Alias Grace

Main Characters and Their Development

• Grace Marks - the main character, a young Irish immigrant accused of murdering her employer and his housekeeper. At the beginning of the book, she appears as a mysterious and complex figure, whose guilt or innocence remains in question. As the plot unfolds, through memories and conversations with Dr. Simon Jordan, details of her life, character, and possible motives are revealed. Grace is portrayed as an intelligent and observant woman, but also as someone deeply scarred by her past.
• Dr. Simon Jordan - a young psychiatrist who tries to understand Grace's mental state and uncover the truth about the crime. In the process of working with Grace, he faces his own internal conflicts and doubts. His interest in Grace gradually turns into a personal obsession, affecting his professional and personal relationships.
• Nancy Montgomery - the housekeeper and mistress of Thomas Kinnear, one of the murder victims. Grace's memories of Nancy depict her as a complex and ambiguous character, whose actions and motives invite various interpretations.
• Thomas Kinnear - a wealthy farmer and Grace's employer, also murdered during the events. His character is presented through the memories and accounts of other characters, making him a multifaceted and contradictory figure.
• James McDermott - a servant in the Kinnear household and Grace's accomplice in the murder. His role in the crime and his relationship with Grace are key elements of the plot, raising many questions about his influence on Grace and his true motives.