Locke & Key is a popular fantasy series that revolves around the Locke family and their discovery of magical keys in their ancestral home, Keyhouse. One of the most mysterious parts of the story is the presence of a ghostly boy that communicates with the youngest Locke child, Bode.
The Ghost Boy’s Identity
The ghost boy is eventually revealed to be Rufus Whedon, the son of former Keyhouse resident Lucas Whedon. Rufus drowned in a well at Keyhouse in the 1930s when he was just a young boy. After his death, his spirit remained trapped there, unable to move on to the afterlife.
For many years, Rufus’ ghost wandered the rooms and grounds of the estate alone. His spirit was able to interact with some of the home’s magical keys, but he was isolated and sad. When the Locke family moved into Keyhouse after the murder of their father, Rufus finally had some company again in the form of the youngest Locke, Bode.
How Rufus Died
The specifics of Rufus’ death are unveiled over time. He was an imaginative child who discovered the magical keys alongside his friend Lucas. The two experimented with many of the keys together, including the Anywhere Key that allows the user to travel anywhere through special doors.
One day while playing near the wells, Rufus used the Anywhere Key to transport himself to the bottom of the well. But when he tried to get out, he realized that the well had no door. With no way to travel back, he drowned in the well and his spirit remained trapped there ever since.
Rufus and Bode
After drowning in the well, Rufus’ ghost was able to roam Keyhouse and interact with certain keys. But he was unable to leave the grounds or communicate with the living. When the Locke family moved in, Rufus was intrigued by the presence of new children in Keyhouse.
He decided to introduce himself to Bode Locke since Bode was around the same age that Rufus had been when he died. At first, Bode was Rufus’ only living friend. The two bonded over their shared youthful spirit and interest in exploring Keyhouse’s mysteries.
Rufus Helps the Lockes
Initially, Rufus is most concerned with having a friend in Bode. But over time, he also strives to help the Locke children unlock the secrets of Keyhouse to stop the evil entities that are escaped from the Black Door.
Giving Advice
Rufus acts as an advisor to the Locke kids, especially Bode. Since he has been around for decades as a ghost, Rufus has gained a lot of knowledge about the keys and their capabilities. Whenever Bode or his siblings have questions, Rufus does his best to provide guidance and advice.
Uncovering History
In addition to advice about the keys, Rufus also conveys a lot of history about Keyhouse’s past residents and events. He shares insight into his own life during the 1930s. Rufus also tells the Lockes stories about past keepers of the keys, shedding light on long-buried mysteries.
Warning of Danger
When sinister supernatural entities escape from behind the Black Door, Rufus tries to warn the Lockes of the great danger they are in. He knows how evil and powerful these beings are from his decades trapped in Keyhouse. Rufus protects the kids as much as he can given the limitations of only being a ghost.
Rufus’ Special Abilities
As a ghost who has been attached to Keyhouse for over 80 years, Rufus has some unique supernatural abilities:
Invisibility
Rufus has the power to become invisible. This allows him to observe what is happening in secret and go places without being noticed. He can choose who is able to see him when he materializes again.
Intangibility
The ghost boy can also become intangible, passing through solid objects like doors, walls, and even people. This enables him to travel anywhere in Keyhouse without obstruction.
Teleportation
Rufus is able to teleport short distances around Keyhouse, disappearing from one place and reappearing in another. He often uses this ability to provide an element of surprise.
Ghost Touch
Rufus maintains his ability to touch physical objects, even while intangible. He can choose to interact with people and objects or simply pass through them.
manipulate locks
As a ghostly being, Rufus has a supernatural connection to Keyhouse and its magical keys. He can telekinetically turn and manipulate locks that have been touched by the keys. This allows him to help the Locke children access secure rooms and spaces.
Rufus’ Motivations
Throughout the series, Rufus is driven by both good and evil motivations:
Loneliness
After decades trapped alone at Keyhouse, Rufus is extremely lonely. At first, he reaches out to Bode simply for friendship and understanding. Rufus manipulates Bode to stay loyal to him.
Freedom
Rufus deeply desires to be free of his ghostly prison. He wants to be able to leave Keyhouse and not be tethered to the estate. This sparks him to make deals with demons in exchange for help.
Revenge
The ghost boy harbors anger about his childhood death caused by the failings of past keepers of the keys. This fuels his interest in using the keys’ powers against others rather than for good.
Kinship
Rufus feels a genuine kinship with Bode built on their shared lively spirit of adventure and wonder. He comes to care about Bode’s safety and well-being.
Repentance
After doing evil, Rufus feels the weight of his wrongdoings. He tries to make amends by protecting the Locke family from harm.
Rufus’ Key Role
As a mysterious ghostly character, Rufus Whedon plays an important role in the Locke & Key story:
Provider of Answers
Rufus gives the Locke kids much-needed exposition about Keyhouse’s history and magical keys. He provides answers to many of their questions.
Harbinger of Secrets
The ghost boy also conceals many secrets and tells half-truths, driving suspense and mystery. His warnings of danger create a looming sense of dread.
Anti-Hero
Rufus toes the line between good and evil. His mix of benevolent and sinister motivations makes him an intriguing anti-hero character to follow.
Supernatural Element
As a ghost, Rufus represents a core supernatural component of the fantasy series revolving around magic and spirits.
Symbol of Sorrow
Rufus’ gloomy trapped spirit and untimely death as a child bring melancholy themes of sorrow, loss, and longing to the story.
Conclusion
Rufus Whedon, the mysterious ghost boy of Locke & Key, ends up being both friend and foe to the Locke family. His tragic story and complex motivations make him one of the most fascinating characters in the supernatural drama. Rufus’ secrets and powers drive much of the suspense, while his desire for connection adds heart. The ghost boy’s journey demonstrates how even a spirit can achieve growth, redemption, and a resolution. Rufus remains one of Locke & Key’s most pivotal characters by sparking adventure, unearthing secrets, and eventually finding peace.