Keyword Guide · character-analysis

Characters in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

This guide explains the major characters in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and why they matter. Use it to review key traits, motivations, and relationships for quizzes, discussions, and essays.

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The Pevensie Siblings

Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are the story’s central human characters. Peter develops into a responsible leader, often associated with courage and fairness. Susan is practical and cautious, valuing safety and reason. Edmund begins as resentful and makes harmful choices, but his arc focuses on guilt, forgiveness, and growth. Lucy is curious and trusting, showing steady moral clarity from the start. Together, they represent different responses to power, temptation, and responsibility.

Aslan

Aslan is the moral and symbolic center of the story. He represents authority combined with compassion and justice. His actions guide the fate of Narnia and influence the growth of other characters, especially Edmund. In analysis, Aslan is often discussed in terms of leadership, sacrifice, and moral law rather than simple heroism.

The White Witch

The White Witch functions as the main antagonist. She rules through fear, control, and manipulation, keeping Narnia in an unnatural state. Her character highlights themes of tyranny and deception, serving as a contrast to Aslan’s leadership style. She also plays a key role in testing Edmund’s weaknesses.

Supporting Characters: Mr. Tumnus and Others

Mr. Tumnus introduces Lucy to Narnia and models the conflict between fear and conscience. Though minor compared to the main cast, his choices reinforce the story’s moral themes. Other supporting characters help show how ordinary inhabitants of Narnia respond to oppression and hope, adding depth to the world.

Who is the most important character in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?

Aslan is often seen as the most important because his decisions shape the plot and moral structure of the story, even though the Pevensie children drive much of the action.

Why is Edmund’s character arc important?

Edmund’s arc shows how poor choices lead to consequences, but also how accountability and forgiveness allow personal change. This makes him central to theme-based essay questions.

How should I write a character analysis essay for this novel?

Focus on one character’s traits, key decisions, and development over time. Connect those points to larger themes like leadership, morality, or temptation, and support ideas with specific events rather than quotations.

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