The Character of Brutus Howell

The Green Mile

Brutus 'Brutal' Howell, a gentle giant of a guard, is Paul's closest friend and a moral compass, struggling with the ethics of his job.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Brutal's Nature Brutal's Nature from "The Green Mile". A Gentle Giant The Nickname Despite his size, Brutal is kind. He would not hurt a fly unless necessary. The prisoners respect him.

Brutal's Nature from "The Green Mile". A Gentle Giant The Nickname Despite his size, Brutal is kind. He would not hurt a fly unless necessary. The prisoners respect him.

A Gentle Giant The Nickname Despite his size, Brutal is kind. He would not hurt a fly unless necessary. The prisoners respect him. The Mouse's Friend Brutal names the mouse Steamboat Willy and feeds him. He enjoys the mouse's tricks. A Loyal Partner Brutal is Paul's right hand. He supports Paul in every decision, even the risky ones.

Brutal's Moral Crisis Brutal's Moral Crisis from "The Green Mile". The Weight of Guilt The Miracle Brutal witnesses Coffey heal the mouse. He is awed and frightened. He begins to question his role.

Brutal's Moral Crisis from "The Green Mile". The Weight of Guilt The Miracle Brutal witnesses Coffey heal the mouse. He is awed and frightened. He begins to question his role.

The Weight of Guilt The Miracle Brutal witnesses Coffey heal the mouse. He is awed and frightened. He begins to question his role. The Night Journey Brutal agrees to take Coffey to Melinda. He risks his job and freedom. He does it because it is right. The Execution Brutal is out front for Coffey's execution. He feels he is killing a gift of God. He tells Paul he fears hell.

Brutal's Later Life Brutal's Later Life from "The Green Mile". Leaving the Mile Transfer to Boys' Correctional Brutal transfers with Paul. He never participates in another execution.

Brutal's Later Life from "The Green Mile". Leaving the Mile Transfer to Boys' Correctional Brutal transfers with Paul. He never participates in another execution.

Leaving the Mile Transfer to Boys' Correctional Brutal transfers with Paul. He never participates in another execution. Death Brutal dies of a heart attack around 1957, eating a fish sandwich and watching wrestling. Paul mourns him. A Good Man Brutal is remembered as a good man in a bad system. His friendship with Paul is a highlight of the novel.

Throughout the novel

After Coffey's healing of the mouse, October 1932

After 1932