The dual title character is a doctor who has covered up a secret life full of cruel deeds. Henry Jekyll feels as if he is constantly battling within himself, between what is good and what is evil, and is pushing away people dear to him. After drinking a potion of his own creation, Jekyll is transformed into the cruel, remorseless, evil Edward Hyde, literally the darkest parts of Dr. Jekyll’s nature brought to the forefront. Dr. Jekyll has many friends and has a friendly personality, but as Mr. Hyde, he becomes mysterious, violent, and secretive, and as time goes by, Mr. Hyde grows in power. After taking the potion repetitively, he no longer has to rely upon it to unleash his inner demon.
First Appearance Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886)
First Publisher Longmans
Appearance List Startling Terror Tales #10
Sample Read Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde [PG]
Description The dual title character is a doctor who has covered up a secret life full of cruel deeds. Henry Jekyll feels as if he is constantly battling within himself, between what is good and what is evil, and is pushing away people dear to him. After drinking a potion of his own creation, Jekyll is transformed into the cruel, remorseless, evil Edward Hyde, literally the darkest parts of Dr. Jekyll’s nature brought to the forefront. Dr. Jekyll has many friends and has a friendly personality, but as Mr. Hyde, he becomes mysterious, violent, and secretive, and as time goes by, Mr. Hyde grows in power. After taking the potion repetitively, he no longer has to rely upon it to unleash his inner demon.
Cabinet card of Richard Mansfield in the dual roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for stage adaptations in New York (1887) and London (1888) | Photo by Henry Van der Weyde
