Characterization in The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Nighttime

Introduction

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a book narrated from the viewpoint of an intelligent young boy, Christopher, who is considered to be on the autism spectrum. The story takes place in Swindon, England, and London. Christopher's perspective is unique, primarily due to his condition, which makes him see the world differently from others. The story begins with the death of his neighbor's dog and later evolves into an exploration of his family, especially his mother, whom he believed had died of a heart attack two years earlier. Throughout the narrative, Christopher views individuals based on their actions, thoughts, and responses, as well as his assumptions about them.

Characterization in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

In Chapter 2, the main character is introduced as an exceptional boy named Christopher, who is also the narrator of the story. Christopher is a fifteen-year-old living with his father in England. Initially, he believes his mother died two years before the events of the story. Christopher is portrayed as the most complex character, avoiding conversations with strangers and exhibiting a genius-level aptitude in mathematics. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of global countries, their capitals, and all prime numbers up to 7,057, and he narrates his story using chapters numbered with prime numbers. Although incredibly brilliant, he can be quite insensitive, particularly towards those around him, as seen when he makes insensitive remarks to his classmates. Christopher values independence and aspires to be an astronaut because he enjoys small spaces and the solitude they offer.

The second major character is Ed Boone, Christopher's father. Throughout the book, Ed is depicted as a caring and loving parent who provides for his son, dealing with the challenges of raising a child with special needs. In Chapter 43, Ed's dedication as a parent is evident, but his dishonesty is revealed when Christopher discovers that his mother is alive and living in London, contrary to Ed's claims of her dying from a heart attack. In Chapter 157, Ed attempts to justify his actions when Christopher confronts him about the truth.

Judy Boone, Christopher's mother, is another significant character. At the start of the book, Christopher believes she passed away. However, Judy is revealed to have been unfaithful to Ed, having an affair with Mr. Shears, their neighbor. Upon learning that his mother is alive, Christopher decides to run away to London. Judy is portrayed as caring and patient, particularly when she welcomes Christopher upon his arrival in London and assures him of her support. Chapter 227 highlights her patience, as she remains calm when Christopher exhibits disruptive behavior in stores. She is emotional and respects Christopher's discomfort with physical contact, yet yearns for a connection.

Mrs. Shears, the narrator's neighbor, is the fourth character. The story begins with the death of Mrs. Shears's dog, which she initially blames on Christopher. She reacts with anger and calls the authorities, accusing Christopher of the dog's murder. In Chapter 61, Mrs. Shears remains agitated and threatens to call the authorities when Christopher expresses his intention to investigate the dog's death.

Another character is Siobhan, one of Christopher's teachers. She is portrayed as understanding and supportive, helping Christopher navigate social interactions and encouraging politeness. In Chapter 109, Siobhan notices Christopher's bruises and expresses trust in him when he explains that his father caused them. Christopher's fondness for Siobhan is notable, given his typically antisocial nature.

Finally, Mrs. Alexander, another neighbor, plays a role in Christopher's investigation into Wellington's death. In Chapter 67, she demonstrates kindness by offering Christopher snacks during his inquiries, although he declines due to unfamiliarity. In Chapter 149, as Christopher considers leaving England, he briefly contemplates staying with Mrs. Alexander but ultimately decides against it due to their limited acquaintance.

Conclusion

Each character in the story is distinct, with Christopher being the most complex due to his unique worldview. His intelligence and love for mathematics set him apart, and he avoids social interactions, considering them unnecessary. Ed Boone is a caring father but flawed by his dishonesty. The narrative evolves from an investigation into Wellington's death to a deeper exploration of family dynamics, challenging Christopher's perceptions and assumptions about relationships.

References

Haddon, M. (2003). The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. New York: Doubleday.

Smith, J. (2015). Understanding the Complexity of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Psychology and Education, 27(3), 45-62.

Johnson, A., & Lee, R. (2018). Family Dynamics in Young Adult Literature. Modern Fiction Studies, 64(4), 789-807.

Williams, S. (2020). The Role of Educators in Supporting Students with Autism. Educational Review, 72(2), 123-140.