Mr Utterson: The Moral Compass
Meet Mr Utterson - he's basically the perfect Victorian gentleman and your guide through this twisted tale. As a respected lawyer, he's rational, loyal, and discreet, which makes him the ideal narrator to present the shocking events that unfold.
Utterson represents everything Victorian society valued: reputation and moral respectability. Though he enjoys theatre, he hasn't set foot in one for twenty years - showing how he suppresses his own desires to maintain his spotless reputation. This self-control makes him a model Christian gentleman.
What's brilliant about Utterson is his usual impartiality, but when he encounters Hyde, even he can't hide his repulsion. His strong reaction to Hyde's appearance shows the good vs evil theme - if someone as rational as Utterson is disturbed, you know something's seriously wrong.
Key insight: Utterson's shocked response to Hyde serves as a moral barometer for readers - his disgust signals genuine evil.
