The Humans By Matt Haig: Character Analysis

Hey guys! Ever read The Humans by Matt Haig? It's a wild ride, right? This book isn't just another sci-fi story; it's a deep dive into what it means to be human, seen through the eyes of an alien who's really not impressed with us. Let's break down the main players and see what makes them tick, shall we?

Professor Andrew Martin

Professor Andrew Martin is the brilliant mathematician at the heart of our story, but, plot twist, he's not really Andrew Martin for most of the book. An alien has taken over his body to stop him from revealing a mathematical proof that could change, well, everything. The alien's portrayal of Andrew is initially cold and calculating, struggling to understand human emotions and customs. He sees our flaws—our wars, our environmental destruction, our obsession with material things—and he's not shy about pointing them out. Seriously, imagine having an alien critique your every move!

But as the story progresses, something unexpected happens: he starts to experience human feelings himself. He begins to understand Andrew's love for his wife, Isobel, and his son, Gulliver. He sees the beauty in everyday human interactions, the simple joys, and the capacity for kindness and empathy. This transformation is central to the book's message. Through the alien's eyes, we see both the worst and the best of humanity. We are forced to confront our own flaws but also to appreciate the things that make life worthwhile. Andrew's character, or rather the alien's experience in Andrew's body, is a mirror reflecting our own humanity back at us, asking us to consider what truly matters. His journey from detached observer to reluctant participant in human life is both humorous and deeply moving, making him one of the most compelling characters in the novel. This exploration of identity, love, and what it means to be human is why Andrew's character resonates so strongly with readers. We see ourselves in his observations, his struggles, and his ultimate acceptance of the messy, beautiful reality of human existence. The emotional arc he undergoes is a testament to Haig's skill as a writer and his ability to create characters that are both relatable and thought-provoking.

Isobel Martin

Isobel Martin, Andrew's wife, is the emotional anchor of the story. She's a veterinarian, a caring and compassionate person who loves Andrew deeply. When the alien takes over Andrew's body, she immediately senses that something is wrong. The man she loves is still there in appearance, but his personality has changed drastically. He's distant, critical, and seems to have lost all the warmth and affection she once knew. Isobel's struggle to understand what's happening to Andrew is heartbreaking. She tries to reach him, to bring him back to himself, but the alien's presence is a barrier she can't break through. Her confusion and pain are palpable as she grapples with the realization that the man she loves is no longer the same. Despite the changes in Andrew, Isobel's love for him never wavers. She sees glimpses of the man she married beneath the alien's facade and clings to the hope that he can be saved. Her unwavering devotion is a testament to the power of love and the enduring bonds of marriage. Isobel is more than just a wife; she's a strong, independent woman who faces a surreal and terrifying situation with courage and grace. She refuses to give up on Andrew, even when everything seems hopeless. Her determination to save her husband is a driving force in the story and a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Her character embodies the resilience and capacity for love that defines the best of humanity, and her journey is as compelling as the alien's own. Without Isobel's steadfastness, the alien might never have come to appreciate the value of human connection and the importance of love in a world filled with flaws and imperfections.

Gulliver Martin

Gulliver Martin, Andrew and Isobel's teenage son, is a complex and troubled character. He's struggling with the usual teenage angst, but he's also dealing with deeper issues of identity and belonging. Gulliver is intelligent and sensitive, but he feels like an outsider, misunderstood by his peers and even by his own parents. When the alien takes over Andrew's body, Gulliver is one of the first to notice that something is seriously wrong. He sees through the alien's attempts to act like his father and senses a coldness and detachment that wasn't there before. Gulliver's relationship with the alien is fraught with tension and suspicion. He's wary of this imposter who has taken his father's place, but he's also drawn to him by a strange sense of curiosity. The alien, in turn, is fascinated by Gulliver's intelligence and his struggles with identity. He sees in Gulliver a reflection of his own alienation and begins to develop a grudging respect for the boy. Through his interactions with the alien, Gulliver begins to question his own assumptions about himself and the world around him. He starts to see his own potential and to recognize the value of his unique perspective. The alien's presence forces Gulliver to confront his fears and insecurities, ultimately leading him to a greater sense of self-acceptance. Gulliver's journey is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a surreal and extraordinary situation. He learns to navigate the complexities of human relationships, to trust his own instincts, and to embrace his individuality. His character embodies the challenges and triumphs of adolescence, and his transformation is one of the most rewarding aspects of the novel. In the end, Gulliver emerges as a stronger, more confident young man, ready to face the world on his own terms.

The Alien (in Andrew's Body)

The Alien, who inhabits Andrew's body, is arguably the most fascinating character in the book. He starts as a detached observer, sent to Earth to prevent Andrew from revealing a mathematical truth that could advance humanity too quickly. He sees humans as illogical, irrational, and self-destructive. He's disgusted by our wars, our pollution, and our petty squabbles. Initially, he views humans with disdain, struggling to understand their emotions and customs. He finds their rituals baffling, their relationships messy, and their capacity for both great love and terrible cruelty perplexing. He's a creature of pure logic, and the chaotic nature of human existence is something he simply cannot comprehend. However, as he spends more time in Andrew's body, something begins to change. He starts to experience human emotions firsthand—love, joy, sadness, grief—and he begins to see the world through a different lens. He witnesses the beauty of human connection, the simple pleasures of everyday life, and the capacity for kindness and empathy that exists alongside the darkness. The alien's transformation is gradual but profound. He begins to appreciate the things that make humanity unique, even the flaws and imperfections. He learns to value relationships, to understand the importance of love and family, and to recognize the beauty in the mundane. His journey is a testament to the power of experience and the capacity for change that exists within all of us. By the end of the book, the alien is no longer the detached observer he once was. He has become something more, something closer to human. He has learned to appreciate the value of life, to embrace the messiness of human existence, and to find joy in the simple things. His character arc is a powerful reminder that even the most logical and rational beings can be transformed by the power of human connection and the beauty of the human spirit. The alien's story is a celebration of humanity, a reminder of our potential for greatness, and a testament to the enduring power of love and compassion.

Other Notable Characters

Okay, so besides our main trio, there are a few other characters that add some spice to the story. There's Professor Shaw, Andrew's colleague, who's suspicious of the 'new' Andrew from the get-go. Then you've got the other aliens, who are basically the alien police, trying to make sure their guy sticks to the mission. These characters, though not as deeply explored, help to flesh out the world and add to the overall themes of the book. Professor Shaw's skepticism highlights the strangeness of the alien's behavior, while the other aliens provide a glimpse into the alien society and their motivations. Each character, no matter how small their role, contributes to the overall narrative and helps to deepen our understanding of the themes of humanity, identity, and connection. They serve as foils to the main characters, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and adding layers of complexity to the story. Without these supporting characters, the world of The Humans would feel less rich and less believable. They are the threads that connect the main characters to the wider world, and their presence adds depth and texture to the story.

So, there you have it! The Humans is packed with characters who make you think, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading, making you question what it really means to be human. Happy reading, folks!