Who Washington Otis is
Washington Otis moves with his family into Canterville Chase, an English country house with a ghost. He is the eldest son, and the story describes him as fond of fashion.
His practical response to the haunting helps establish the story's comic contrast. Where the housekeeper sees a frightening reminder of the past, Washington sees something a cleaning product can remove.
Washington Otis and the others in the story
Mrs Umney, the housekeeper, explains that the dark stain on the library floor cannot be washed away. Washington answers her warning by using a modern stain remover, clearing the mark in moments.
When the stain returns the next morning, Washington cleans it again, but it keeps reappearing. Its changing colours become a source of entertainment for the family rather than a reason to fear the ghost.
Questions
Who is Washington Otis?
Washington is the Otis family's eldest son, a young man fond of fashion who takes a practical approach to the haunting.
What does Washington Otis do about the bloodstain?
He removes it with a modern cleaning product and repeats the cleaning when it comes back.
Is Washington Otis afraid of the ghost?
He is amused rather than frightened by the returning bloodstain. His response contrasts with Mrs Umney's fear and respect for the house's legends.