The Wishing Spell

Chris Colfer

53 pages 1-hour read

Chris Colfer

The Wishing Spell

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2012

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Character List

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

Major Characters

Alex is an eleven-year-old girl with a deep passion for reading and stories. Her intelligence and perfectionism often leave her feeling socially isolated at school, driving her to view fictional characters as her true friends. Following the tragic loss of her father, she holds tightly to the unique stories he shared with her and seeks comfort in the rules of classic tales.

Key Relationships

Twin Brother of Conner Bailey

Mother of Alex And Conner's Mom

Late Father of Alex And Conner's Dad

Friend of Froggy

Acquaintance of Snow White

Conner is Alex's eleven-year-old twin brother who struggles with schoolwork but thrives socially. He possesses a practical, observant nature and regularly points out the logical flaws in magical stories. He worries deeply about his mother's stress and uses humor and quick thinking to help his family survive their current hardships.

Key Relationships

Twin Sister of Alex Bailey

Mother of Alex And Conner's Mom

Late Father of Alex And Conner's Dad

Friend of Froggy

Unwanted Admirer of Trollbella

Advised by Sleeping Beauty

A notorious villain who escapes captivity to seek out the items required for the Wishing Spell. She carries deep emotional wounds from her past, driving her to commit terrible acts in the name of lost love. She uses her intelligence and commanding presence to bend others to her will.

Key Relationships

Stepdaughter of Snow White

Lost Love of Mira

Subordinate to Huntress

Former Servant of Huntsman

Manipulated by Goldilocks

A large, polite man living under a curse that transformed him into a frog. He resides alone in a hollowed-out hill, too ashamed of his appearance to interact with the outside world. He acts as an early guide for the twins, providing them with crucial information about the surrounding lands.

Key Relationships

A famous monarch with coal-black hair and pale skin. She seeks closure regarding the abuse she suffered as a child, displaying a highly compassionate and forgiving nature. She struggles to understand the true motives behind her stepmother's cruelty.

Key Relationships

Stepmother of Evil Queen/Evly

Acquaintance of Alex Bailey

Acquaintance of Conner Bailey

A hardened fugitive who has spent years on the run. She is fierce, independent, and capable of defending herself against multiple attackers with a sword. She harbors a bitter grudge over a past betrayal that forced her into a life of crime.

Key Relationships

Romantic Interest of Jack

Target of Evil Queen/Evly

A tall, broad-shouldered young man living a disillusioned life. He firmly rejects the lavish romantic advances directed at him, choosing instead to remain faithful to a woman he cannot safely be with due to her criminal status.

Key Relationships

True Love of Goldilocks

Pursued by Red Riding Hood

A kind, world-traveling woman with a deep knowledge of classic stories. She loves her grandchildren fiercely and provides them with a mysterious, glowing book that initiates their journey. She is also a powerful and respected authority figure in the fairy-tale world.

Key Relationships

Granddaughter of Alex Bailey

Grandson of Conner Bailey

Son of Alex And Conner's Dad

Supporting Characters

An elegant, pregnant queen working to earn the respect of her people. She is incredibly kind and approachable, openly discussing the pressures of royal life with her guests. She retains the optimistic spirit that helped her survive her own difficult past.

Key Relationships

Host to Alex Bailey

A vain, beautiful young woman who rules her own kingdom. She is heavily focused on her appearance and uses her position to relentlessly pursue a suitor who has no interest in her. She holds a dark secret regarding her rival's criminal status.

Key Relationships

Obsessed with Jack

Rival of Goldilocks

A dedicated ruler trying to rebuild her land after a century-long magical sleep. She looks constantly exhausted but refuses to rest until her people are fully awake and prospering again.

Key Relationships

Advised by Conner Bailey

Assisted by Alex Bailey

A figure from the past who was magically imprisoned in a mirror. His capture caused immense heartbreak, serving as the catalyst for dark actions taken to secure his freedom.

Key Relationships

Devoted to Evil Queen/Evly

A hardworking single mother struggling to keep her family afloat. She takes on extra nursing shifts to pay the bills following the tragic loss of her husband, often hiding her tears and exhaustion from her children.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Alex Bailey

Late Husband of Alex And Conner's Dad

The twins' late father, whose sudden death left a profound void. He was a charismatic storyteller who owned a mysterious journal detailing the locations of powerful magical items.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Alex Bailey

Wife of Alex And Conner's Mom

The highly capable daughter of an aging servant. She takes over her father's physical duties, tracking down rare items with ruthless efficiency and physical prowess.

Key Relationships

Father of Huntsman

Master of Evil Queen/Evly

A frail, aging man who once carried out dark orders. He is no longer physically able to complete demanding tasks and recruits his daughter to fulfill his master's requests.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Huntress

Former Master of Evil Queen/Evly

A young troll princess living in an underground territory. She uses her position of authority to demand physical affection from captives who catch her eye.

Key Relationships

Crush on Conner Bailey

A famous figure known for initiating seemingly harmless exchanges that have dire consequences. Now a wanted man across multiple lands, he expresses deep regret for his past choices and looks for ways to make amends.

Key Relationships

Fellow Captive of Alex Bailey

Fellow Captive of Conner Bailey

A small, highly emotional fairy facing severe punishment. She is brought before a council for breaking strict rules against using magic to retaliate against bullies.

Key Relationships

Defended by Alex Bailey

Defended by Conner Bailey