Mr. Vincent

Laurie Baxter

Mr. Vincent is a spiritualist mentor who manipulates Laurie's grief and curiosity, drawing him deeper into dangerous practices.

Mr. Baxter

Mr. Baxter distrusts Vincent and sees him as a corrupting influence on his son, leading to open conflict.

Maggie Deronnais

Maggie and Vincent are fellow spiritualists who collaborate in séances, though Vincent holds more power over her.

Mrs. Baxter

Vincent subtly manipulates Mrs. Baxter's grief and religious guilt to gain influence over the household.

Laurie Baxter

Mr. Vincent is a spiritualist mentor who manipulates Laurie's grief and curiosity, drawing him deeper into dangerous practices.

Laurie Baxter

Mr. Vincent is a spiritualist mentor who manipulates Laurie's grief and curiosity, drawing him deeper into dangerous practices.

Mr. Baxter

Mr. Baxter distrusts Vincent and sees him as a corrupting influence on his son, leading to open conflict.

Maggie Deronnais

Maggie and Vincent are fellow spiritualists who collaborate in séances, though Vincent holds more power over her.

Mrs. Baxter

Vincent subtly manipulates Mrs. Baxter's grief and religious guilt to gain influence over the household.

Mr. Baxter

Mr. Baxter distrusts Vincent and sees him as a corrupting influence on his son, leading to open conflict.

Maggie Deronnais

Maggie and Vincent are fellow spiritualists who collaborate in séances, though Vincent holds more power over her.

II

Maggie's lost love, whose memory is stirred by Laurie's letter and her own reflections.

III

Mentioned as the great medium coming to Lady Laura's house for a talk.

I

The medium who skillfully argues for the possibility of spiritual communication, using Laurie's love for Amy to persuade him.

II

The medium who guides the séance and reveals Laurie's unconscious actions.

I

Visits Laurie to persuade him to reconsider his refusal, presents a notebook with a message from the séance that challenges Laurie's doubts.

III

Mentioned as the medium Laurie plans to see again; his influence is a point of contention.

I

The medium, sincere in his Spiritualist beliefs, plans Laurie's development carefully.

II

Writes to Laurie congratulating him on his decision and inviting him to Queen's Gate for a séance.

IV

Explains the spiritual world, the subliminal consciousness, and the 'Watcher on the Threshold,' encouraging Laurie to assert his own individuality.

I

The medium leading the séance, gives instructions and emphasizes the need for Laurie to stay conscious.

II

Described by Cathcart as 'the most dangerous of the lot' because he is honest in his spiritualist beliefs.

III

Though not present, his influence over Laurie is described as enormous and masterful. He is the medium who has opened the door to the spirit world for Laurie and is expected to return to town for the Sunday séance.

I

The medium who has led Lady Laura in her Spiritualist practices; she trusts his honesty and strong personality.

II

Enters the room during Lady Laura's conversation with Mr. Cathcart, adding to the tension.

III

Remains calm and persuasive, downplaying Cathcart's accusations and reassuring Lady Laura about Baxter's safety.

I

Mentioned as a respectable man who lends himself to the superstition of the séances; the servants think it a pity.

II

The medium, who gives warnings and enters a trance; his figure is seen asleep behind the apparition.

Epilogue

Referenced as part of the Spiritualist theory that Maggie dismisses as 'rot'.