Dean Melrose Character Analysis

Dean Melrose is the dean of the college where Henry attended graduate studies in theology before eventually dropping out. Back when Henry was a student, Melrose was disappointed in Henry for being so aimless and uncertain about what he wanted out of his professional life, and he effectively kicked Henry out of the program. But after Henry’s deal with Luc, when Melrose encounters Henry at a café, he suddenly has nothing but good things to say about Henry and recommends Henry for a tenure-track position at his college. This is a ludicrous suggestion, given Henry’s lacking credentials. Henry can’t even be happy about Melrose’s offer, though, since he’s already realized that nobody’s attention and praise means anything if they didn’t choose it for themselves. In other words, Melrose isn’t actually impressed by Henry—the curse has only enchanted him to feel this way.