The unnamed narrator of The Aspern Papers is an editor of Jeffrey Aspern’s work and is obsessed with the poet. James uses religious language and imagery to describe the extent to which the narrator idolizes Aspern. He is fascinated with Juliana because she’d had a relationship with Aspern and is represented in some of the writer’s lyric poetry. The narrator expresses a deep desire to feel close to Aspern throughout the novella, wanting to press Juliana’s hand because it pressed Aspern’s in the past, and later imagining the miniature portrait of Aspern speaking directly to him.

The narrator is a complex character. His increasing obsession with obtaining the papers, which do not belong to him, becomes ominous as the story progresses and he crosses ethical lines in his pursuit—for instance going into Juliana’s room uninvited at night. From the beginning of the narrative, he intentionally uses dishonest means to obtain the letters—using a false name, presenting himself as merely interested in the garden, and courting Tita with no intention of marrying her. In this sense, though he is the novella’s protagonist, he is also an antagonistic figure in the lives of Tita and her aunt.