Curdie

Lina

Curdie and Lina share a deep, loyal bond, with Lina as his fierce and protective companion.

Princess Irene

Curdie and Princess Irene are close allies, with Irene guiding and trusting Curdie on his quest.

Peter

Peter is Curdie's father, and they share a loving, supportive father-son relationship.

The Doctor

Curdie works with the Doctor in the royal household, but the Doctor is part of the corrupt court.

The Servants

Curdie interacts with the servants as a fellow worker in the castle, but they are often complicit in corruption.

Derba

Derba is a loyal and kind servant who befriends Curdie and helps him in the castle.

Dr. Kelman

Dr. Kelman is a corrupt court physician who opposes Curdie's mission to expose the court's evil.

The Colonel

Curdie works with the Colonel as part of the royal guard, but the Colonel is loyal to the corrupt court.

Barbara

Barbara is a kind and supportive figure who aids Curdie during his time in the city.

Her Master

Curdie serves Her Master (the princess's great-great-grandmother) on a divine mission, following her guidance.

A Stranger

A Stranger appears as a mysterious antagonist who challenges Curdie's path and tests his resolve.

Princess Irene

Curdie and Princess Irene are close allies, with Irene guiding and trusting Curdie on his quest.

The Mountain

The protagonist, a miner's son who chose to stay with his parents rather than join the king's train.

II: The White Pigeon

Growing more skeptical and less attentive to the wonders of the world; his act of shooting the pigeon triggers a deep remorse and a turning point in his character.

III: The Mistress of the Silver Moon

Enters the castle, climbs to the tower, confesses to shooting the pigeon, and learns a moral lesson.

IV: Curdie’s Father and Mother

Returns home changed, shares his tale with his parents, and resolves to follow the old lady's instructions.

V: The Miners

Listens silently to the miners' tales, defends the possibility of good in Old Mother Wotherwop, and endures their mockery with patience.

VI: The Emerald

Recognizes the ancient princess and is awed by her presence.

VII: What Is in a Name?

Asks the Lady of Light about her many names and forms, showing his growing understanding of her true nature.

VIII: Curdie's Mission

Receives his mission from the princess, is given Lina as a companion, and learns to perceive hidden good.

IX: Hands

Returns home, shares his story, demonstrates his new gift by feeling his mother's hand, and prepares to leave for Gwyntystorm.

X: The Heath

Travels through the heath, enduring mockery and facing a strange creature.

XI: Lina

Recognizes Lina and accepts her as a companion, showing trust and care.

XII: More Creatures

Observes the strange creatures and Lina's interactions with them, feeling amused rather than threatened.

XIII: The Baker's Wife

Arrives at Gwyntystorm, observes the city's decay and self-centeredness, and interacts with the baker and barber, showing his practical wisdom and honesty.

XIV: The Dogs of Gwyntystorm

Defends himself and Lina against the dogs, shows restraint and kindness, and accepts the old woman's hospitality.

XV: Derba and Barbara

Stays with Derba and Barbara, tells stories, surrenders to the authorities, and later frees himself.

The Mattock

Imprisoned and awaiting trial, he uses his mattock to dig an escape route through the dungeon floor.

XVII: The Wine-Cellar

Observes the butler's suspicious actions in the wine cellar, takes the key, and later steals a pie from the palace hall.

XVIII: The King’s Kitchen

Explores the palace, disgusted by the filth and drunkenness, and seeks the king's chamber.

XIX: The King’s Chamber

Enters the king's chamber, meets Princess Irene, and begins to suspect the doctor's intentions.

XX: Counterplotting

Devises a counterplot to protect the king, using his gift to detect treachery and planning to procure safe food.

XXI: The Loaf

Escapes the dungeon, retrieves the loaf, and sends it to Irene via Lina.

XXII: The Lord Chamberlain

Continues his secret mission, securing food and planning to purge the palace. Discovers gold in the rock.

XXIII: Dr. Kelman

Takes charge of the king's safety, discovers the doctor's treachery, and uses Lina to subdue him.

The Prophecy

Watches over the king, tells his story, and helps the princess.

The Avengers

Anxious about the king's safety, he orchestrates the movement of the creatures into the cellar and finds a new route to the king's chamber.

The Vengeance

Confronts the servants, proclaims the butler a villain, and orchestrates the expulsion of the corrupt household.

XXVII: More Vengeance

Directs the avenging creatures and purges the palace of traitors.

Barbara

Continues to protect the king, brings Barbara to him, and attempts to deliver the colonel's message.

XXX: Peter

Though not present, Curdie is the cause of Peter's urgency, as the fading emerald suggests he is in danger.

The Sacrifice

Stands guard over the king, plans to march against the enemy, and witnesses the princess's healing sacrifice.

The King's Army

Awakens refreshed, polishes his mattock, and prepares to lead the beasts into battle.

The Battle

Fights with his mattock, commands the beasts, and pursues the enemy.

Judgment

Helps capture the lord chancellor, assists in the judgment, and is promised Irene's hand in marriage.

The End

Searches for honest people, reveals the gold under the city, marries Irene, and becomes a good king.