Let’s talk about Edith Cushing—she’s the heart and soul of Guillermo del Toro’s gothic horror masterpiece, Crimson Peak. Right from the start, Edith stands out as a woman who doesn’t quite fit into the world around her, and that’s exactly what makes her so fascinating. Set in the late 1800s, the story follows Edith, a young and ambitious writer with dreams far beyond the traditional roles expected of women at the time. She’s thoughtful, intelligent, and unafraid to speak her mind—qualities that make her not just a protagonist, but a quietly revolutionary figure.
Edith Cushing’s life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Sir Thomas Sharpe, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston—a man whose charm is as mysterious as it is captivating. Swept off her feet, Edith leaves her familiar world behind and travels to Allerdale Hall, better known as Crimson Peak. The mansion is hauntingly beautiful, yes, but also decaying, much like the secrets buried within its walls. And as Edith begins to uncover those secrets, she realizes that not everything—or everyone—is as they seem.
Despite warnings from her loyal friend, Dr. Alan McMichael, Edith Cushing refuses to back down. There’s something inside her—an inner drive, perhaps rooted in her vivid imagination and strong moral compass—that pushes her to seek the truth, no matter how dangerous it becomes. As ghosts whisper through the halls and shadows grow longer, Edith finds herself caught in a web of betrayal, deception, and supernatural terror. But rather than succumb to fear, she rises to the challenge, showing remarkable resilience throughout.
What really defines Edith Cushing, though, isn’t just her bravery—it’s her depth. Played beautifully by Mia Wasikowska, Edith feels real, layered, and emotionally honest. She’s not just reacting to horrors around her; she’s processing them, feeling them deeply, and making choices based on empathy and integrity. That emotional authenticity is one of the reasons audiences connect with Edith so strongly.
Now, if we dive deeper into her personality, it’s clear that Edith Cushing fits the INFP type to a tee. These individuals are often dreamers—creative, idealistic, and guided by a powerful internal sense of right and wrong. Edith writes stories not just for entertainment, but as a way to understand herself and the world. Her compassion extends even to those who may not deserve it—like Lucille and Thomas Sharpe—because she genuinely wants to see the humanity beneath the surface.
And let’s not forget her Enneagram type: 4w5. This blend speaks volumes about who Edith Cushing is at her core. The “Individualist” with a “Thinker” wing means she values uniqueness, introspection, and intellectual depth. She doesn’t follow the crowd. Instead, she observes, reflects, and forms her own conclusions. Even in moments of isolation within the cold halls of Crimson Peak, Edith uses her solitude to gather strength and insight.
It’s this combination—her INFP ideals and her 4w5 introspection—that allows Edith Cushing to endure the darkness surrounding her. While others might crumble under the weight of fear or manipulation, she holds onto her sense of self. She mourns, she doubts, she fears—but she never loses sight of what matters: truth, love, and personal integrity.
In the end, Edith Cushing emerges not just as a survivor, but as a symbol of quiet strength in the face of overwhelming odds. Her journey through Crimson Peak is more than a horror story—it’s a tale of self-discovery, courage, and staying true to one’s values, even when the world tries to break you. Whether you’re drawn to her creativity, her emotional depth, or her unwavering resolve, there’s no denying that Edith Cushing leaves a lasting impression.
So, when we think about memorable heroines in modern horror cinema, Edith Cushing deserves a place at the top. She’s complex, authentic, and profoundly human—everything a great character should be. And honestly, it’s hard to imagine Crimson Peak without her quiet intensity and fierce spirit guiding the story forward.
Ghosts are real, that much I know.