Agnes Naismith Character Analysis
I had a lot of fun doing my post for Danvers so I thought I’d do one for one of my other favorite characters in the show, Agnes Naismith. AGAIN, LIKE DANVERS, SPIOLERS FOR AGNES’ ENTIER STORYLINE AND 1-1, AS WELL AS SPOILERS FOR THE LONG GONE CAROLINE REVILE MATERIAL.
Agnes Naismith has come to Gallow Green to look for her missing sister. She searches town for information on her sister’s whereabouts and interacts with the townspeople of Gallow Green and The Porter at The McKittrick Hotel before coming to a climatic encounter with Hecate herself.
- Name Confusion
Officially, the character is called “Agnes Naismith” but she is also called “Mrs. Dewinter” by the cast and creative team. Like her fellow ‘Rebecca’ character Mrs. Danvers, Dewinter’s name was changed to Agnes Naismith when Sleep No More opened in NYC. During the Boston run of the show, the characters were officially named “The Second Mrs. Dewinter” and “Mrs. Danvers”, in direct reference to the film and novel 'Rebecca’. When the show came to NYC, both Dewinter and Danvers were renamed “Agnes Naismith” and “Catherine Campbell” in reference to two of the accused witches during the 1697 Paisley Witch Trails in Scotland. Dewinter’s story was also changed in NYC. In Boston, Dewinter was searching for her missing husband, Duncan. She spent a lot of time in Rebecca’s bedroom, looking at her mementos and belongings and giving 1-1’s to audience members. When bringing the show to NYC, Dewinter’s story changed much more than Danvers’ did, in more ways than just her name. Dewinter now is searching for her missing sister Grace rather than for her husband Duncan. The entire town of Gallow Green was added in NYC, and Agnes’ storyline is much more tied in with the town and Hecate, than with Macbeth and the rest of the Court characters. In terms of what Agnes has to do with her Paisley Witch counterpart, nothing but the fact they share a name. She shares much more in common with a traditional film noir heroine and is really an entirely new character that feels specifically created for the NYC show. It should also be noted that her 1-1 directly references 'Rebecca’ as she speaks to her audience member the Manderley monologue from the beginning of the novel/film. The cast and creative team still refer to her as “Dewinter”, although the majority of fans seem to call her “Agnes”. Unlike Catherine Campbell, Agnes Naismith seemed to stick for fans.
- Agnes Naismith and Grace Naismith
Agnes’ missing sister Grace drives all of her actions in her storyline. According to some letters on the writing desk in Grace’s apartment, Agnes had been trying to reach Grace but was getting no responses. Agnes eventually decided to come to Gallow Green herself to search for her seemingly missing sister. Other than these letters however, there is nothing in the hotel that gives us any insight into Agnes’ relationship with her sister other than the fact Agnes appears to be desperate to find her and clearly loves her. Agnes in her purse carries around a black and white photograph of Grace, one that is identical to the photo Malcolm has in his detective agency that is labeled “EVIDENCE”. At the beginning of the loop, Hecate provides Agnes with a small box which contains a locket with a photo of Grace inside along with a small message claiming “WE HAVE HER”. The locket is identical to one Agnes wears around her neck. Agnes also gives audience members a locket during her 1-1 which she tells you to keep “for protection”. This message makes it clear that Grace has been kidnapped by Hecate and her minions, why she was kidnapped is kept a mystery. The reasons for Grace’s kidnapping were vaguely explored during the MIT Media Lab experiment and also vaguely when the show added Caroline Revile to the cast (more on her later). One thing is for sure, Agnes loves and misses her sister, and it is her drive and determination to find her that drives her story and entangles her in this dark tale.
- Agnes Naismith and Mr. Fulton
Agnes’ first stop on her journey to find Grace is M. Fulton Tailors. When she enters his shop, Agnes flirts with the tailor, fooling around with fabric and leading him on that she is interested in him. Fulton is quiet taken with Agnes, and eventually leaves the shop a moment to fetch something for her. While he is gone, Agnes drops the act and quickly starts searching the shop for something. Eventually she finds a tin case filled with money. Agnes steals a large sum of money from the case, placing it in her purse. Fulton returns with flowers and candy from Paisley Sweets. Agnes at this point has retrieved what she came for, and attempts to leave the shop. Fulton follows her onto high street and attempts to kiss her. Agnes rejects him by slapping him, and quickly goes into hiding in Grace’s apartment.
Agnes clearly has no real interest in Fulton, flirting with him just enough to get him to leave so she can search for and then steal his cash. What Agnes needs the money for is never explained, but we can assume it’s for travel fairs during her stay at Gallow Green. The act of stealing the money is also a reference to another Hitchcock film, 'Psycho’ where Marion Crane steals a large sum of money from her employer and runs away with it. After this interaction, Agnes never sees Fulton again, but does sneak into his shop to make a charm locket while he is absent before giving another 1-1. At the end of the loop when Agnes is sleeping in her bed, Fulton comes through the room’s wardrobe and quietly and swiftly places a blanket over Agnes as she sleeps, showing that though she may have no feelings for him, he indeed has feelings for her.
- Agnes Naismith and The Porter
When Agnes stops by the detective agency to leave a note for Malcolm, the phone rings and the voice on the other end tells her to come to The McKittrick Hotel. Agnes quickly heads down to the hotel lobby, searching for who made the ominous phone call. The Porter greets Agnes and provides her with tea, although he does not take directions well, dumping milk into Agnes’ tea when she requested without. Agnes continues to look around the lobby for the caller, but sees no one. The Porter aggressively fluffs pillows causing Agnes to move couches. While Agnes is distracted, The Porter searches through Agnes’ suitcase and finds the stolen money. Agnes eventually sees him with the money and they fight over it before a phone rings from the nearby phone booth. The Porter drops the money and runs for the phone while Agnes quickly gathers her belongings back into her suitcase. The Porter answers the phone and then hands it to Agnes who listens and speaks a moment before hanging up and quickly leaving the lobby. The next time Agnes returns to the lobby, she is angry and determined. She fights with The Porter, demanding information. The Porter eventually throws her a hotel room key suggesting she dial the number. Agnes dials the number and a phone in the phone booth rings. Agnes furious throws the key at The Porter and grabs his shirt aggressively. The Porter finally gives in and writes down an address, giving it to her. Address in hand, Agnes leaves the lobby to go meet Hecate.
Seeing as how The Porter is an unwilling minion of Hecate, he is playing a role in Hecate’s plans for Agnes. By calling her and inviting her to the lobby with the vague promise of information about Grace, The Porter is able to distract Agnes from her quest briefly. The Porter also seems to know Agnes has stolen the money from Fulton though not having witnessed her steal it. The act of finding the stolen money seems to indicate that The Porter wants to prove to not only Agnes herself but the ghosts (audience) that Agnes is not as innocent and naive as she appears to be in comparison with someone like Lady Macduff who is a true innocent, hence The Porter’s fondness for her and desperate attempts to save her from Mrs. Danvers. When Agnes returns to the lobby, she appears to be exhausted by the constant incompetence the townspeople of Gallow Green have exhibited in aiding her in finding Grace. Knowing The Porter knows more than he let’s on, Agnes demands answers. It seems The Porter this time is desperate to stop Agnes from going to see Hecate, as if he is aware that no good can come from meeting with her. In the end, Agnes overpowers The Porter and he gives into her demands providing her with Hecate’s address. Though he may not care for her deceptive side, The Porter clearly doesn’t want Agnes to go see Hecate, knowing that like all encounters with Hecate, it’ll end badly.
- Agnes Naismith and Malcolm
After packing her suitcase, Agnes heads to the detective agency and sees that Malcolm is absent. Agnes leaves a note for Malcolm which reads “Plant this seed and it will show, who is friend and who is foe”. The phone rings calling her to the hotel. After returning to town, Agnes again visits the detective agency. She begins searching through Malcolm’s desk looking for anything related to her sister’s case. Malcolm sneaks up on her and confronts her. She shows him her picture of Grace and Malcolm sees the photos are identical. Malcolm becomes suspicious of Agnes and starts searching her for witch marks. Agnes eludes him until the two embrace and kiss while fans in the room start blowing on their own. Malcolm carries Agnes onto high street where they continue to kiss. They then break apart and step away from each other, touching their lips. Malcolm goes back into his office while Agnes heads for the speakeasy.
Though their interaction is brief, it showcases that Grace’s disappearance is an ongoing case in Gallow Green. Malcolm has an identical photo of Grace to the one Agnes carries with her. The scene also shows that Malcolm is suspicious of everyone, thinking they might be a witch. When Malcolm and Agnes kiss, the fans blow in the room on their own. It appears to be an interference of magic, brought on by Hecate to distract Malcolm while Macbeth murders Duncan downstairs. The reaction to the kiss from both Malcolm and Agnes appears to be one of confusion and concern, as if they were not in control of their actions for a moment. Agnes’ role in Hecate’s plan becomes clearer in this moment between her and Malcolm, Agnes and the missing persons case of Grace itself is a distraction. By adverting his attention from solving the mystery of the dark bird related omens that point to Duncan’s death to briefly focusing on Agnes and her quest, Hecate’s plan comes further to fruition with Macbeth able to successfully murder Duncan. Agnes can only continue her quest from here, brushing off the encounter with Malcolm as a bizarre moment of infatuation.
- Agnes Naismith and Hecate
When Agnes arrives on high street at the beginning of the loop, Hecate approaches her and provides her with a small box. Agnes pens the box and inside finds an identical locket to the one she wears around her neck. After Hecate vanishes, Agnes goes into the funeral parlor and digs further into the box. Inside the locket, she finds a photo of Grace. She also finds a letter claiming “WE HAVE HER”. These items provide Agnes with the motivation to go out and search for Grace. After receiving the address to the Rep Bar from The Porter, Agnes finally meets with Hecate in the Rep Bar of Gallow Green. Hecate, seated at a circular table in the far left corner of the bar, beckons Agnes closer. Agnes holds out the written down address and Hecate smirks tearing up the address. Hecate invites Agnes to sit with her at the table. Hecate pours shots for herself and Agnes. Agnes drinks her shot, but Hecate does not drink her’s, spitting it back into the glass. Hecate then gives Agnes lipstick and gestures for her to put it on. Agnes complies, putting on the lipstick as tears start to fall from her eyes. Hecate gestures for Agnes to unbutton her shirt. Agnes again complies until she sees Hecate showing that she is wearing a locket that belonged to Grace. Agnes bursts into tears and reaches for the locket before Hecate stops her. Hecate pulls out a small vile and holds Agnes’ head still so she can collect a few of her tears into the vile. Hecate carelessly leaves Agnes to sob, while Agnes desperately holds out the photo of Grace. Defeated and emotionally exhausted, Agnes picks up her suitcase and slowly leaves the Rep Bar.
Hecate is the instigator of Agnes’ entire storyline. Somehow, Grace found herself in Hecate’s clutches and is now being kept somewhere by her according to the the “WE HAVE HER” message in the box. Why Grace ended up in Hecate’s clutches appears to not really matter, what’s important is that she did and that Agnes has come to town to look for her. Hecate appears to have known Agnes would come to look for Grace, seeing as how Agnes plays a major role in Hecate’s overall plans. Hecate uses Agnes to distract Malcolm and keep Fulton briefly preoccupied. With the two people who threaten Hecate’s operations distracted, the tragic events Hecate has planned can come to fruition. When Agnes finally arrives at Hecate’s domain, Hecate doesn’t reveal to her any information on her sister’s whereabouts. Instead, Hecate manipulates Agnes into humiliating herself for her amusement. Hecate shows Agnes the locket, knowing it will get an emotional reaction out of her. Sure enough, Agnes bursts into tears and Hecate carelessly and cruelly collects her tears in a vile. It should be noted here that it used to be believed that witches could not produce tears and that may be why Hecate harvests Agnes’ tears. At the end of the loop, Agnes has served her purpose for Hecate and is no longer of use to her. Agnes ends her story defeated, exhausted, and heart broken as she may never see her sister again.
- Caroline Revile
I’m not sure if this character and her story are canon to the show anymore, but what conspired during Caroline’s time in the hotel was interesting and illuminating for sure and may be of some interest to those who find themselves drawn to the mysterious case of Grace Naismith. Also, Caroline and her story were featured at Inferno 2018, so it seems that even though she is no longer sneaking through the halls of the McKittrick, her presence and what she had done still lingers.
Caroline Revile was the secretary of Malcolm and John Reid’s detective agency in Gallow Green. While she was working for Malcolm and Reid, Caroline also found herself in Hecate’s clutches due to her gambling problem. Instead of disposing of Caroline, Hecate enlisted her as another minion who could observe Malcolm’s behavior and be her “woman on the inside”. Caroline must have known Grace, as in a 1-1 in Hecate’s Lair she would tell her audience member the story of how Grace and Hecate gambled for their lives with Hecate ultimately winning and dismembering Grace starting with her hands. The hands themselves, sat in Hecate’s lair like a twisted trophy. Caroline may have not provided Agnes herself with answers, but she certainly cleared some things up for audience members, specifically that Grace was in fact, dead. Though Caroline was a great character and certainly made the mystery of Grace Naismith more compelling, her removal indicates that at the end of the day, Grace Naismith will now and forever always just be a MacGuffin.
- Conclusion
Agnes Naismith is a much simpler character compared others in the hotel. She has a clear motivation in searching for her missing sister and her journey to do so is linear and easy to follow. Though her character may not have the murder and sex of the Macbeth characters, or the craziness and intensity of the witches, her arch is compelling and feels incredibly cinematic, straight out of a late 30s film noir movie. She is also one of the most emotional characters to follow, with an ending that truly does break your heart and wish there was a way to help the poor girl. The fact she was ultimately just a distraction from the “main event” only makes her story more tragic and sad, as she, like Lady Macduff, is an innocent who finds herself in a terrible series of events that ruin her life and doom her to forever wonder what has become of her darling sister. One thing is certain, Hecate is a wicked and unforgiving mistress, and all those that cross her or follow her must realize that their lives mean absolutely nothing to her. For the goddess of witchcraft, we are all chess pieces, easily movable, replaceable, and disposable.
I’ve always interpreted the moment when Hecate reveals the Graces locket to Agnes as Hecate revealing that Hecate took over Graces body. The lipstick and shot being a part of a spell, showing Agnes how she cast it. The photos of Grace looked very similar to Careena ( the original actress who played Hecate). But it’s just an interpretation of that seen 7 years ago so...
