Next

Fettes

An old man who was a medical student who worked for Mr. K—. Fettes is the protagonist who meets up with a former classmate with whom he has a grisly past. Fettes was a promising young man until he got involved in the illicit activities of Mr. K— and Macfarlane.

Read an in-depth analysis of Fettes.

Wolfe Macfarlane

A doctor who has a horrifying past with Fettes and is the central antagonist. In his past, Macfarlane is a medical student who works for Mr. K—.Macfarlane is handsome and well-liked but also unscrupulous and manipulative. He served as the head assistant to Mr. K— and was a mentor to Fettes.

Read an in-depth analysis of Wolfe Macfarlane.

Mr. K—

An unethical anatomy professor. Based on a real man named Robert Knox, Mr. K— is a Scottish surgeon who teaches anatomy. He does not question where his suppliers get the bodies his students need for dissection and encourages his assistants to also turn a blind eye.

Gray

An unsavory man who has dinner with Fettes and Macfarlane. He and Macfarlane have a previous and conflicted acquaintance and, although well dressed, he is described as ill-mannered and rude. He is especially insulting and crude with Macfarlane who murders him and provides his body to Fettes as a cadaver.  

The Landlord, the Undertaker, and the Narrator

Three companions who drink with Fettes at the George. The men are all friendly and companionable. They witness Fettes’s reunion with Macfarlane and are curious about the nature of the conflict between Fettes and Macfarlane. The unnamed narrator finds out the details and relates the story.

Next section Fettes

Take a Study Break