The Black Cat

Main Characters and Their Development

• The protagonist - an unnamed narrator who initially appears as a kind and animal-loving person. However, under the influence of alcohol, his character changes, and he becomes cruel and aggressive. This leads to tragic events, including the murder of his wife and cat. His development shows the degradation of personality under the influence of alcohol and guilt.
• Pluto the cat - a black cat who is the protagonist's favorite at the beginning of the story. However, after the narrator begins abusing alcohol, he treats Pluto cruelly, leading to its death. Pluto symbolizes innocence and the consequences of cruelty.
• The protagonist's wife - she remains unnamed but is described as a patient and loving woman who suffers from her husband's cruelty. Her murder becomes the culmination of the protagonist's degradation.