The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

C. S. Lewis

71 pages 2-hour read

C. S. Lewis

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1950

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Character List

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

Major Characters

Lucy is the youngest of the four Pevensie siblings. Her curiosity drives her to explore the empty rooms of the house, leading her to discover the hidden land inside a wardrobe. Despite her initial nervousness about her new surroundings in the countryside, she possesses a strong alignment with the truth and a deeply affectionate nature.

Key Relationships

Younger Sister Of Peter Pevensie

Younger Sister Of Susan Pevensie

Younger Sister Of Edmund Pevensie

Friend Of Mr. Tumnus

Target Of The White Witch

Guest Of Old Professor

Follower Of Aslan

Peter is the oldest Pevensie sibling and naturally assumes a leadership role within the family. He often settles disputes between his younger siblings and feels a strong sense of responsibility for their well-being. He approaches new situations with a sense of duty and a desire to be fair, though he still has much to learn about maturity and courage.

Key Relationships

Older Brother Of Lucy Pevensie

Older Brother Of Susan Pevensie

Older Brother Of Edmund Pevensie

Guest Of Old Professor

Follower Of Aslan

Susan is the second oldest Pevensie sibling. She exhibits a practical, cautious approach to life and frequently attempts to act older than her age. Her primary instinct is to seek safety and comfort, making her initially resistant to exploring the unpredictable and cold environment inside the wardrobe.

Key Relationships

Younger Sister Of Peter Pevensie

Older Sister Of Edmund Pevensie

Older Sister Of Lucy Pevensie

Guest Of Old Professor

Follower Of Aslan

Gift Recipient From Father Christmas

Edmund is the second youngest Pevensie sibling. He harbors deep resentment toward his older brother's authority and frequently vents his frustration by mocking Lucy. His desire for status and sensual pleasure makes him highly susceptible to manipulation when he stumbles into the frozen world inside the wardrobe.

Key Relationships

Younger Brother Of Peter Pevensie

Younger Brother Of Susan Pevensie

Older Brother Of Lucy Pevensie

Captive Of The White Witch

Fearful Of Aslan

Suspicious Of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver

The White Witch, who claims the title of Queen of Narnia, is a terrifying figure who keeps the land locked in perpetual winter. She has remarkably pale skin, a cold, stern face, and a highly imposing physical stature. She maintains her illegitimate rule through fear, magical transfiguration, and a ruthless secret police force.

Key Relationships

Manipulator Of Edmund Pevensie

Enemy Of Aslan

Master Of Dwarf

Master Of Maugrim

Ruler Of Mr. Tumnus

Hunter Of Lucy Pevensie

Aslan is the great lion and the rightful King of Narnia. He possesses a massive, golden form and overwhelming, solemn eyes that inspire both fear and intense devotion. Though absent from Narnia for many years, his rumored return brings hope to the oppressed creatures and signals an end to the unnatural winter.

Key Relationships

Leader Of Peter Pevensie

Protector Of Lucy Pevensie

Protector Of Susan Pevensie

Protector Of Edmund Pevensie

True King Of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver

Supporting Characters

The Old Professor is an eccentric, kindly man with shaggy white hair that covers his face. He lives in a massive, ancient house full of curiosities and hidden passageways. Despite his academic demeanor, he possesses an unusually open mind and seems to understand far more about magical possibilities than a typical adult.

Key Relationships

Employer Of Mrs. Macready

Mrs. Macready is the strict housekeeper who manages the Old Professor's massive estate. She conducts tours for visitors who come to see the house's historical artifacts. She has little patience for children and insists on maintaining rigid order in her domain.

Key Relationships

Employee Of Old Professor

Strict Caretaker Of Peter Pevensie

Mr. Tumnus is a faun with the upper body of a man and the legs and hooves of a goat. He lives in a cozy, well-furnished cave in the Narnian woods. Though employed as a spy by the tyrannical ruler, his fundamentally kind nature puts him at odds with the cruel orders he is expected to carry out.

Key Relationships

Friend Of Lucy Pevensie

Reluctant Spy For The White Witch

The Beavers are anthropomorphic forest animals who live in a cozy dam in Narnia. They are highly knowledgeable about Narnian history and ancient prophecies. They live a virtuous, domestic life and show fierce loyalty to the rightful king, willingly risking their safety to help the human children.

Key Relationships

Friend Of Mr. Tumnus

Follower Of Aslan

The dwarf acts as the White Witch's primary servant and sledge driver. He possesses a malicious disposition and shares his mistress's cruel attitude toward her enemies. He is observant of the changing environment and occasionally points out unpleasant truths to the Witch.

Key Relationships

Servant Of The White Witch

Tormentor Of Edmund Pevensie

Emissary To Aslan

Father Christmas is a huge, joyful man in a bright red robe. His unexpected arrival in Narnia is a monumental event, as the evil magic of the land had kept him out for many years. He is a solemn but joyous figure who brings practical, serious gifts to aid the forces of good.

Key Relationships

Gift Giver To Peter Pevensie

Gift Giver To Susan Pevensie

Gift Giver To Lucy Pevensie

Gift Giver To Mr. and Mrs. Beaver

Maugrim is a large wolf who serves as the chief of the White Witch's secret police. He is a terrifying enforcer who carries out the Witch's arrests and hunts down her enemies with lethal efficiency.

Key Relationships

Subordinate To The White Witch

Attacker Of Peter Pevensie

Hunter Of Susan Pevensie

Commander Of Anonymous Wolf

This unnamed wolf serves under Maugrim in the White Witch's secret police. He is swift and acts as a messenger and scout for the Witch's forces during times of crisis.

Key Relationships

Subordinate To Maugrim

Messenger For The White Witch

Giant Rumblebuffin is a member of an ancient and respected giant family in Narnia. A victim of the White Witch's magic, he possesses immense physical strength and a friendly, helpful disposition toward the forces of good.

Key Relationships

Victim Of The White Witch

Rescued By Aslan