Five Children and It · Character

Anthea

The second-eldest, whose quiet courage and careful kindness let her win the Psammead's trust when the others only pester it for wishes.

major

Also known as Golden Guineas Anthea, the upright Anthea, the now reckless Anthea

First appearance: Five Children and It

As a major figure in Five Children and It, Anthea is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

One of the five children, the upright one, who interacts with the Psammead.

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Anthea is the well-brought-up sister who folds her nightgown by the seams and rises at five to dig up the Sand-fairy alone. She would rather carry a plan through by herself than share it, and her gentleness with the…

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Character Web

28 connections

A slice of how Anthea sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Professional

Character groups

Protagonist
Core family and household

+23 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Cyril’s secret, early-morning negotiation with the Psammead repres…

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Relationships

Robert
family · positive
Anthea and Robert are siblings, with Anthea often acting as the responsible older sister… How this plays out →
Cyril
family · positive
Jane
family · positive
Martha
professional · positive
The Lamb
family · positive
The Psammead
friendship · positive
Red Indians
social · ambivalent
The Lamb
family · positive
Cyril
family · positive
Martha
professional · positive
Robert
family · positive
Anthea and Robert are siblings, with Anthea often acting as the responsible older sister… How this plays out →
Red Indians
social · ambivalent

Robert
Anthea and Robert are siblings, with Anthea often acting as the responsible older sister to Robert's impulsive nature.
Cyril
Anthea and Cyril are brother and sister, sharing a close bond and frequently collaborating on schemes.
Jane
Anthea and Jane are sisters, sharing a supportive and affectionate relationship.
Martha
Anthea interacts with Martha, the family servant, who helps care for the children and the household.
The Lamb
Anthea is the older sister to The Lamb (the baby brother), often looking after him with maternal care.
The Psammead
Anthea forms a friendly bond with the Psammead, the magical creature, often negotiating wishes with empathy.
Red Indians
Anthea encounters a group of Red Indians (from a wish), leading to a brief and confusing interaction.
The Lamb
Anthea is the older sister to The Lamb (the baby brother), often looking after him with maternal care.
Cyril
Anthea and Cyril are brother and sister, sharing a close bond and frequently collaborating on schemes.
Martha
Anthea interacts with Martha, the family servant, who helps care for the children and the household.
Robert
Anthea and Robert are siblings, with Anthea often acting as the responsible older sister to Robert's impulsive nature.
Red Indians
Anthea encounters a group of Red Indians (from a wish), leading to a brief and confusing interaction.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Anthea appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Five Children and It
One of the five children, the upright one, who interacts with the Psammead.
Beautiful as the Day
Wakes first after the wish; suggests the wish to be beautiful; shows concern for the Psammead.
Golden Guineas
Takes the lead in hiring the pony-cart and attempting to buy a hat; her dirty hands cause suspicion.
III: Being Wanted
Takes charge in retrieving the Lamb from the gipsies and shows courage in offering him back.
Wings
Anthea wakes at five, consults the Psammead alone, and leads the wish for wings.
No Wings
Comforts Jane and takes a leading role in apologizing to the Vicar.
VI: A Castle and No Dinner
Tries to make the best of the situation; explores the castle with the others.
VII: A Siege and Bed
Suggests using biscuits for provisions and tries to reassure Jane about the siege.
Bigger Than the Baker’s Boy
Mediates conflicts and suggests Robert have a double share of fair earnings.
Grown Up
Anthea warns Cyril to be careful just before he makes the wish, and later defends the Lamb against plans to bully him.
X: Scalps
Anthea takes decisive action to protect the Lamb by breaking the jug and sending him away with Martha.
XI: The Last Wish
Warns against careless wishes; suggests telling mother the truth; leads the search for the Psammead and makes the final wish for its sleep.

Chapter companion notes

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