The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Character Analysis

Benjamin Button

Benjamin Button is a man born with a rare condition that causes him to age backwards. His personality changes significantly throughout the story, illustrating the idea that identity is directly tied to whatever developmental stage… read analysis of Benjamin Button

Hildegarde Moncrief

Hildegarde Moncrief falls in love with and marries Benjamin Button. The daughter of General Moncrief, one of the most important figures in Baltimore’s high society, Hildegarde is an attractive woman who appreciates the… read analysis of Hildegarde Moncrief

Roger Button

Roger Button is Benjamin’s father. A member of Baltimore’s high society and the owner of a wholesale hardware store, he cares about his reputation more than anything—including Benjamin. When he first learns about Benjamin’s… read analysis of Roger Button

Roscoe Button

Roscoe Button is Benjamin and Hildegarde’s son. Just like Benjamin, he joins the family hardware business when he comes of age, eventually taking it over when Benjamin loses interest in the company. When Benjamin… read analysis of Roscoe Button

General Moncrief

General Moncrief is Hildegarde’s father, making him Benjamin’s father-in-law. General Moncrief is powerful and widely respected in Baltimore, so it’s a big deal when he doesn’t approve of Hildegarde and Benjamin’s engagement. For… read analysis of General Moncrief

Doctor Keene

Doctor Keene is the doctor who delivers Benjamin. Although he has been the Buttons’ family doctor for many years, he angrily tells Roger Button that he never wants to see anyone from his family… read analysis of Doctor Keene

The Registrar

The registrar is a man who works at Yale University; his job is to enroll accepted students in the classes they want to take. When Benjamin meets with the registrar in order to do this… read analysis of The Registrar

Minor Characters

The Nurse

The nurse works at the hospital where Benjamin is born. Like Doctor Keene, she treats Mr. Button harshly. She forces him to take Benjamin away as soon as possible, because she thinks the news of Benjamin’s reverse-aging condition will tarnish the hospital’s reputation.

Benjamin’s Grandfather

Benjamin’s grandfather is an old man who initially takes offense when people say that Benjamin looks like him. Soon enough, though, Benjamin’s grandfather enjoys spending time with his grandson, finding his slow, reserved personality appealing and companionable.

Nana

Nana is a hired nurse who Roscoe employs to take care of his father, Benjamin, at the end of Benjamin’s life.