White is able to grasp the talisman just in time for one final wish, which is. White fumbles down the stairs and with the door chain meanwhile Mr. There are three dramatic knocks on the door, Mrs. White talks her reluctant husband into a second wish: asking for Herbert to come back to life. Though horrified by the mutilated outcome of their first wish being granted, Mrs. His employer refuses to claim responsibility, but makes a goodwill settlement of exactly.(you guessed it) 200 pounds. The next day, Herbert goes to work and is killed at the local factory in a horrible accident. The family's first wish is Herbert's: he asks for enough money to make the final mortgage payment (200 pounds). White retrieves it, and the Whites decide to use the paw. Morris throws the paw into the fire, trying to destroy its evil forces once and for all, but Mr. He warns the family that while the wishes are always granted, " I warn you of the consequences." He implies that the wishes are always accompanied by a punishment for tampering with fate. Their guest, Sargeant-Major Morris who returned from his post in India, tells them about the power of a mummfiied monkey's paw he brought back with him that a Fakir put a spell on, granting its guardian three wishes. The story is set in England at the home of the White family, during a dark and stormy night (of course!). Monkey's Paw - The true protagonist of the story, a magical talisman is in the form of a mummified monkey's paw that has the power to grant its host three wishes. Sergeant-Major Morris - A family friend who served in India in the British Army, he attempts to put an end to the horrifying experiences using the paw by throwing it in the White's fireplace. They retrieve a magical talisman from their visiting friend, Sergeant-Major Morris. White and their son Herbert are the main characters in the story.