To the Lighthouse

Main Characters and Their Development

• Mrs. Ramsay - the central character, mother of eight children, and wife of Mr. Ramsay. She embodies the ideal of femininity and motherhood, being caring and loving. Throughout the book, she demonstrates a deep emotional connection with those around her, yet also feels an inner emptiness and loneliness.
• Mr. Ramsay - Mrs. Ramsay's husband, a philosopher and scholar. He is often absorbed in his thoughts and concerns, which makes him distant from his family. His character is revealed through his intellectual ambitions and fears of failure.
• Lily Briscoe - a young artist and guest of the Ramsay family. She struggles with doubts about her artistic abilities and seeks to find her place in the world. Her development is tied to the pursuit of creative self-realization and independence.
• James Ramsay - the youngest son of Mrs. and Mr. Ramsay. At the beginning of the book, he feels a strong attachment to his mother and hostility towards his father. His development involves overcoming these feelings and finding his own path.
• Cam Ramsay - the daughter of Mrs. and Mr. Ramsay. Her development in the book is linked to the transition from childhood to adulthood and the understanding of family relationships.
• Charles Tansley - a young pupil of Mr. Ramsay. He experiences self-doubt and strives to prove his worth. His character is revealed through interactions with other characters and his own ambitions.