A shy bride marries a widower and moves into a house still ruled by his dead first wife.
Who drives the story
A shy, insecure young companion whose name is never given. She marries Maxim, is tormented at Manderley by Rebecca's ghostly presence, and transforms from victim into his fierce protector after his confession.
Owner of Manderley, outwardly composed, inwardly haunted. He married the narrator on impulse — and killed his first wife, a secret that surfaces when her boat is found.
The dead first wife who never appears yet dominates every page. Beautiful, charming in public, cruel in private — and, it turns out, dying of cancer when Maxim shot her.
The gaunt, skull-like housekeeper who worships Rebecca and keeps her rooms as a shrine. She torments the new bride, tries to drive her to jump from a window, and vanishes after setting the fire that destroys Manderley.
Rebecca's cousin and lover — coarse and dissolute. He arrives with her final note, attempts blackmail, and is destroyed by the doctor's revelation.
Maxim's loyal, dry, honest estate agent. He becomes the narrator's ally and hints at Rebecca's true nature without elaborating.
Also in the story
Maxim's blunt but warm-hearted sister. She befriends the narrator and tells her frankly she is nothing like Rebecca.
The local magistrate who investigates Rebecca's death. Thorough and fair-minded, he drops the case once the doctor's evidence emerges.
The vulgar, gossipy American woman who employs the narrator in Monte Carlo and treats her like a servant. She sneers at the engagement and predicts the narrator will regret it.
How they are connected
The second Mrs. de WinterMaxim de Winter
She marries Maxim, is tormented at Manderley by Rebecca's ghostly presence, and transforms from victim into his fierce protector after his confession.
The second Mrs. de WinterRebecca
She marries Maxim, is tormented at Manderley by Rebecca's ghostly presence, and transforms from victim into his fierce protector after his confession.
Beautiful, charming in public, cruel in private — and, it turns out, dying of cancer when Maxim shot her.
The gaunt, skull-like housekeeper who worships Rebecca and keeps her rooms as a shrine.
Rebecca's cousin and lover — coarse and dissolute.
Maxim's loyal, dry, honest estate agent.
He becomes the narrator's ally and hints at Rebecca's true nature without elaborating.
Maxim's blunt but warm-hearted sister.
She befriends the narrator and tells her frankly she is nothing like Rebecca.
The local magistrate who investigates Rebecca's death.
Go deeper
The dead who outlive the living · Identity erased · Marriage as mystery · Class and belonging
Themes explainedThe full story act by act, the ending explained and a quick quiz.
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