The Princess and the Goblin · Character

Peter Peterson

Curdie's father, a miner whose foresight stacks stone and cement against the goblins' tunnels before anyone else sees the danger.

supporting

Also known as Peter

First appearance: vi the little miner

As a supporting figure in The Princess and the Goblin, Peter Peterson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Peter works with Curdie in the mine, is one of the courageous miners who stays overnight, and gives Curdie permission to stay alone despite having a headache.

In the storyThe MinesOpen this moment free

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Peter works the mine alongside his son and, when Curdie bursts in with news of the goblins' second plan, he is already at the gang with blocks and cement ready. He is steady where Curdie is daring, and his quiet preparations are what keep the mine from being flooded and the miners from drowning. His cottage, braced against a great rock, becomes a refuge in the storm, and his competence grounds the story's underground struggle in ordinary labor.

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See Peter Peterson in vi the little miner

Character Web

3 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Goblins and Miners
Human Royal Household
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this scene, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Princess Irene, despite being confronted by an…

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In the story

Peter Peterson appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Mines
Peter works with Curdie in the mine, is one of the courageous miners who stays overnight, and gives Curdie permission to stay alone despite having a headache.
The Hall of the Goblin Palace
Curdie's father, who listens to Curdie's story and agrees to stop working the lode while pretending to continue.
A Short Chapter About Curdie
Curdie's father, who is in on the secret of Curdie's nightly activities.
XXIII: Curdie and His Mother
Curdie's father, listens to the tale and supports his son's investigative plans.
XXVIII: Curdie’s Guide
Curdie's father, whom Curdie rushes to wake at the end of the chapter.
Masonwork
Helps build the buttress and returns to the cottage after the storm.
The Subterranean Waters
Helps carry his wife to safety when the flood overtakes them.
The Last Chapter
Accompanies Curdie and helps with the work of draining and securing the house.

Chapter companion notes

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See Peter Peterson in vi the little miner

See Peter Peterson in The Mines