In this deck, we will analyse the role of Mr Richard Enfield in 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. Although he only appears in two chapters, Enfield is a crucial character. He is the one who first introduces the mystery of Mr Hyde and the strange door, setting the entire plot in motion.

Our first encounter with the novella's mystery comes from Enfield's 'Story of the Door'. While on a Sunday walk with his cousin, Mr Utterson, Enfield recounts a disturbing event he witnessed late one night. He saw a small, repulsive man calmly trample a young girl, and then, when confronted, showed no remorse. This man was, of course, Mr Hyde.

Enfield explains how he and other bystanders forced Hyde to pay compensation to the girl's family. The strange part was the cheque. It was not signed by Hyde, but by a very well-respected gentleman, Dr Henry Jekyll. This is the moment the central mystery is born: what is the connection between the monstrous Hyde and the respectable Jekyll? This question drives Utterson's investigation for the rest of the story.

Enfield's character is a perfect example of a typical Victorian gentleman. He is a well-known 'man about town', but he is also deeply concerned with reputation and avoiding scandal. He is curious, but he actively suppresses that curiosity to avoid getting involved in anything improper or strange. This attitude is captured in his personal motto.