Mr. Nuttel is portrayed as a somewhat anxious and nervous individual who struggles with social interactions. He arrives in the countryside to seek relief from his nerves and to heal from his health issues. His character is marked by his lack of confidence and his tendency to overthink situations. This is evident when he visits the home of Mrs. Sappleton, whom he has never met but has been encouraged to visit by his sister.
Throughout the story, Mr. Nuttel’s sensitive nature is highlighted. He is easily rattled by the unexpected conversation with Vera, the niece of Mrs. Sappleton. Vera’s fabrications play on his insecurities, leading him to believe the ghostly tale she spins about her uncle and the tragedy that befell them. His gullibility and poor judgment are revealed when he takes her story at face value, showing how easily he can be manipulated due to his fragile disposition.
Ultimately, Mr. Nuttel’s character serves as a foil to the confident and composed nature of Vera. His hasty departure at the end, after seeing the supposed ‘ghosts,’ underlines his timidity and shows how his overly sensitive nerves can lead to irrational behavior. This blend of nervousness and vulnerability makes Mr. Nuttel a relatable character, representing those who struggle with anxiety in social situations.