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.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
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…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Anthea sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Anthea in Five Children and ItCharacter Web
28 connectionsA 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
Open in readerNarrative 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…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- 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
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Anthea in Five Children and ItIn 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
- Beautiful as the Day
- Golden Guineas
- III: Being Wanted
- Wings
- No Wings
- VI: A Castle and No Dinner
- VII: A Siege and Bed
- +4 more
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Anthea unlock in the free preview.
See Anthea in Five Children and It