The Invisible Man

By H.G. Wells

About the author

Herbert George Wells was born in a working class family in 1866. He came from a poor background,
which was unusual for a writer at that time. He won a scholarship to study science at university. With a
first-class degree in biology, he briefly became a teacher. His career in the classroom was ended by a
sharp kick in the kidneys from an unhappy pupil, which left him too unwell to continue teaching. He then
lived on a small income from journalism and short stories, until his literary career took off with his first
science fiction novel, The Time Machine, in 1895.

Wells wrote with tremendous energy throughout his life, producing many science fiction stories, short
stories, sociological and political books, autobiographical novels and histories. He became very
successful as a writer, perhaps because his work was both popular and intellectual, and he lived in some
style. He married twice and had a reputation as a womanizer. He moved in socialist circles and used
fiction to explore his political ideas. Wells died in 1946.

Introduction

The Invisible Man is the story of a gifted young university student who invented a new formula to
become invisible. He became invisible but made two mistakes. He did not inform anyone about the
formula and without inventing the reverse process, he applied on himself.

He had to face many problems in London as it became difficult for him to get food, clothing and shelter.
He came to Iping as he wanted to do research to find out the reverse formula. But his strange
appearance and odd behavior made the people of Icing suspicious. As his money came to an end, he
stole from the house of the Vicars.
He was cornered many times but he managed to escape by taking off his clothes. He met his fellow
scientist Dr. Kemp at Burdock who betrayed him. He called Dr. Kemp a traitor and tried to kill him. Finally,
he was killed by the people on the road.

Setting

England in the 1890’s.

Iping and the surrounding area

Much of the action initially occurs around or in a couple of pubs and an inn, thus taking advantage of the
natural opportunity for people to spread rumors, speculate on mysterious issues, and expand on each
other’s stories.

Characters

Griffin: The Invisible Man

Mr. & Mrs. Hall: Owner of the inn ‘Coach & Horses’

Teddy Henfrey: a clock jobber

The Rev. Mr. Bunting: a vicar in the town of Iping

Marvel: a local tramp

Mariner: An elderly sailor in Port Burdock.

Dr. Kemp: a scientist and a former associate of Griffin

Dr. Cuss: a physician

Mr. Bobby Jaffers: the village constable

Colonel Adye: the chief of Burdock Police

Fearenside: A cartman who delivers luggage.

Huxter and Sandy Wadgers: Blacksmith and exorcist.

Griffin

A young scientific genius and researcher.

Robs his own father to carry on his research on invisibility.

Successfully tries his formula of invisibility on wool fabric and a cat.

Tries the same on himself and becomes invisible.

Realises the disadvantages of invisibility.

Unable to reverse the process.

Resorts to establish reign of terror with the help of Dr. Kemp.

Seized, assaulted and killed by a mob.

Janny Hall

Wife of Mr. Hall.

Owner of the ‘Coach and Horses’ inn.

Gives shelter to the Invisible Man.

Shows courtesy and hospitality.

Tries to socialise with her guest.

Discouraged bluntly.

Feels offended

George Hall

Husband of Mrs. Hall.

Assists his wife in running the inn.

First person to suspect Griffin.

Teddy Henfrey

A clock jobber in Iping.

Happens to visit the ‘Coach and Horses’ inn.

Asked to fix the stranger’s wall clock.

Suspects the stranger.

Spreads rumours about the man.

Huxter and Sandy Wadgers

Blacksmith and exorcist.

Called by Mrs. Hall to ward off the ghost.

Dr. Cuss

A Medical practitioner from Iping.

Keeps professional jealousy with the Invisible Man.

Interviews the Invisible Man.

Scared away as the Invisible Man pinches his nose with an invisible hand.

Describes his experience to Reverend Bunting.

Thomas Marvel

A tramp used by t