Utterson is the quiet center of the novella, and essays about him reveal how carefully a student has read. Many describe him as loyal and rational and leave it there, treating him as a mere guide through the plot. A stronger analysis notices his reluctance to gossip, his habit of enduring his own dryness with a glass of gin, and the way he lets curiosity override his discretion. Grading these essays means rewarding students who see the complexity beneath the polite surface.

A character analysis essay should do more than list traits and attach a quotation to each one. It should show how those traits shape the events of the story and what Utterson's choices reveal about the values of his world. For example, his preference for avoiding scandal helps explain why he delays confronting Jekyll, which in turn lets the situation worsen. Feedback should ask students to trace that chain of cause and effect.

Another useful angle is Utterson's role as a stand-in for the reader. Because he investigates the mystery step by step, his reactions guide our own and his limited knowledge keeps the suspense alive. Students who recognize this are analyzing both character and narrative technique, which usually produces a more sophisticated essay. A teacher can reward that dual focus with strong marks in analysis.

Look for Evidence of Change and Contradiction

Flat character essays describe a person as one thing from start to finish. Utterson, however, shifts as the story progresses, moving from a detached observer to someone willing to break down a door. Students who track that development show strong textual awareness, and their essays tend to be more convincing. A comment such as where does Utterson's behavior start to change and what causes it can steer a student toward this insight.

• Identifies at least two distinct traits and explains how they conflict or interact
• Uses quotations from different stages of the story to show development
• Explains how Utterson's choices influence the plot, not only how they describe him
• Connects his character to Victorian ideas of respectability and discretion
• Avoids summarizing events without tying them to a claim about the character

Compare Utterson With Other Characters

Comparing Utterson with Lanyon or Jekyll deepens the analysis because each man represents a different way of responding to knowledge and fear. Lanyon is a scientist who rejects what he cannot explain, while Jekyll pursues knowledge at all costs. Utterson stands between them as a pragmatic observer who seeks the truth but wishes to protect his friend. Students who make these comparisons often produce rich arguments about the novella's moral landscape.

When giving feedback on comparison essays, check that the student is identifying meaningful contrasts rather than listing differences at random. A good comparison supports a larger claim about the story, for instance that loyalty and respectability can prevent people from acting decisively. Ask students to state that claim in one sentence before drafting. If they cannot, the comparison probably needs more focus.

Give Specific Comments on Quotation Use

Character essays often rely on long quotations that the student does not unpack. Teachers can advise shorter excerpts, trimmed to the words that matter, followed by a sentence explaining what those words reveal. This habit tightens the writing and demonstrates close reading. It also makes the essay easier to grade, because the analysis is visible instead of buried inside lengthy citations.

AI feedback can speed this up by flagging quotations that appear without explanation and suggesting where a student might add commentary. The teacher can then confirm whether the suggestion fits and add a personal remark about the strength of the reading. This approach keeps feedback specific across a large set of papers. Students receive concrete guidance and see exactly where to improve.

Use Character Essays to Teach Revision

Because character analysis is a familiar task, it works well as a revision exercise. Ask students to rewrite a paragraph that merely describes Utterson so that it explains how his behavior affects the story. The difference between the two versions is easy for students to see and helps them understand what analysis looks like. Teachers can then use the improved paragraphs as models for the rest of the class.

Encourage students to keep a short log of the traits and questions they notice while reading, which they can use when planning the essay. A student who notes that Utterson refuses to ask Jekyll direct questions has a seed for an argument about loyalty and avoidance. Planning from observations leads to more original thinking than starting with a generic list of adjectives. Over time, students come to see character analysis as a process of discovery.