The Princess and Curdie · Character

Lina

A huge, solemn beast with a tail like a sloop's boom, who wakes at a word and runs errands no human servant would dare.

major

Also known as XI Lina, Poor Lina

First appearance: XI: Lina

As a major figure in The Princess and Curdie, Lina is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a strange creature who frightens the housekeeper and is given to Curdie as a servant; her paw is revealed to be a child's hand.

In the storyVIII: Curdie's MissionOpen this moment free

See Lina in VIII: Curdie's Mission Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Lina belongs to Curdie alone, and her loyalty is total, silent, and slightly terrifying to anyone who does not know her. She sleeps coiled and springs to her feet the instant he speaks, then flies out of Gwyntystorm's…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Lina sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Lina in XI: Lina

Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Psychological
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Allies and Antagonists
Protagonist
Mystical and Corrupt Forces
Loyal and Corrupt Court

+11 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the decisive reversal where the king, previously isolated and bet…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Curdie
friendship · positive
Curdie and Lina share a deep, loyal bond, with Lina as his fierce and protective… How this plays out →
Princess Irene
friendship · positive
Her Master
psychological · ambivalent
The Servants
rivalry · negative
Curdie
friendship · positive
Curdie and Lina share a deep, loyal bond, with Lina as his fierce and protective… How this plays out →
Princess Irene
friendship · positive
Curdie
friendship · positive
Curdie and Lina share a deep, loyal bond, with Lina as his fierce and protective… How this plays out →

Curdie
Curdie and Lina share a deep, loyal bond, with Lina as his fierce and protective companion.
Princess Irene
Lina is devoted to Princess Irene, often accompanying and protecting her alongside Curdie.
Her Master
Her Master has a mysterious, controlling influence over Lina, shaping her actions and loyalty.
The Servants
Lina is often hostile toward the corrupt servants, who fear and distrust her.
Curdie
Curdie and Lina share a deep, loyal bond, with Lina as his fierce and protective companion.
Princess Irene
Lina is devoted to Princess Irene, often accompanying and protecting her alongside Curdie.
Curdie
Curdie and Lina share a deep, loyal bond, with Lina as his fierce and protective companion.

Relationship notes

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

See Lina in XI: Lina

In the story

Lina appears across 22 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VIII: Curdie's Mission
Introduced as a strange creature who frightens the housekeeper and is given to Curdie as a servant; her paw is revealed to be a child's hand.
XI: Lina
Saves Curdie from the bird attack and proves her loyalty during their journey.
XII: More Creatures
Fights and tames each creature, gathering a following of forty-nine, then dismisses them at the forest's edge.
XIII: The Baker's Wife
Accompanies Curdie into the city, her presence deterring potential troublemakers, and shares his bread.
XIV: The Dogs of Gwyntystorm
Protects Curdie from the mastiff, crunches a stone thrown at her, and is gentle with the little girl.
XV: Derba and Barbara
Wakes Curdie at night, escapes with a terrifying roar when the soldiers break in.
The Mattock
Causes a panic among the townspeople, gets locked in with Curdie, and helps him find a way out by scratching at the floor.
XVII: The Wine-Cellar
Helps Curdie by opening the cellar door and later scares the butler with her howl, causing him to flee.
XVIII: The King’s Kitchen
Accompanies Curdie, shows fear of frightening someone, and guards the threshold at the king's door.
XIX: The King’s Chamber
Lies on the threshold and later assists Curdie by leading him to the wine cellar.
XX: Counterplotting
Introduced to Irene, who shows kindness to the ugly creature, and is trusted to deliver messages.
XXI: The Loaf
Helps Curdie escape, carries the loaf to Irene, and watches over Curdie in the cellar.
XXII: The Lord Chamberlain
Assists Curdie, guarding the recess and scaring off a terrier.
XXIII: Dr. Kelman
Acts on Curdie's command, attacking the doctor and dragging him out.
The Prophecy
Guards the crown, sleeps with it between her paws, and is sent on an errand.
The Avengers
Successfully gathered the forty-nine creatures from the wood and helps guide them through the passage.
The Vengeance
Dashes into the hall, overpowers the butler, and leads the creatures in the vengeful purge.
XXVII: More Vengeance
Guards the secretary, terrifying him into submission.
The Sacrifice
Hunts at night to provide food for the palace, showing her loyalty and resourcefulness.
The King's Army
Follows Curdie with the forty-nine Uglies, part of the strange force marching to battle.
The Battle
Rages among the butchers and dogs, crushing legs with her jaws.
The End
Present in the queen's room, she dashes into the fire and is never seen again.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Lina unlock in the free preview.

See Lina in XI: Lina

See Lina in VIII: Curdie's Mission