Wolf Hall

Main Characters and Their Development

• Thomas Cromwell: The protagonist of the novel, Thomas Cromwell, rises from being the son of a blacksmith to one of the most powerful men at Henry VIII's court. His intelligence, political acumen, and ability to manipulate people allow him to survive and thrive in the perilous world of royal politics.
• Henry VIII: The King of England, whose desires and ambitions play a crucial role in the plot's development. His pursuit of a divorce from Catherine of Aragon and marriage to Anne Boleyn leads to a break with the Catholic Church and the creation of the Church of England.
• Anne Boleyn: Henry VIII's second wife, whose ambitions and intrigues significantly influence the events of the novel. Her relationships with Henry and Cromwell are complex and fraught with tension.
• Catherine of Aragon: Henry VIII's first wife, whose resistance to the divorce causes a political crisis. Her steadfastness and devotion to the Catholic faith make her a pivotal figure in the novel.
• Cardinal Thomas Wolsey: Cromwell's mentor and patron, whose fall from power serves as an important lesson for the protagonist. His fate illustrates the dangers of being close to the king.
• Thomas More: A political and religious opponent of Cromwell, whose beliefs and principles lead to his tragic end. His conflict with Cromwell reflects the broader religious and political disagreements of the time.