Voyage in the Dark

by

Jean Rhys

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Voyage in the Dark Characters

Anna Morgan

Anna Morgan, the protagonist of Voyage in the Dark, is a young woman who recently moved to England from the West Indies, where she was born and raised. Anna is white, but she has… read analysis of Anna Morgan

Walter Jeffries

Walter Jeffries is a wealthy middle-aged man who takes an interest in Anna when he meets her walking on the street one day. He uses his wealth and influence to endear himself to her, especially… read analysis of Walter Jeffries

Hester

Hester is Anna’s stepmother. Originally from England, she married Anna’s father and moved in with him and Anna in the West Indies, but she never liked living there—most likely because she’s quite racist and… read analysis of Hester

Maudie

Maudie is one of Anna’s friends in the traveling theater troupe. She’s 10 years older than Anna and knows what it’s like to live without much money, which is why she encourages Anna to… read analysis of Maudie

Laurie

Laurie is one of Anna’s friends in the traveling theater troupe. An older woman, she’s very experienced when it comes to dating wealthy older men. She likes Anna, but she’s also eager to use… read analysis of Laurie
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Ethel Matthews

Anna meets Ethel Matthews at a rundown boardinghouse shortly after Walter leaves her. An entrepreneurial and opportunistic person, Ethel immediately notices Anna’s expensive coat and makes a point of befriending her. She claims to be… read analysis of Ethel Matthews

Uncle Bo

Uncle Bo is Anna’s uncle who lives in the West Indies. He’s a heavy drinker who often finds himself at odds with his Anna’s stepmother, Hester, who disapproves of the life he leads… read analysis of Uncle Bo

Francine

Francine is a young woman who frequently appears in Anna’s fond memories of her upbringing in the West Indies. Anna always felt very connected to Francine, who worked as a housekeeper for her family… read analysis of Francine

Vincent

Vincent is Walter’s cousin. He claims to be very fond of Anna, though he tends to disparage and patronize her. When he hears that she’s a chorus girl, for example, he insists on… read analysis of Vincent

Germaine

Germaine is a French woman who’s romantically involved with Vincent. Anna and Walter go on a short vacation in the countryside with Germaine and Vincent, but the entire weekend is ruined because Germaine and… read analysis of Germaine

Carl Redman

Carl Redman is an attractive American man whom Anna meets through Laurie. Carl met Laurie while he and his friend Joe were traveling in Europe, and she told them to look her up if… read analysis of Carl Redman

Joe Adler

Joe Adler is an American man whom Anna meets through Laurie. He and his friend Carl are seemingly interested in paying Laurie and Anna to have sex with them, though Anna doesn’t pick up… read analysis of Joe Adler

Viv

Viv is a wealthy older man Maudie used to see quite frequently. He used to shower her in money and gifts, but he soon lost interest. Unfortunately for Maudie, though, she developed strong romantic feelings… read analysis of Viv
Minor Characters
Mr. Jones
Mr. Jones is Walter’s friend. He’s present when Walter first meets Anna on the street, and though he technically pairs off with Maudie, he’s clearly uninterested in her. As Walter flirts with Anna, then, Mr. Jones behaves quite rudely to Maudie.
Mrs. Robinson
Mrs. Robinson is a French woman who gives Anna an abortion. The procedure doesn’t go very well, leaving Anna in excruciating pain later that night.