Character Analysis of Hank Raglan from The Midas Protocol

In The Midas Protocol, Hank Raglan embodies the archetype of a well-meaning yet naive protagonist. His story unfolds within the context of a thriller enriched with mystery, ambition, and the morally ambiguous pursuit of success. This analysis dives deep into Hank's character traits, his evolution throughout the narrative, and his profound impact on the plot and other characters.

Hank Raglan starts as a young, middle-class American with a naturally pleasant demeanor. His key characteristics include:

• Naivety - Hank's naivety is a double-edged sword. While it makes him endearing and approachable, it also blinds him to the red flags that pop up around him. His mentor's deteriorating mental state and the mysterious murders of Lawrence Bingham and Eva Goodmans-Bingham arouse little to no suspicion in Hank.
• Well-Meaning and Carefree - Hank's good nature makes him likable. He is well-meaning and genuinely wants to do good, contributing to his initial success.
• Gifted Metals Researcher - His talent in metals research propels him into the limelight, yet his success feels almost too smooth—raising the question of whether he fully earns his accolades.
• Obliviousness - Despite his intelligence, Hank fails to see the ulterior motives of those around him, particularly his wife, Addison Moore, and his rival, Jack Barons.
• Athletic and Preppy - Physically, Hank is portrayed as the athletic, clean-cut type—a stark contrast to characters like Caroline Friday, who represents a more rebellious, goth aesthetic.

At the start of Hank is somewhat naive and good-natured. His early success in metals research, despite the dubious circumstances, reinforces his belief in his abilities—even though a part of him suspects otherwise. By the end of Book One, Hank evolves into someone who believes he genuinely deserves his success, despite the apparent ease with which it came. This shift from naivety to a somewhat misguided sense of entitlement marks his character arc, setting the stage for future developments and challenges.

Hank's character significantly influences the plot and the dynamics between other characters:

• Addison Moore - Hank's betroved, Addison, is ambitious and more in love with the promise of Hank's success than with Hank himself. Her pragmatic approach to their relationship becomes evident when Hank disappears at the end of Book One and she quickly shifts her interest to Jack Barons, Hank's archrival.
• Jack Barons - Jack represents everything Hank is not—cunning, ruthless, and opportunistic. Addison's interest in Jack underscores her ambition and foreshadows potential conflicts in future installments.
• Caroline Friday - Caroline, Hank's best friend's younger sister, has harbored a crush on Hank since childhood. However, upon meeting him again at Ozzy's Bar, she realizes he is no longer the man she once idealized. The contrast between Hank's preppy demeanor and Caroline's rebellious goth style highlights the changes in Hank's character and adds depth to the narrative.

Hank Raglan's character in The Midas Protocol serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the importance of self-awareness. His evolution from a naive, well-meaning researcher to someone convinced of his own deservingness of success, despite the suspicious circumstances, adds a layer of complexity to the story.

Hank's interactions with characters like Addison, Jack, and Caroline further enrich the narrative, making him a compelling protagonist whose story is far from over. For those intrigued by Hank Raglan's journey and the web of mystery in The Midas Protocol, don't miss out on the unfolding drama and the moral quandaries that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more thrilling developments.