Mary Lennox

Colin Craven

Colin and Mary form a transformative friendship, healing each other through shared secrets and the magic of the garden.

Dickon Sowerby

Dickon is Mary's gentle, nature-wise friend who teaches her about animals and gardening, grounding her in Yorkshire.

Martha Sowerby

Martha is Mary's first kind acquaintance at Misselthwaite, introducing her to Dickon and the moor.

Ben Weatherstaff

Ben is a gruff but kind gardener who initially clashes with Mary but later becomes her ally in the garden.

Mrs. Medlock

Mrs. Medlock is the stern housekeeper who oversees Mary's care at Misselthwaite Manor with distant authority.

Archibald Craven

Archibald is Mary's uncle and guardian, initially distant but grateful for her positive influence on Colin.

Mrs. Sowerby

Mrs. Sowerby is the warm, motherly figure who provides comfort and wisdom to Mary from afar.

Colin Craven

Colin and Mary form a transformative friendship, healing each other through shared secrets and the magic of the garden.

Dickon Sowerby

Dickon is Mary's gentle, nature-wise friend who teaches her about animals and gardening, grounding her in Yorkshire.

Colin Craven

Colin and Mary form a transformative friendship, healing each other through shared secrets and the magic of the garden.

Martha Sowerby

Martha is Mary's first kind acquaintance at Misselthwaite, introducing her to Dickon and the moor.

Ben Weatherstaff

Ben is a gruff but kind gardener who initially clashes with Mary but later becomes her ally in the garden.

There Is No One Left

Introduced as a sour, thin, and selfish child who has been neglected by her parents and raised by servants. She reacts to her parents' death with anger and confusion rather than grief.

Mistress Mary Quite Contrary

Mary is depicted as self-absorbed, lonely, and contrary. She resists affection, feels disconnected from others, and is curious yet defiant about her new life in England.

Across the Moor

Mary travels across the moor, feeling small and lost as she arrives at Misselthwaite Manor and is instructed to keep to her rooms.

Martha

Mary is introduced to her new life at Misselthwaite Manor. She is initially imperious and ignorant of basic self-care, but begins to feel curiosity about Dickon and the robin, and acknowledges her loneliness.

The Cry in the Corridor

Begins to thrive outdoors, gains appetite, communicates with the robin, and becomes curious about the secret garden and the crying sound.

VI: “There Was Some One Crying—There Was!”

Explores the house, hears crying, and becomes curious about the moorland cottage.

VII: The Key of the Garden

Mary awakens to the transformed moor, feels lonely after Martha leaves, explores the gardens, and discovers the key to the secret garden.

The Robin Who Showed the Way

Discovers the key and later the hidden door to the secret garden, feeling excitement and wonder as she enters.

IX: The Strangest House Anyone Ever Lived In

Discovers the secret garden, explores it with wonder, and begins to feel a sense of belonging and purpose.

The Nest of the Missel Thrush

Works eagerly in the garden with Dickon, learning to identify living wood and planting seeds. She shares the 'Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary' rhyme and asks Dickon if he likes her.

XII: “Might I Have a Bit of Earth?”

Mary is excited after meeting Dickon and nervous about her meeting with Mr. Craven. She bravely asks for permission to play outdoors and have a garden, and is overjoyed when he agrees.

I Am Colin

Mary shares the secret garden with Colin, persuades him to keep it hidden, and later investigates his crying, discovering him in his room.

A Young Rajah

Mary boldly discovers Colin, talks with him through the night, and later tells Martha and Colin about Dickon and the moor, sparking Colin's interest in life.

Nest Building

Mary spends time with Colin, considers trusting him with the secret garden, and discusses plans to bring him outside with Dickon.

XVI: “I Won’t!” Said Mary

Mary is absorbed in gardening with Dickon, growing stronger and happier. She defies Colin's demands, showing her stubborn and independent nature, but later feels warmth from Mr. Craven's gift.

XVII: A Tantrum

Confronts Colin during his tantrum with anger and later comforts him with a gentle description of the secret garden.

Tha' Munnot Waste No Time

Visits Colin after his crying fit, goes to the garden to meet Dickon, and decides to reveal the secret garden to Colin.

XIX: “It Has Come!”

Brings news of spring's arrival, describes the garden and the newborn lamb, and encourages Colin to breathe fresh air.

XX: “I Shall Live Forever—and Ever—and Ever!”

Mary guides Colin and Dickon along the secret route, pointing out key landmarks from her own discovery of the garden. She shares in the joy of the moment.

Ben Weatherstaff

Shares in the joy of the garden, believes in Dickon's Magic, is confronted by Ben Weatherstaff.

When the Sun Went Down

Watches with breathless interest, silently urging Colin on with her mantra 'You can do it!'

Magic

Observes Colin's rudeness, reflects on her own past behavior, agrees about the Magic, and supports Colin's secret plan.

XXIV: “Let Them Laugh”

Mary breakfasts with Colin and struggles to suppress laughter when Colin claims an unnatural appetite. She has filled out and lost her sour look, now laughing with Colin.

The Curtain

Explores the house with Colin, observes the robin's nest, and notices the change in the curtain.

XXVI: “It’s Mother!”

Mary walks with Colin to meet Susan Sowerby and feels her pulse beat faster. She is told she will grow up to be like a blush rose.

In the Garden

Runs with Colin in the garden and witnesses the reunion with his father.