Who Mr. Utterson is
Mr. Utterson is a reserved lawyer whose friend and client, Dr. Henry Jekyll, protects the violent Edward Hyde. Most of the mystery unfolds through his investigation, so readers share his limited knowledge of the connection.
During a walk, his relative Mr. Enfield tells him that Hyde knocks down a young girl and walks over her. The account troubles Utterson, especially because Hyde pays compensation with a cheque bearing a respected man's name.
What Mr. Utterson wants
Utterson wants to understand why Jekyll's will gives Hyde an extraordinary claim on his property if Jekyll disappears or dies. He suspects that Hyde holds a damaging secret over Jekyll and sets out to meet the stranger.
His concern creates a conflict between loyalty to his friend and responsibility for what he discovers. He hopes to help without exposing private matters, yet Jekyll's guarded explanations offer him little reassurance.
Mr. Utterson and the others in the story
Jekyll's friendship matters to Utterson, whose caution and loyalty keep him from making easy judgments. As he continues searching, the doctor's insistence on privacy makes the danger harder to judge.
Questions
Who is Mr. Utterson?
Mr. Utterson is Dr. Henry Jekyll's lawyer and longtime friend, and the main investigator of the mystery.
Why does Mr. Utterson investigate Hyde?
He fears that Hyde has some damaging hold over Jekyll. The doctor's unusual will gives him another reason to worry.
What is Mr. Utterson like?
He is reserved, loyal, and discreet. These qualities shape his careful response to the disturbing things he learns.
