46 pages • 1-hour read
Kate DiCamilloA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
The Girl is a puppet manufactured with striking violet eyes and a heart-shaped face. She pays close attention to the natural world, maintaining a specific fascination with the moon. During arguments among the toys, she acts as a mediator and insists that the five of them belong together as a unit.
The Boy is a puppet who believes he is destined to achieve greatness. He remembers the puppet maker telling him he has a specific purpose, and he longs to fulfill it by performing an important deed. He carries his toy weapons as a constant reminder of this impending destiny.
The Wolf is a wooden puppet fiercely proud of her fearsome reputation. She frequently boasts about her sharp teeth and wishes to instill fear in others. She harbors an intense dream of running freely through a snowy forest, participating in a wild hunt where she functions as both predator and prey.
The King is a regal puppet wearing a crown. He expects his royal status to be acknowledged by humans and toys alike. He carries a deep appreciation for music, remembering a beautiful song from his time in the toy shop, and he longs to command a kingdom where singing happens constantly.
The Owl is a toy constructed with real feathers. He holds a reputation among the group for offering philosophical statements. He harbors a silent desire to experience true flight, constantly remembering a living bird he once watched outside the shop window.
Jane is a young housemaid. She approaches her daily cleaning duties with a practical mindset but secretly harbors childhood dreams of traveling down a river to see the world. Her mother gave her a sturdy name to prepare her for a harsh life, but Jane possesses a strong imagination and a beautiful singing voice.
Emma is the older sister in the household. She takes an immediate interest in organizing the newly acquired toys and maintaining their safety. She possesses a natural talent for storytelling and drafts a theatrical production for the five figures to perform for her family.
Martha is Emma's younger sister. She handles the new toys roughly and takes a particular interest in the fearsome appearance of the wolf. She struggles to maintain focus during games and frequently discards objects on the floor when she grows bored with them.
Spelhorst is an elderly former sea captain who lives an isolated existence. He spends his days wandering the town or resting in bed when his health fails. He spent his youth seeking glory across the ocean, abandoning his past life and the woman he loved in the process.
Former romantic partner of Annalise
Purchaser of Girl
Annalise is a woman from Spelhorst's youth who possesses striking violet eyes. She loved the sea captain before he chose to leave their hometown in pursuit of worldly success.
Former romantic partner of Spelhorst
The generous relative of Emma and Martha. He purchases the set of five figures from a street vendor to give to his nieces. He assists the children with setting up their room for a performance, providing encouragement and lighting for their play.
A traveling junk dealer who acquires discarded items. He sings a distinct song about finding value in unwanted objects as he drives his wagon through the streets, eventually selling the trunk to a new buyer.
Vendor to Uncle