The War of the Worlds · Character

Ogilvy

An astronomer who is among the first to confirm the Martian projectiles and rushes to warn the world before the Heat-Ray silences him.

supporting

Also known as poor Ogilvy

First appearance: II: The Falling Star

As a supporting figure in The War of the Worlds, Ogilvy is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Ogilvy is among the first to investigate the cylinder and is killed by the Martians' Heat-Ray.

In the storyThe War of the WorldsOpen this moment free

See Ogilvy in The War of the Worlds Book page

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With The Curate (social): Ogilvy and the Curate are both present at the initial Martian landing site, though their interactions are limited to that shared event. With The Curate (social): Ogilvy and the Curate are both…

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See Ogilvy in II: The Falling Star

Character Web

2 connections

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Relationship types

Social
Other

Character groups

Early victims of invasion
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, the narrator reaches his emotional and psychological nadir as he wanders through a corpse-lit…

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Relationships

The Curate
social · ambivalent
Ogilvy and the Curate are both present at the initial Martian landing site, though their… How this plays out →
The Curate
social · ambivalent
Ogilvy and the Curate are both present at the initial Martian landing site, though their… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Ogilvy in II: The Falling Star

In the story

Ogilvy appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The War of the Worlds
Ogilvy is among the first to investigate the cylinder and is killed by the Martians' Heat-Ray.
Book I: The Coming of the Martians
Ogilvy is among the first to investigate the cylinder and is killed by the Martians.
The Eve of the War
Ogilvy, the well-known astronomer, invites the narrator to observe Mars and speculates about volcanic activity or meteor showers, dismissing the idea of Martian inhabitants signaling Earth.
II: The Falling Star
Discovers the cylinder, realizes it is artificial, and alerts others.
On Horsell Common
Present at the pit directing excavations, asks the narrator to contact Lord Hilton.
IV: The Cylinder Opens
Present at the pit, calls for the crowd to keep back.
V: The Heat-Ray
Part of the deputation approaching the Martians with a white flag; presumed killed by the heat-ray.
VI: The Heat-Ray in the Chobham Road
Part of the ill-fated advance; telegraphs for soldiers before being killed.
VII: How I Reached Home
Mourned by the narrator, who fears Ogilvy may be dead on the common; his earlier scientific explanations are recalled.
IX: The Fighting Begins
Mentioned as 'poor Ogilvy' among the dead on the common.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Ogilvy unlock in the free preview.

See Ogilvy in II: The Falling Star

See Ogilvy in The War of the Worlds