The Humans: A Character Guide To Matt Haig's Novel

Hey guys! Ever read a book that just messes with your head in the best possible way? Matt Haig's The Humans is one of those books. It's funny, thought-provoking, and surprisingly heartwarming. But to really get the most out of it, you gotta know your characters, right? So, let's break down the main players in this brilliant story and see what makes them tick. Get ready for a deep dive into the quirky, complex, and utterly human (or not-so-human) folks of The Humans.

Professor Andrew Martin (The Alien)

Okay, so technically, Professor Andrew Martin isn't really Andrew Martin at all. He's an alien! An alien sent from Vonnador to Earth with a mission: to stop Andrew Martin from revealing a mathematical proof that could have disastrous consequences for humanity. This alien takes on Andrew's form, but let me tell you, he has a tough time fitting in. At first, he sees humans as illogical, messy, and downright weird. He struggles with basic human interactions, like understanding sarcasm or knowing why people enjoy things like music and love. It's hilarious to see him try to make sense of our world! Throughout the story, though, this alien starts to change. He begins to understand human emotions, appreciate the beauty of life, and even experience love himself. His journey is all about learning what it truly means to be human, flaws and all. What starts as a mission turns into something much deeper, challenging his own perceptions and making him question everything he thought he knew about humanity. His transformation is central to the novel's themes, highlighting the beauty and absurdity of human existence. He's not just pretending to be human; he's evolving into something more, blurring the lines between alien observation and genuine human experience. This character is a perfect lens through which Haig explores the nuances of human nature, making us laugh and reflect on our own quirks and contradictions. His internal struggle between his mission and his burgeoning empathy forms the heart of the narrative, making him a compelling and unforgettable character. Ultimately, his arc is a testament to the power of human connection and the potential for change, even in the most unlikely of beings. He embodies the novel's central question: What does it truly mean to be human?

Isobel Martin

Isobel Martin, Andrew's wife, is a total rockstar. She's a brilliant mathematician in her own right, and she's also incredibly perceptive. From the start, she knows something is off with "Andrew" after the alien takes over. She notices the subtle changes in his behavior, the way he looks at her, and the things he says. But instead of running away, she's drawn to this new version of her husband. She sees a vulnerability and honesty in him that she hadn't seen before. Isobel is complex. She's intelligent and independent, but she also craves connection and love. Her relationship with the alien-Andrew is fascinating because it forces her to confront what she truly wants and needs. She's not afraid to challenge him, to question his motives, and to push him to be a better version of himself (even if he's not technically her husband anymore!). Her strength and resilience are inspiring. She represents the enduring power of love and the ability to find connection even in the most unusual circumstances. Isobel's character adds depth to the story by showing that even in the face of the bizarre and inexplicable, human emotions and relationships can persist and even thrive. She's the anchor of the family, providing stability and a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Her love for her son and her willingness to accept the strange new reality make her a truly remarkable character, and her journey is just as compelling as the alien's.

Gulliver Martin

Gulliver Martin, Andrew and Isobel's son, is a typical teenager – angsty, confused, and trying to figure out his place in the world. He's also incredibly insightful. He's one of the first to accept the alien-Andrew, seeing him as a more present and engaged father figure than the original Andrew. Gulliver provides a unique perspective on the situation. He's not bogged down by the complexities of adult relationships or scientific theories. He sees the alien-Andrew as simply… different. He appreciates the alien's honesty and his willingness to connect with him on a genuine level. Gulliver's character represents the younger generation's openness and acceptance. He's not afraid of the unknown, and he's willing to embrace change. His relationship with the alien-Andrew is heartwarming, showing the power of connection and understanding across different generations (and species!). He is also struggling with his own identity, trying to find his place in the world, and dealing with the typical teenage angst. The alien-Andrew's presence helps him navigate these challenges, offering a fresh perspective and unconditional support. Gulliver's journey is one of self-discovery, and the alien-Andrew becomes an unlikely mentor, guiding him towards a better understanding of himself and the world around him.

Professor Andrew Martin (The Original)

Ah, the original Professor Andrew Martin. Before the alien takes over, he's portrayed as a brilliant but somewhat detached mathematician. He's consumed by his work, often neglecting his family and struggling to connect with them on an emotional level. He's the reason the alien was sent to Earth in the first place, due to his groundbreaking (and potentially dangerous) mathematical proof. The contrast between the original Andrew and the alien-Andrew is striking. The original is flawed, distant, and struggling with his own demons. The alien-Andrew, on the other hand, is initially clueless but ultimately more present, engaged, and emotionally available. The original Andrew serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing work over relationships and the importance of human connection. He represents the potential for intellectual brilliance to come at the cost of personal fulfillment. His absence allows for the alien-Andrew to step in and show what it truly means to be a father, a husband, and a friend. While he doesn't have a large presence in the story, his character is crucial for understanding the themes of the novel and the transformations that occur. He's a reminder that even the most brilliant minds can be flawed, and that sometimes, it takes an outsider to show us what we're missing.

Michael Faraday

Michael Faraday, named after the famous scientist, is Professor Andrew Martin's colleague. He represents the academic world and the potential for both brilliance and pettiness within it. He's initially skeptical of Andrew's mathematical breakthrough and harbors a bit of jealousy. Faraday's character provides a glimpse into the competitive nature of academia and the pressures that scientists face. He's not necessarily a villain, but he embodies some of the less admirable aspects of human nature. He is ambitious and desires recognition for his work. His interactions with the alien-Andrew are often humorous, as the alien struggles to understand the social dynamics and unspoken rules of the academic environment. Faraday's character adds a layer of realism to the story, showing that even in the pursuit of knowledge, human emotions and rivalries can play a significant role. He also serves as a foil to Andrew, highlighting the differences between genuine intellectual curiosity and the desire for personal gain. While he may not be the most likable character, he is essential for understanding the complexities of the world that Andrew inhabits.

The Constable

The Constable is a minor but memorable character, representing the ordinary people who are touched by the extraordinary events of the story. He is a local police officer who investigates the strange occurrences surrounding Andrew Martin. He is a simple man, trying to make sense of things that are far beyond his understanding. The Constable's character provides a sense of grounding and normalcy amidst the chaos. He is a reminder that even in the face of the bizarre, life goes on for ordinary people. His interactions with the alien-Andrew are often comical, as he struggles to reconcile the alien's strange behavior with his own understanding of the world. The Constable's presence also highlights the theme of perspective, showing how different people can interpret the same events in vastly different ways. While he may not play a major role in the plot, he is a crucial part of the story's overall tapestry, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

So there you have it, guys! A rundown of the main characters in The Humans. Each character brings something unique to the story, and together, they create a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human. Happy reading!