Utterson is a typically rational Victorian gentleman- he's "a lover of the sane
and customary sides of life".
He is a lawyer and he approaches the mystery in the same way
he'd approach a case. He weighs up the evidence and tries reach a
balanced, unbiased evaluation of the facts.
He's unwilling to consider any explanation which threatens to upset his rational way of thinking.
He concludes that Jekyll has locked himself in the cabinet because he's suffering from a disease-
he thinks this is a "plain and natural" explanation, unlike Poole's murder theory.
Utterson doesn't suspect a
supernatural explanation, although he's
aware that something strange is going
on.
Enfield's story about Hyde gives Utterson mightmares
Utterson feels "mental perplexity" when he meets Hyde
for the first time- he's confused because it's impossible to
use reason to make sense of something that has a
supernatural explanation.
The memory if Hyde makes Utterson feel a "shuder in his blood". The supernatural
nature of Hyde is strong enough to affect Utterson's emotions, which he usually tries
to control.
There is something about Hyde that particularly affects Utterson.
He feels "a singularly strong, almost an inordinate, curiosity" to
see Hyde ad he does everything he can to do so- he waits outside
the door" by al lights and at all hours."
Without Utterson's interest the reader would never get the bottom of things.
Utterson is described as "austere" - he's strict with himself and doesn't allow
himself many pleasures. For example, he enjoys the theatre but hasn't been to one
for twenty years.
Utterson does not smile as much
People enjoy his company because his "rich silence" is calming after
the "strain" of making light-hearted conversation. He's a model of
Victorian restraint.
Utterson wants to maintain respectability, order
and propriety.
He's aware of the importance of reputation,
which is why he's so concerned for Jekyll's good
name- after Carew's murder, Utterson's
concern is that Jekyll's name might appear at
the trial.
He does not gossip or go against his sense of restraint to discover the truth.
Although reputation is important to Utterson, he is
not judgemental.
He's loyal to those who get into trouble and tries to help them
Utterson has a complicated attitude towards his own dark side:
Although his past was "fairly blameless", he
feels bad for what he views as the "many ill
things" he's done- like Jekyll, Utterson sets
himself high standardsby avoiding what he sees
as sinful behaviour.
He's been tempted to sin and feels a strange
"envy" for those who can indulge in their
misdeeds.