English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Character Arc of Griffin in 'Footprints without Feet'

Griffin begins as a brilliant scientist who successfully discovers how to make the human body transparent — a remarkable scientific achievement. However, his character is fundamentally flawed from the start; he is described as "rather a lawless person."

His arc moves steadily downward. When his landlord tries to evict him, he burns down the house out of revenge — showing he prioritises spite over reason. Forced to wander London invisible and naked, he steals clothes and food from a store, then callously attacks a shopkeeper to rob him of money.

At Iping, he burglarises the clergyman's home and uses stolen money to pay rent. He grows increasingly irritable, violent, and reckless, ultimately terrifying the village and assaulting the constable.

Griffin's arc is a tragic decline: from gifted scientist to dangerous, selfish criminal. His brilliance is entirely overshadowed by his lawlessness and cruelty.

Source: Chapter 5 — 'Footprints without Feet', H.G. Wells

---

• The examiner expects you to trace the arc chronologically — beginning (brilliant scientist), middle (thefts, violence, deceit), end (unmasked criminal).
• Use the key phrase from the text: "lawless person" — examiners reward textual evidence.
• Show that his downfall is moral, not intellectual — this is the central irony of the story.
• Aim for 6 clear points/movements in the arc to match the 6 marks.
• Do not simply retell the plot — always link events to how his character changes or is revealed.