How It Happened

by

Arthur Conan Doyle

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How It Happened Characters

The Narrator

The narrator is the main character in “How It Happened,” though he remains unnamed throughout. He tells his story through a writing medium, recounting the events that led up to and following his death… read analysis of The Narrator

Perkins

Perkins is the narrator’s chauffeur. At the start of the story, he comes to pick the narrator up from the train station, driving the narrator’s new 30-horsepower car. He advises the narrator not to… read analysis of Perkins

Stanley

Stanley is the narrator’s old friend from college who appears after the narrator’s car crash. At first, the narrator is startled by Stanley’s presence, but he’s also happy to see him and his characteristic… read analysis of Stanley

The Writing Medium

The writing medium is an unnamed character who is responsible for transcribing the narrator’s story. She appears to have a connection to the afterlife, as she can access the world of the dead and… read analysis of The Writing Medium
Minor Characters
The Lodgekeeper
The lodgekeeper arrives at the scene of the car crash and helps Perkins get out from under the car.
The Lodgekeeper’s Wife
The lodgekeeper’s wife arrives at the scene of the crash and, along with her husband, helps Perkins.