Van Cheele, the protagonist of “Gabriel-Ernest,” is a landowner, parish councillor, and justice of the peace who lives with his aunt in a large Victorian home. A self-styled naturalist, Van Cheele has a great…
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Gabriel-Ernest (The Boy)
Gabriel-Ernest is a mysterious, wild boy living in Van Cheele’s woods, who may or may not be a werewolf. Gabriel-Ernest tells Van Cheele that he hunts for “flesh” at night, including game and…
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Cunningham
Cunningham is an artist and friend of Van Cheele’s. After visiting Van Cheele he claims to have seen a “wild beast” in the woods. Unlike the talkative Van Cheele, Cunningham is a…
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Miss Van Cheele
Miss Van Cheele is Van Cheele’s aunt, who lives with him on their estate. A doting, oblivious older woman, she is very fond of her nephew and encourages his superficial “naturalism.” Keeping herself occupied with…
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The Toop Child
The Toop child is an unnamed, ungendered child who disappears along with Gabriel-Ernest. A member of Miss Van Cheele’s Sunday school class, the Toop child is sent home with Gabriel-Ernest close to sunset…
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