Character Analysis
Editor Charles Webb
Mr. Webb, a forthright, intelligent man, is a leading citizen of Grover's Corners. Proof lies in the fact that he has been asked back to his alma mater to deliver a speech. He helps the Stage Manager by providing additional background data about the town. His interests lie in the appreciation of nature and the study of history, particularly the life of Napoleon.
Mr. Webb, like his enthusiastic daughter, is never apathetic. As a father, he concerns himself with the possibility that his son has taken up smoking and comforts Emily before she departs from his care to assume the role of wife. As an editor, he acts the part of town booster by stressing Constable Warren's quick thinking in saving a citizen from freezing to death. Still, Mr. Webb seems unperturbed by the fact that Grover's Corners lacks cultural aspirations beyond its appreciation of Robinson Crusoe, the Bible, Handel's "Largo," and Whistler's "Mother ".
Mr. Webb also functions as a speaker of homespun philosophy and bits of wry humor, such as his remark that the town drunks are "always having remorses every time an evangelist comes to town " On the day of his daughter's wedding, he faces the task of talking man-to-man with his future son-in-law. He creates a witty twist on the notion that the groom should not see the bride before the wedding. His version states that the future father-in-law should not be left alone with the groom.