Washington Otis in The Canterville Ghost

Who is Washington Otis?

Washington Otis is the lively eldest son of the American family who takes up residence at Canterville Chase. He wants to assert American confidence and modern practicality in the face of the castle’s old superstitions; he expresses this by treating the ghost and the house’s relics as problems to be solved or laughed at rather than mysteries to be feared. Early in the story he scoffs at the household’s tales and immediately scrubs the famous bloodstain from the library floor with Pinkerton’s stain remover, setting a tone of irreverent practicality. He participates in the household’s teasing of Sir Simon—joining in the pillow-throwing, the pea-pellet attacks, and later using a garden-syringe to chase the ghost—actions that humiliate the apparition and contribute to its physical and spiritual decline. Washington is energetic, playful, and proudly American in outlook; his behavior helps transform the atmosphere at Canterville from fearful to comic, and he is part of the youthful force that undermines the ghost’s traditional authority.

In the book: Washington Otis is the eldest son of the American family who moves into Canterville Chase, brisk, sociable, and proud of modern conveniences. Early on, he attacks the famous bloodstain with his trusty stain remover, setting the tone for the family’s practical, no‑nonsense way of dealing with the castle’s spooky reputation.

Personality

Practical

He immediately combats the legendary bloodstain by cleaning it with Pinkerton’s stain remover in the library (Chapter I).

Boisterous

He joins the twins in hurling a pillow that helps drive the ghost into hiding after the first appearance (Chapter II).

Confident

He confronts the ghost with a garden-syringe while the spirit is impersonating ‘Jonas the Graveless,’ forcing him to flee through the stove and flues (Chapter IV).

Mocking

He participates in the household’s practical jokes—pea pellets, imitation spectres, and traps—that repeatedly humiliate Sir Simon (Chapters III–IV).

Loyal

He helps search for Virginia when she is missing, riding out with his father during the family’s frantic hunt (Chapter VI).

Character arc

Washington begins as a brisk, self-assured American youth eager to demonstrate modern solutions to age-old problems. From his first act—scrubbing the bloodstain—he embraces the role of mocker and practical joker, participating in schemes that reduce the ghost’s dignity and power. Across the middle chapters his antics with the twins escalate: he throws pillows, fires pea-pellets, and uses a garden-syringe to drive the ghost into undignified escapes. These actions contribute directly to Sir Simon’s physical decline and retreat, and they change the household mood from anxious to amused. When Virginia disappears he shifts from playfulness to responsibility, assisting his father in the desperate search, which reveals a steady filial loyalty beneath his flippant surface. By the end, Washington remains much the same in temperament—boisterous and confident—but his role expands slightly: he is not only a jester but also a supportive son and brother who participates in serious family concerns. He does not undergo a dramatic inner transformation; rather, his constant practical energy helps the family adapt to and ultimately resolve the haunting through a mix of irreverence and devotion.

Relationships

• Hiram B. Otis His father; they ride out together during the search when Virginia goes missing (Chapter VI).
• Mrs. Otis His mother; he is part of the lively, confident household she helps lead in society and domestic life (multiple chapters).
• Virginia Otis His younger sister; he teases and plays with her but also joins the family’s search when she disappears (Chapters III, VI).
• The Otis Twins Younger siblings and co-conspirators in practical jokes; they team up with Washington to humiliate the ghost (Chapters II–IV).
• Sir Simon de Canterville The ghost he mocks and taunts through practical jokes and traps that contribute to the spirit’s humiliation (Chapters I–IV).
• Mrs. Umney The housekeeper who is shocked by Washington’s cleaning of the bloodstain and who represents the household servants’ horror at his irreverence (Chapter I).

Quotes by Washington Otis

“Pinkerton's Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent will clean it up in no time,”

IWashington responds to the ghost-story with modern commercial bravado, immediately removing the supposed permanent stain and mocking tradition.

“"I don't think it can be the fault of the Paragon Detergent," said Washington, "for I have tried it with everything. It must be the ghost."”

IIShows the family's practical, experimental approach and Washington's humorous attempt to explain the stain scientifically.

Why Washington Otis matters

Washington functions as a symbol of American modernity, pragmatism, and irreverence in the face of Old World tradition. His practical jokes and refusal to accept solemn supernatural authority expose the satire of the story—how new-world common sense collides with aristocratic superstition. By treating the ghost as something to be managed rather than feared, Washington helps transform the moral and emotional tone of Canterville Chase, moving the household from trembling respect for tradition to active, humorous engagement. He also embodies a family loyalty that, when needed, shifts from play to earnest effort, reinforcing themes about courage, cultural contrast, and the redemptive power of human community.

Chapters with Washington Otis

• I
• II
• III
• IV
• V
• VI
• VII

More The Canterville Ghost characters

• Hiram B. OtisProtagonist
• The Otis TwinsMinor character
• Virginia OtisProtagonist
• Mrs. OtisMajor character
• Sir Simon de CantervilleMajor character
• Lord CantervilleMajor character
• The Duke of CheshireMajor character
• Mrs. UmneyMinor character