The Humans: Character Guide To Matt Haig's Novel

Hey guys! Ever read The Humans by Matt Haig? If you haven't, you're totally missing out! It's this super cool book about an alien who comes to Earth and learns all about what it means to be human. To really dive into this awesome story, let's break down the main characters and see what makes them tick. Ready? Let's get started!

Professor Andrew Martin

Okay, so Professor Andrew Martin is, well, he was a brilliant mathematics professor at Cambridge University. I say 'was' because, at the start of the book, he's been taken over by an alien! This alien has been sent to Earth to stop Andrew from revealing a mathematical proof that could have some major consequences for the universe. Talk about pressure, right? Now, the alien has to pretend to be Andrew, and that's where things get really interesting. He has to navigate human life, which, let's be honest, is pretty weird when you're looking at it from the outside. He's trying to understand human emotions, relationships, and all those strange little things we do every day.

As the story goes on, the alien starts to actually feel things. He develops a connection with Andrew's wife and son, and he begins to question his mission. Can you imagine being sent to destroy something and then realizing it's actually kind of beautiful? It's a total mind-trip! The alien-as-Andrew has to grapple with some seriously tough questions about what's right and wrong, and what it truly means to be human. Matt Haig does an incredible job of showing this transformation, making you laugh and think at the same time. Andrew Martin's character, both the human and the alien version, is central to exploring the novel's themes of love, identity, and the messy, beautiful reality of human existence. His journey is one of discovery, challenging us to reflect on what we value and how we perceive the world around us.

Isobel Martin

Isobel Martin is Andrew's wife, and she's a total rockstar. She is an incredibly strong and intelligent woman who works as a social worker. She's dealing with her own stuff, but she's also trying to support Andrew, who, let's face it, is acting super strange ever since the alien took over. Isobel is smart and perceptive, and she knows something is up with Andrew. She can sense that he's not the same, but she can't quite put her finger on what's changed. This creates a lot of tension and drama in their relationship, as she struggles to reconcile the man she loves with this new, alien version. Despite the challenges, Isobel remains incredibly resilient and compassionate. She cares deeply about Andrew and their son, and she's determined to figure out what's going on and save her family. Her character highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in relationships, even when things get really weird. She brings a grounded and emotional anchor to the story, reminding us of the power of human connection. Isobel's journey is one of love, trust, and ultimately, acceptance, as she navigates the complexities of her relationship with Andrew and the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in.

Gulliver Martin

Gulliver Martin, Andrew and Isobel's son, is a bright and curious kid. He's dealing with the usual stuff that kids deal with like school and friendships, but he's also trying to understand why his dad is acting so weird. Gulliver is very observant, and he notices the changes in his father's behavior. He's confused and a little scared, but he also has a sense of humor about it. He provides a unique perspective on the situation, seeing things that the adults might miss. Gulliver is also a source of innocence and hope in the story. He loves his parents unconditionally, and he helps the alien-as-Andrew to see the good in humanity. His character reminds us of the importance of family and the simple joys of life. He is trying to understand the changes in his father while navigating his own world. His innocent perspective offers moments of levity and serves as a reminder of the simple joys of life. Gulliver’s genuine love for his parents and his openness to the unfamiliar contribute to the alien’s growing understanding of humanity, making him a pivotal character in the story's exploration of love and identity.

The Alien (in Andrew's Body)

The alien, who takes over Andrew's body, is the main character and the narrator of the story. He is sent to Earth with a mission to stop Andrew from revealing a mathematical proof that could have dangerous consequences. However, as he spends time living as Andrew, he begins to question his mission and develop feelings for Andrew's family. The alien is initially very critical of humans, seeing them as irrational and flawed. But as he experiences human emotions and relationships, he begins to understand the value of love, compassion, and connection. The alien's transformation is the heart of the story. He goes from being a detached observer to an empathetic participant in human life. He learns to appreciate the beauty and complexity of humanity, despite its flaws. Through his eyes, we see ourselves in a new light, and we are reminded of what it means to be human. This character embodies the novel's central themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning in a complex world. His journey from detached observer to empathetic participant allows readers to see humanity through a fresh lens, prompting reflection on our values and the essence of what it means to be human.

Other Notable Characters

• Professor Bernard Delfie: A colleague of Andrew's who is suspicious of the changes in his behavior.
• Dr. Seraphita McAdam: A psychiatrist who treats Andrew and tries to understand his condition.
• Ellie: A student of Andrew's who is attracted to him.

These characters add depth and complexity to the story, each contributing to the exploration of human nature and the impact of the alien's presence on Earth. They highlight different facets of human interaction and perception, enriching the narrative and reinforcing the novel's themes.

Themes Explored Through the Characters

Through these characters, Matt Haig explores some pretty deep themes. Here's the breakdown:

• What it Means to Be Human: The alien's journey really makes you think about what being human is all about. Is it our emotions, our relationships, our flaws? The book doesn't give you a simple answer, but it gets you thinking.
• The Absurdity of Life: The book pokes fun at the weird things we humans do. From our obsession with social media to our complicated relationships, it's all a bit absurd when you look at it from an alien's perspective.
• The Power of Love and Connection: Despite all the weirdness, the book also celebrates the power of love and connection. The relationships between the characters show how important it is to have people who care about you.

So, there you have it! A quick look at the characters in The Humans. Hope this helps you understand the story better, or maybe even inspires you to pick up the book. Happy reading, folks!