldn't have done that to you."He arrives at almost two o'clock in the morning to collect Arthur saying that he couldn't leave him there overnight. Arthur does not heed this ominous warning and later stays at Eel Marsh House.
Surly
How is Keckwick like this?Keckwick hardly speaks at all.
EvidenceThat he was fully aware of my state, knew something had happened to me and was quite unsurprised was clear, and his manner also told me unmistakably that he did not wish to hear what it was.
AnalysisEven when Keckwick seems to understand that Arthur has been disturbed, he shows no desire to discuss what has happened.
Unemotional
How is Keckwick like this?When Keckwick returns to collect Arthur, he explains that he had to wait for the 'fret' to pass.
Evidence"There's no crossing over while a fret's up," Keckwick said matter-of-factly.
AnalysisHe seems to stand in contrast to Arthur, who admits that he is affected by the weather. The phrase 'matter-of-factly' suggests that Keckwick is unemotional.
Reliable
How is Keckwick like this?Although he doesn't speak much, Keckwick does show concern for Arthur by turning up to collect him as promised.
Evidence"I wouldn't have left you over the night," he said at last, "wouldn't have done that to you."
AnalysisHe arrives at almost two o'clock in the morning to collect Arthur saying that he couldn't leave him there overnight. Arthur does not heed this ominous warning and later stays at Eel Marsh House.