Nonsense Books · Character

Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow

A pair of sparrows whose household is upended when a grandly dressed Crane King courts their daughter Dell with a crocodile's egg.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Spikky Sparrow, Mrs. Spikky Sparrow, Mrs. Sparrow

First appearance: Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow

As a supporting figure in Nonsense Books, Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow preside over a nest full of ordinary domestic bustle until a feast draws every wading bird on the Nile, including the King of the Cranes in pea-green trousers. When he falls for their daughter Dell, the parents must weigh pride against the coming absence. Their refrain of perfect happiness becomes a poignant counterpoint once Dell flies off toward the Gromboolian Plain, leaving them watching the moon from the sand.

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Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Social
Other

Character groups

Anthropomorphic domestic couples
Personified household items

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Lady Jingly’s tearful confession that she already has a mate in England delivers the emotional peak of unfulfi…

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Relationships

Mr. and Mrs. Discobbolos
social · ambivalent
They are neighbors and acquaintances who share a wall and occasionally interact in… How this plays out →
Mr. and Mrs. Discobbolos
social · ambivalent
They are neighbors and acquaintances who share a wall and occasionally interact in… How this plays out →
Mr. and Mrs. Discobbolos
social · ambivalent
They are neighbors and acquaintances who share a wall and occasionally interact in… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow in Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow

In the story

Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Nonsense Songs
Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow worry about each other's health, travel to London to buy hats and a gown, and return looking beautiful.
Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow
The central couple who worry about each other's health and lack of hats, then journey to London to buy proper clothing.
I
Mr. Spikky Sparrow stands on a little piece of wood; Mrs. Sparrow sits close by making an insect-pie for their five children.
II
Mrs. Spikky Sparrow addresses her husband, Spikky, expressing concern over his cough and sneeze, attributing it to his not wearing a hat.
III
Mr. Spikky Sparrow speaks about the cold nights and the need for a hat, and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow responds with kindness and affection.
IV
The speaker addresses Spikky Sparrow, noting his winking, sniffle-snuffle, and ruffled feathers, and expresses concern about neuralgia.
VII
Return to their nest after dressing up, admired by their children.
III
Mentioned as Mr. and Mrs. Canary, who request to build a nest on the Quangle Wangle's hat.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow unlock in the free preview.

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