Throughout the novella, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde the character of Mr Utterson is used the embodied the reader and act as a spectator and narrator of the novel's events. Stevenson uses Mr Utterson's noble disposition to create an objective detective for the readers. However, Utterson is not truly without bias as he himself has hidden beliefs and opinions that lead the reader to complete disregard Jekyll's true role in the novel's tragic and mysterious events.

In Chapter One, Mr Utterson is revealed as the novella's first character and Stevenson continuously tries to highlight Utterson's noble characteristics. He describes the character as ," lean, long dusty and dreary yet somehow lovable". The use of alliteration creates a monotonous tone which alludes to the idea that he is a straight forward character with nothing to hide. This causes the reader to feel that Utterson is trustworthy as within a gothic novel a character without secrets is rare and unlikely. Furthermore, the use of a list reinforces the idea that he has is a honourable character as although the adjectives themselves are negative describing him as "somehow lovable" causes the reader to think he is not have mal intentions but is simply reserved and simple in nature. This motif is continued when Stevenson says "something eminently human beaconed from his eyes". Stevenson could have used the noun "eyes" to allude to the fact Utterson is a reliable person as throughout literature the eyes have often been associated with the human soul. Furthermore, the quote uses foreshadowing as it says, "eminently human". While first time readers may not see the significance of this, after meeting the character of Mr Hyde, the reader would be comfited by the fact Utterson appears wholly human. This foreshadows the contrast between Utterson and the other character's as while they have secrets that lead them to no longer be fully human Utterson is left pure and innocent from the sins and secrets lurking among his friends and companions. Stevenson may have introduced the reader to a character that shares the same confusion as them to give them a story
and path to follow in order to uncover the truth this mystery gothic novel conceals.

Stevenson continuously refers to the conventions a a Victorian gentleman when describing the character of Utterson. This is done as the original audience would feel in a sense safe with Utterson and trust him as the novella's detective figure. Utterson says, "I incline to Cain's heresy". The biblical reference could be interpreted in different ways. First, it could suggest Utterson avoids gossip and does not involve himself in the business of others. This was seen as a key pillar of a Victorian man's character as gossiping was frowned upon and seen as immoral. Stevenson could have done this to reinforce the idea that Utterson is a noble man. The second way this could be interpreted is that Utterson does not involve him self in the personal lives and actions of others as he does not see him self as responsible for them. This presents him as an impartial and reliable detective as it means he will not let his own opinions interfere with uncovering the truth. Finally, the religious symbolism of the quote suggests Utterson is a righteous man as the Victorian society was extremely religious. Stevenson has done this to contrast Mr Utterson from the other characters as all of them go against at least one of the conventions of a Victorian gentleman. Perhaps Stevenson has done this to highlight how there are still good and noble people in the world even when society has been corrupted and abandoned morality.

Stevenson confirms Utterson's role as the novella's detective when he says, "If he shall be Mr Hyde I shall be Mr Seek". Utterson has taken it upon himself to uncover the actions and truth behind Mr Hyde. This contrast between "Hyde" and "Seek" emphasises the difference between the two characters as while Utterson searches for truth and clarity Hyde wishes to stay hidden and mysterious. However, his motive is not for truly moral reasons, he does wish to help Dr Jekyll but his own distaste for Mr Hyde as Jekyll's recipient in his will has influenced his actions. Mr Utterson is unable to be a truly objective detective due to his friendship to Jekyll and his belief he is incapable of doing wrong. Utterson's predisposition to blame solely Hyde is seen when he says, "Jekyll's worst would be like sunshine". The use of the simile highlights Utterson's innate belief that Jekyll is incapable of committing a sin. The comparison to sunshine could be seen as dramatic irony as it is Jekyll who wishes to lurk in the shadows while Hyde wishing to roam free. Perhaps, Stevenson has done this to show that no matter how moral a person is they are incapable of being truly objective. While Utterson is the most noble character he to is flawed as his judgement was inaccurate. This could cause the reader to question their own character as if a person as noble as Utterson is imperfect how immoral are they. Perhaps Stevenson has done this to show how society is in a constant battle between good and evil, no matter how prominent one characteristic is the other is always lurking. No human is capable of being wholly good. While Jekyll represents the constant battle when the two are equal Utterson represents how we forgot one exists within us when the other is so striking.

Utterson's selfless characteristic is seen in Chapter Eight, The Last Night when he and Poole plan to break into Jekyll's laboratory. He says, "My shoulders are broad enough to bare the blame". The use of the metaphor highlights Utterson's willingness to accept responsibility. Even though Utterson is the highest ranked man there he refuses to let go of accountability. Furthermore, it shows Utterson's willingness to help Jekyll no matter the possible repercussion. Stevenson has done this to show why Utterson was the perfect character to take on the role of detective. Utterson's intention to help Jekyll is from good will and friendship this cause him to be unable to give up even when Jekyll himself wishes for him to stop. While this also means he is unable to cover the truth as the possibility of Jekyll being immorally involved is unthinkable to him.

Overall, Stevenson uses the character of Utterson to contrast the volatile Jekyll and Hyde. While the other characters are plagued with feelings of contrast and battle their inner turmoil's Utterson is a constant who understands his role within society due to his deep rooted beliefs on morality. His inability to see the flaws within his friend Dr Jekyll is his only flaw. Mr Utterson is the perfect model for a Victorian gentleman. Stevenson uses Utterson to push the novella's plot along however, does not reveal his opinions on Dr Jekyll's secret. Perhaps this is due to Utterson's belief to not gossip so Stevenson saw it fitting to refrain from revealing Utterson's reaction. Perhaps his reaction being missing from the novellas end was due to Utterson's own promise to keep the events secret. Finally, Stevenson may have not included Utterson's reaction to show how the good within society is often ignored as readers often only focus on the actions of Hyde who is the evil within this novella.

In conclusion, Mr Utterson is a moral and modest man whose only flaw was being unable to see the evil within a person and think of the unthinkable when trying to uncover the truth. While he does not battle the duality of man to the extent Jekyll does Utterson is still faced with conflict as his instincts to investigate go against the conventions of a Victorian gentleman. Ultimately, Mr Utterson perfectly embodied the role of the novella's detective.