Rebecca

Main Characters and Their Development

• Maxim de Winter: A young widower and owner of the Manderley estate. A complex and enigmatic character whose actions and feelings become clearer as the plot unfolds. His relationship with his new wife helps him cope with the past and overcome tragedy.
• The new Mrs. de Winter: The narrator of the story, whose name is never mentioned in the book, emphasizing her insignificance compared to Rebecca, Maxim's first wife. She transforms from a timid and insecure girl into a strong individual, standing up for her new family.
• Rebecca: Maxim de Winter's first wife, beautiful and charismatic, whose death has a profound impact on all the characters in the book. Although Rebecca does not appear directly in the narrative, her character remains central to the plot and the relationships between the characters.
• Mrs. Danvers: The housekeeper of Manderley, utterly devoted to Rebecca, strives to maintain her presence in the estate even after her death. Her attitude towards the new Mrs. de Winter reflects the conflict between the past and the present, making her one of the key antagonists in the story.