The Rocking-Horse Winner Character Analysis

Paul

Paul is the protagonist of the story. He is a small boy with strange blue eyes, and he seems to feel emotions so fiercely that he cannot control them. He recognizes that his mother Hester… read analysis of Paul

Oscar Cresswell (Uncle Oscar)

Oscar is Paul’s wealthy, greedy uncle. He likes horse races and uses Paul’s tips to make bets himself. He also encourages Paul to give Hester some of his winnings. When Paul dies, Oscar suggests… read analysis of Oscar Cresswell (Uncle Oscar)

Hester

Hester is Paul’s mother, a middle-class woman with two other children as well. She is obsessed with appearances, and particularly with keeping up the appearance of being wealthier than she actually is. Hester believes… read analysis of Hester

Bassett

Bassett is the gardener at Paul’s house, a young man whose foot was wounded in World War I. He is also friends with Oscar Cresswell. Bassett talks with Paul about horse racing and… read analysis of Bassett

Minor Characters

The nurse

The nurse tends to Paul and his two sisters. She answers Hester’s phone call when Hester is worried about Paul.

Paul’s father

Hester says that Paul’s father is unlucky because his business ideas never yield any money.

Joan

Joan is one of Paul’s two sisters. She is frightened by how furiously he rides his rocking-horse.