# Derba — The Princess and Curdie character guide

> Derba in The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** XV Derba, Poor Derba

**First appearance:** 0014-xv-derba-and-barbara

## Snapshot

A tender-hearted woman of Gwyntystorm whose quiet care for the sleeping king and loyalty to Curdie embody the humble goodness the city has forgotten.

## Who they are

Derba belongs to the ordinary folk of Gwyntystorm, the kind of woman whose love and womanly tenderness go straight to Curdie's heart as she tends the ailing king with peacock fans and whispered comfort. Her devotion stands in stark contrast to the court's lying, selfishness, and inhospitality, making her one of the few honest souls Curdie can trust. She matters because she proves that goodness survives even in a city rotting from within, and her care helps keep the king alive long enough for Curdie's mission to unfold.

## Relationships

### [Curdie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/characters/curdie)

_friendship_

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

## In the story

### [XV: Derba and Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xv-derba-and-barbara)

Hosts Curdie and Lina, is anxious about the siege, but shows courage and selflessness.

### [XXVII: More Vengeance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xxvii-more-vengeance)

Shelters the expelled courtiers and is later appointed chatelaine.

### [XXVIII: The Preacher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xxviii-the-preacher)

Her cottage provides refuge for a stranger attacked by dogs.

### [Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xxix-barbara)

Ministers to the king and cares for Barbara, though she sleeps through the child's distress.

### [The King's Army](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xxxii-the-king-s-army)

Carries Barbara and heads to the mountains as a refuge should the king's cause be lost.

### [Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xxxiv-judgment)

Returns before the king and prepares food; later serves at supper.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/characters/derba
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/characters