The characters
Sir Simon de Canterville has been an inhabitant of Canterville Chase all his life and its ghost since 1584, when, for some reasons, he was chained to the attic. Sir Simon treats his haunting of Canterville Chase as though it were a job, and it is a position he takes quite seriously. He has created several gruesome tricks of his own, each with its own unique assortment of props, costumes, and scare tactics in order to frighten anybody who visits the castle.
Lord Canterville was the previous owner of Canterville Chase, before it was sold to Mr. Otis. He is representative of the aristocracy in general. Lord Canterville sells the property because his wife, Lady Canterville, is unable to sleep there. He is an honest man so he’s sure to tell Mr. Otis about Sir Simon’s existence before selling it.
Mr. Otis is an American minister who purchases Canterville Chase from Lord Canterville. He is Virginia´s father and father of the Otis twins. During the haunting of the Canterville estate, Mr. Otis is remarkably calm. He is simply an American in a slightly stereotypical and exaggerated way. He gave his children patriotic American names like Virginia, Stripes and Stars and talks about how superior America is to England whenever he has the chance.
Virginia is Mr. Otis’ daughter and sister to the Otis twins. Virginia is nineteen years old and she is an adventurous and fearless young woman. She is a journalism student, who’s passionate about everything. She is sensitive and caring and wants to help Sir Simon find his freedom.
Stars is a 12- year-old girl. She is Virginia and Stripes´ sister. Stripes is her twin brother. With Stripes’ help, she quickly manages to terrorize Sir Simon, annoying him with pillows and devising traps. At first the ghost only wants to get back to them for this. However, Sir Simon eventually becomes too afraid of the twins to even imagine revenge. He only wants to avoid them at all costs.
Stripes is a 12- year-old boy. He is Virginia and Stars´s brother. Stars is his twin sister. With Stars’ help, he quickly manages to terrorize Sir Simon, annoying him with pillows and devising traps. At first, the ghost only wants to pay them back for this. Sir Simon, however, eventually becomes too afraid of the twins to even imagine revenge. He only wants to avoid them at all costs.
Mrs. Umney is the long-time housekeeper of Canterville Chase, having served in the position for over many years. When Lord Canterville sells the property, he begs Mrs. Otis to keep Mrs. Umney in the position. She is a kind and neat woman. Although she is scared of the ghost, she loves to work in the mansion.
Mrs.Wrong is the house-maid at Canterville Chase. She is a responsible and hard-working servant. She is faithful to her master, Lord Canterville. When he decides to sell the mansion, she begs to go and work for him. She wants to leave as she is terrified of Sir Simon, the ghost.