Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine

52 pages 1-hour read

Gail Carson Levine

Ella Enchanted

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1997

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Ella is an intelligent, confident young girl residing in the kingdom of Kyrria. A fairy cursed her at birth with forced obedience, requiring her to obey any direct command. Despite this magical restriction, she is determined and witty, possessing a talent for learning the languages of magical creatures. She relies on her humor and inner strength to survive a world that constantly tries to exploit her vulnerability.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Lady Eleanor

Daughter of Sir Peter

Goddaughter of Mandy

Romantic interest of Prince Charmont

Target of bullying by Hattie

Friend of Areida

Cursed by Lucinda

Prince Charmont is the young royal heir of Kyrria. He dislikes the constant groveling of courtiers and seeks normal, genuine interactions. Kind and humble despite his privilege, he possesses an eagerness to learn and travel. He finds himself drawn to Ella's easy playfulness, contrariness, and wit.

Key Relationships

Romantic interest of Ella

Commander of Sir Stephan

Mandy works as the cook at Ella's family manor, though she secretly operates as a fairy godmother to the Eleanor line. She believes firmly in only using small magic to keep her loved ones comfortable, viewing large-scale spells as dangerous. She acts as a fierce protector and maternal figure, finding subtle ways to assist her charge.

Key Relationships

Godmother of Ella

Former protector of Lady Eleanor

Hattie is the haughty, scheming daughter of Dame Olga. Preoccupied with high society and material wealth, she maintains a facade of refined femininity that masks her true avarice. Upon discovering Ella's magical affliction, she weaponizes it to demean her and force her into servitude.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Dame Olga

Sister of Olive

Bully to Ella

Supporting Characters

Sir Peter is an ambitious, selfish merchant who spends most of his time away on trading expeditions. Obsessed with money and social standing, he is perfectly willing to use deceptive practices to sell his wares. He views his family members primarily as financial assets to be leveraged for his own gain.

Key Relationships

Widower of Lady Eleanor

Father of Ella

Suitor of Dame Olga

Lady Eleanor is Ella's mother, known for her kindness and keen sense of humor. She shares a playful spirit with her daughter, enjoying activities like sliding down banisters when no one is watching. Her sudden illness brings sorrow to the manor.

Key Relationships

Mother of Ella

Wife of Sir Peter

Friend of Mandy

Lucinda is an irresponsible fairy who practices big magic without considering the consequences. She is vain and easily flattered, preferring to command gratitude rather than fix her magical mistakes. Her spells often inflict suffering on her targets.

Key Relationships

Curse-giver to Ella

Spell-caster to Sir Peter

Dame Olga is a wealthy, status-obsessed noblewoman who catches the eye of Sir Peter. She is a vindictive and harsh matriarch who takes pleasure in the debasement of those she views as inferior. Her household runs on snobbery and cruelty.

Key Relationships

Mother of Hattie

Mother of Olive

Pursued by Sir Peter

Future stepmother of Ella

Olive is the gluttonous, greedy sister of Hattie. While she shares her family's cruel streak and demands money from others, she lacks her older sister's cunning intelligence. She relies on blunt demands rather than psychological manipulation.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Dame Olga

Sister of Hattie

Demanding peer of Ella

Areida is a student at the finishing school in Jenn who speaks with an Aythoraian accent. Mocked by wealthier girls for her lack of status, she remains compassionate and fiercely loyal. She serves as a vital comfort during a period of intense loneliness.

Key Relationships

Best friend of Ella

Mocked by Hattie

Pamella is a childhood acquaintance of the protagonist. Upon learning about the magical obedience restriction, she immediately abuses the knowledge to issue commands, resulting in a physical altercation that ends their connection.

Key Relationships

Former friend of Ella

Sir Stephan is an observant knight in the service of the royal family. He acts as an escort through dangerous territories and frequently praises his royal commander's eagerness to learn.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Prince Charmont

Escort to Ella