"Hour of the Olympics" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Hour of the Olympics" by Mary Pope Osborne, the main characters are Jack and Annie, who are the protagonists of the story. They are time-traveling siblings who embark on a mission to ancient Greece. The primary antagonist is Morgan le Fay, who attempts to prevent Jack and Annie from completing their mission. Additionally, there are several supporting characters such as Achilles, Hector, Zeus, Poseidon, and Apollo, who play important roles in the plot.

Character Descriptions

• Jack: Jack is a curious and resourceful boy who loves to read. He is the older sibling and takes on a responsible role in their time-traveling adventures. He has brown hair and blue eyes.
• Annie: Annie is Jack's younger sister, who is brave and adventurous. She often relies on her instincts and intuition. She has blonde hair and green eyes.
• Morgan le Fay: Morgan le Fay is a powerful sorceress and the main antagonist of the story. She is determined to stop Jack and Annie from completing their mission and often uses her magic to create obstacles for them.
• Achilles: Achilles is a legendary Greek hero known for his strength and bravery. He becomes an ally to Jack and Annie during their time in ancient Greece.
• Hector: Hector is a Trojan prince and warrior who plays a crucial role in the Trojan War. He helps Jack and Annie navigate the challenges they face in ancient Greece.
• Zeus: Zeus is the king of the gods in Greek mythology. He is portrayed as a powerful and wise figure who guides Jack and Annie on their quest.
• Poseidon: Poseidon is the god of the sea and an important character in Greek mythology. He aids Jack and Annie during their underwater adventures.
• Apollo: Apollo is the god of music, poetry, and medicine in Greek mythology. He assists Jack and Annie with his knowledge and skills.

Character Traits

• Jack: Intelligent, responsible, inquisitive
• Annie: Brave, intuitive, adventurous
• Morgan le Fay: Manipulative, powerful, cunning
• Achilles: Strong, courageous, loyal
• Hector: Brave, honorable, protective
• Zeus: Wise, authoritative, supportive
• Poseidon: Powerful, unpredictable, protective
• Apollo: Knowledgeable, skilled, helpful

Character Background

Jack and Annie are ordinary children who discover a magical treehouse that allows them to travel through time and space. In "Hour of the Olympics," they are transported to ancient Greece during the time of the first Olympic Games. Jack and Annie learn about the Greek culture, mythology, and the significance of the Olympic Games.

Morgan le Fay, an enchantress from the Arthurian legends, becomes the main antagonist in this adventure. She opposes Jack and Annie's mission and tries to thwart their efforts using her magic.

Achilles, Hector, Zeus, Poseidon, and Apollo are all characters from Greek mythology, brought to life in the story. They provide assistance, guidance, and challenges for Jack and Annie as they navigate the ancient Greek world.

Character Arcs

• Jack: Throughout the story, Jack grows in confidence and becomes more assertive in making decisions. He learns to trust his instincts and takes on a leadership role in their mission.
• Annie: Annie develops her problem-solving skills and becomes more independent. She learns to rely on her intuition and takes risks to overcome obstacles.
• Morgan le Fay: Morgan le Fay's character arc revolves around her pursuit of power. She becomes increasingly desperate to stop Jack and Annie, resorting to more dangerous and manipulative tactics.
• Achilles: Achilles starts off as a legendary hero but learns humility and the importance of teamwork through his interactions with Jack and Annie.
• Hector: Hector's character arc focuses on his loyalty and bravery. He helps Jack and Annie despite the risks involved, realizing the greater purpose of their mission.
• Zeus, Poseidon, and Apollo: These supporting characters remain consistent throughout the story, providing guidance, knowledge, and assistance to Jack and Annie.

Relationships

• Jack and Annie: As siblings, Jack and Annie share a strong bond and rely on each other during their time-traveling adventures. They complement each other's strengths and support one another.
• Jack and Morgan le Fay: Jack and Morgan le Fay have an adversarial relationship. Jack tries to outsmart Morgan le Fay and prevent her from interfering with their mission.
• Jack and Achilles: Jack develops a friendship with Achilles, and they work together to overcome challenges in ancient Greece.
• Jack and Hector: Jack and Hector form a mutual respect for each other's bravery and honor during their encounters.
• Jack and the Greek Gods: Jack forms a unique bond with Zeus, Poseidon, and Apollo. They guide him on his quest, providing him with knowledge and assistance.
• Annie and Morgan le Fay: Annie and Morgan le Fay's relationship is characterized by conflict. Annie tries to outwit Morgan le Fay and protect Jack and their mission.
• Annie and the Greek Gods: Annie's bravery and intuition earn her the respect and support of the Greek gods, who aid her in her adventures.

In conclusion, the characters in "Hour of the Olympics" by Mary Pope Osborne are well-developed and play crucial roles in the story. Jack and Annie's growth, Morgan le Fay's antagonistic nature, and the interactions with the supporting characters add depth to the narrative. Through their relationships and character arcs, the readers are taken on an exciting journey through ancient Greece and its mythology.