The Humans: Character Guide To Matt Haig's Novel

Hey guys! Ever read The Humans by Matt Haig? If you haven't, you totally should. It's a mind-bending, hilarious, and surprisingly heartwarming story about an alien who comes to Earth and learns what it really means to be human. The characters in this book are what make it so special, so let's dive into the main players and see what makes them tick. This guide will help you navigate the web of relationships and personal growth that defines The Humans, making your reading experience even richer. Prepare to meet some unforgettable personalities!

Professor Andrew Martin

At the heart of The Humans is Professor Andrew Martin, or rather, the alien impersonating him. When we first meet Andrew, he's a brilliant Cambridge mathematician who has just made a groundbreaking discovery. However, before he can share it with the world, he's vaporized by an alien who then takes his form. This alien, tasked with preventing humanity from unraveling the secrets of prime numbers, struggles to understand human emotions and customs. Throughout the story, the alien-Andrew grapples with the complexities of love, grief, and the seemingly irrational behaviors that define human existence.

Initially, the alien-Andrew views humans with a detached curiosity, often finding their actions illogical and their emotions overwhelming. He's baffled by their capacity for both great kindness and extreme cruelty, and he struggles to reconcile these contradictions. As he spends more time in Andrew's life, interacting with his family and colleagues, he begins to develop a deeper understanding of the human condition. He starts to appreciate the small joys and connections that make life meaningful, even in the face of suffering. The alien-Andrew's journey is one of profound transformation, as he evolves from a cold observer into someone capable of empathy and love. He learns to value the messiness and imperfections of human life, recognizing that it is precisely these qualities that make it so precious. The professor's journey involves navigating complex relationships, understanding human emotions, and ultimately questioning the mission he was originally assigned.

Isobel Martin

Isobel is Andrew's wife, and she's a total rockstar. She's a veterinarian with a huge heart, and she deeply loves Andrew, even though she's starting to suspect something is seriously off with him. Isobel represents the unconditional love and patience that humans are capable of, even when things get weird. She is portrayed as a compassionate and intuitive woman who senses the shift in her husband's demeanor shortly after the alien assumes his identity. Despite her growing suspicions and the emotional distance that develops between them, Isobel remains committed to their marriage, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and a deep-seated belief in the goodness of her husband, or at least, the man she thought she knew. Her perspective offers a poignant exploration of love, trust, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

Isobel's character also serves as a grounding force within the narrative, offering a relatable perspective amidst the more fantastical elements of the story. Her interactions with the alien-Andrew are filled with a mixture of confusion, concern, and a subtle sense of hope that the man she loves is still somewhere within the alien facade. As a veterinarian, Isobel possesses a natural empathy and a keen understanding of living beings, which allows her to perceive the nuances of the alien-Andrew's behavior that others might miss. Her love for animals mirrors her capacity for compassion towards humans, highlighting her inherent kindness and her belief in the inherent worth of all living creatures. Throughout the novel, Isobel's unwavering love and patience serve as a beacon of hope, guiding the alien-Andrew towards a greater understanding of human emotions and the importance of connection. She embodies the best qualities of humanity, demonstrating the power of love to transcend even the most extraordinary circumstances.

Gulliver Martin

Gulliver, Andrew and Isobel's son, is your typical teenager – angsty, intelligent, and trying to figure out his place in the world. He's struggling with depression and feeling like an outsider, but he forms an unexpected bond with the alien-Andrew. Gulliver, in many ways, embodies the struggles and complexities of adolescence. He is portrayed as an intelligent but troubled teenager, grappling with feelings of alienation and depression. His character provides a lens through which the novel explores themes of mental health, identity, and the challenges of growing up in a world that often feels overwhelming. Despite his struggles, Gulliver possesses a sharp wit and a unique perspective, making him a compelling and relatable character. The relationship between Gulliver and the alien-Andrew is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the novel.

Gulliver finds solace and understanding in his interactions with the alien-Andrew, who, despite his initial lack of understanding of human emotions, offers him a non-judgmental ear and a fresh perspective on life. The alien-Andrew's unconventional approach to parenting and his willingness to challenge societal norms resonate with Gulliver, helping him to question his own beliefs and find a sense of purpose. Through his interactions with the alien-Andrew, Gulliver begins to see the world in a new light, recognizing the beauty and wonder that exists alongside the pain and suffering. He learns to embrace his own uniqueness and to find strength in his vulnerabilities. Gulliver's journey is one of self-discovery and healing, as he navigates the challenges of adolescence with the help of an unlikely mentor. His character serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for growth and transformation.

The Alien (Narrator)

The alien, who takes on Andrew's form, is the narrator of the story, and his voice is what makes the book so unique. He's constantly observing human behavior and trying to make sense of it, often with hilarious and insightful results. The alien's perspective provides a unique and often humorous commentary on human society, customs, and emotions. As an extraterrestrial being tasked with preventing humanity from unraveling the secrets of prime numbers, the alien initially views humans with a detached curiosity, often finding their actions illogical and their emotions overwhelming.

However, as he spends more time in Andrew's life, interacting with his family and colleagues, he begins to develop a deeper understanding of the human condition. He starts to appreciate the small joys and connections that make life meaningful, even in the face of suffering. The alien's journey is one of profound transformation, as he evolves from a cold observer into someone capable of empathy and love. He learns to value the messiness and imperfections of human life, recognizing that it is precisely these qualities that make it so precious. The alien's narration is filled with witty observations, philosophical musings, and moments of genuine tenderness, making him a compelling and unforgettable character. Through his eyes, we are able to see ourselves and our world in a new light, appreciating the beauty and absurdity of human existence.

Professor Kurt Seligman

Kurt is Andrew's colleague and rival. He's brilliant but also arrogant and insecure. He represents the darker side of academia and the human desire for recognition and power. Kurt's character provides a foil to Andrew, highlighting the contrast between genuine intellectual curiosity and ego-driven ambition. He serves as a symbol of the human tendency towards competition, jealousy, and the pursuit of personal gain, even at the expense of others. Despite his flaws, Kurt is also a complex and multi-dimensional character, driven by a deep-seated desire for recognition and validation.

His insecurities and vulnerabilities are often masked by his arrogance and intellectual posturing, revealing a more fragile and human side beneath the surface. Kurt's interactions with the alien-Andrew are filled with tension and suspicion, as he senses that something is not quite right with his colleague. His attempts to uncover the truth about Andrew's behavior often lead him down a path of self-discovery, forcing him to confront his own limitations and insecurities. While Kurt may not be the most likable character in the novel, his presence adds depth and complexity to the narrative, exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the challenges of navigating the competitive world of academia. Through his character, we are reminded that even the most brilliant minds can be flawed and driven by their own personal demons.

Conclusion

The Humans is a novel that stays with you long after you finish reading it, largely because of its well-developed and relatable characters. Each character, from the alien-Andrew to Isobel and Gulliver, brings a unique perspective to the story, exploring themes of love, identity, and what it means to be human. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think, definitely check out The Humans. You won't regret it! So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of The Humans and discover these amazing characters for yourself. Happy reading!