Preacher Harry Powell — The Night of the Hunter Character Profile

About Preacher Harry Powell

A charismatic yet ruthless serial killer and self-proclaimed preacher who targets children to recover money hidden by their murdered father. He manipulates Willa Harper, murders her, and relentlessly pursues John and Pearl. Ultimately defeated by Rachel Cooper's shotgun and arrested for murder, he escapes sentencing but remains a looming threat.

Preacher Harry Powell — Character Profile

Quick Facts about Preacher Harry Powell

Occupation

serial killer, con artist

Character Facts

Played by

Robert Mitchum

Appears in

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Role

Protagonist

Relationships (4)

• Preacher Harry Powell — Conflict Adversary — Rachel Cooper (Lillian Gish)
• Preacher Harry Powell — Conflict Threatener — Pearl Harper (Sally Jane Bruce)
• Preacher Harry Powell — Conflict Threatener — John Harper (Billy Chapin)
• Preacher Harry Powell — Romantic Husband — Willa Harper (Shelley Winters)

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Night of the Hunter

More characters from The Night of the Hunter

• Willa Harper (Shelley Winters)
• Rachel Cooper (Lillian Gish)
• John Harper (Billy Chapin)
• Ruby (Gloria Castillo)
• Pearl Harper (Sally Jane Bruce)
• Uncle Birdie Steptoe (James Gleason)
• Bart (Paul Bryar)
• Mary (Cheryl Callaway)
• Sheriff (Roy Engel)
• Bart's Wife (Frances Morris)
• Ruby's Boyfriend (Michael Chapin)
• Miz Cunningham (Kay Lavelle)