The Invisible Man · Character
Dr. Kemp
A rational scientist whose quiet night is shattered when an old university acquaintance, now invisible, forces him into a desperate and dangerous alliance.
major
Also known as Kemp, Doctor Kemp, Mr. Kemp
First appearance: Dr. Kemp's Visitor
As a major figure in The Invisible Man, Dr. Kemp is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Observes the running man from his study, initially dismissing him as a fool, but later becomes aware of the Invisible Man's approach.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Griffin (psychological): Kemp initially aids Griffin out of scientific curiosity but quickly becomes his primary victim and antagonist as Griffin manipulates and terrorizes him. With Colonel Adye (professional):…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Dr. Kemp sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Dr. Kemp in Dr. Kemp's VisitorCharacter Web
6 connectionsA slice of how Dr. Kemp sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Psychological
- Professional
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Iping townspeople and authorities
- Protagonist
- Primary antagonists and allies
+1 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the psychological turning point where the Invisible Man f…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Griffin
psychological · negative
Kemp initially aids Griffin out of scientific curiosity but quickly becomes his primary… How this plays out →
- Colonel Adye
professional · ambivalent
- Mr. Heelas
social · ambivalent
- Mr. Marvel
professional · ambivalent
- Griffin
psychological · negative
Kemp initially aids Griffin out of scientific curiosity but quickly becomes his primary… How this plays out →
- Griffin
psychological · negative
Kemp initially aids Griffin out of scientific curiosity but quickly becomes his primary… How this plays out →
- Colonel Adye
professional · ambivalent
- Colonel Adye
professional · ambivalent
- Mr. Marvel
professional · ambivalent
- Mr. Heelas
social · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Dr. Kemp in Dr. Kemp's VisitorIn the story
Dr. Kemp appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- XV: The Man Who Was Running
- Dr. Kemp's Visitor
- The Invisible Man Sleeps
- XIX: Certain First Principles
- At the House in Great Portland Street
- In Oxford Street
- In the Emporium
- In Drury Lane
- +6 more
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Dr. Kemp unlock in the free preview.
See Dr. Kemp in Dr. Kemp's Visitor