Who Archibald Craven is
Archibald Craven owns the Yorkshire house where Mary Lennox comes to live after leaving India. He is a sad man with a crooked back, and Mary has never met him before.
Mrs. Medlock tells Mary that her uncle will not see her and cares little about anything. His distance troubles Mary, who discovers that being unwanted matters to her.
What Archibald Craven wants
Archibald travels through Europe, withdrawing from the home that holds memories of his wife. The garden once belonged to her, and he has its door locked and its key buried. His grief shapes both the closed garden and the life inside the house.
Archibald Craven and the others in the story
Archibald is Colin Craven's father, but he cannot bear to look at the boy because Colin resembles his mother. While his father stays distant, Colin lives almost entirely alone, surrounded by servants who give him whatever he wants.
Mary arrives as another lonely child in a house already marked by sorrow. Archibald's absence connects her story of neglect with Colin's life of fear and isolation.
Questions
Who is Archibald Craven?
Archibald Craven is Mary's uncle, Colin's father and the owner of Misselthwaite Manor.
Why does Archibald Craven lock the garden?
He locks it because of his grief over losing his wife, who loved the garden.
How does Archibald Craven treat Colin?
He keeps his distance from Colin because the boy's resemblance to his mother is painful to him. His withdrawal leaves Colin without the care and company he needs.