"Mister Monday" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Mister Monday" by Garth Nix, the main character, Arthur Penhaligon, is a young boy who becomes the Key-Bearer and is tasked with defeating the antagonist, Mister Monday. Mister Monday is one of the seven Trustees of the House, a parallel universe that Arthur stumbles upon. Arthur's friends, Suzy Turquoise Blue, Leaf, and Sneezer, assist him in his quest to save the House and the world from destruction.

The other characters in the book, including Mister Monday's henchman, the other Trustees (Grim Tuesday, Drowned Wednesday, Sir Thursday, Lady Friday, Superior Saturday, and Lord Sunday), and various creatures and denizens of the House, play supporting roles in Arthur's journey.

Character Descriptions

Arthur Penhaligon

Arthur Penhaligon is a twelve-year-old boy with a heart condition. He is described as being tall and thin, with unruly brown hair. Arthur is initially portrayed as timid and unsure of himself but grows in confidence as he embraces his role as the Key-Bearer.

Mister Monday

Mister Monday is one of the seven Trustees of the House. He is described as a tall, thin man with a pale face and a long nose. He wears a white suit and carries a silver walking stick. Mister Monday possesses a powerful artifact called the First Key, which Arthur must retrieve in order to save the House.

Suzy Turquoise Blue

Suzy Turquoise Blue is Arthur's friend and classmate. She is described as having a mischievous smile and curly blue hair. Suzy is brave and resourceful, often assisting Arthur on his adventures in the House.

Leaf

Leaf is another one of Arthur's friends. He is described as having messy red hair and a perpetually dirty face. Leaf is curious and adventurous, always eager to explore new places in the House.

Sneezer

Sneezer is another one of Arthur's friends and is named for his tendency to sneeze at inopportune moments. He is described as small and wiry, with short brown hair. Sneezer is clever and observant, often noticing important details that others may overlook.

Mister Monday's Noon

Mister Monday's Noon is a loyal servant of Mister Monday. He is described as a tall figure dressed in black robes, with a hood that obscures his face. Mister Monday's Noon possesses the power to manipulate time and creates various challenges for Arthur throughout the book.

Character Traits

Arthur Penhaligon

• Timid
• Determined
• Brave
• Resourceful

Mister Monday

• Selfish
• Manipulative
• Power-hungry
• Calculating

Suzy Turquoise Blue

• Adventurous
• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Quick-witted

Leaf

• Curious
• Energetic
• Loyal
• Observant

Sneezer

• Clever
• Astute
• Sensitive
• Supportive

Mister Monday's Noon

• Mysterious
• Obedient
• Cruel
• Manipulative

Character Background

Arthur Penhaligon

Arthur Penhaligon is a twelve-year-old boy who recently moved to a new town with his family. He has a heart condition that requires him to carry medication at all times. Arthur's father is a doctor, and his mother is often away on business trips, leaving Arthur feeling somewhat lonely and isolated.

Mister Monday

Mister Monday is one of the seven Trustees of the House, each of whom is responsible for overseeing a portion of the universe. He has ruled over the Lower House for centuries, accumulating vast wealth and power. Mister Monday became corrupt and selfish, causing the House to fall into decay.

Suzy Turquoise Blue

Suzy Turquoise Blue is Arthur's classmate and friend. She is known for her adventurous spirit and love of exploration. Suzy's parents are archaeologists, which has instilled in her a curiosity about the world and a desire for adventure.

Leaf

Leaf is a boy who lives in Arthur's neighborhood. He is often seen playing outside and has a reputation for getting into mischief. Leaf's parents are artists, and he has grown up with a love of creativity and imagination.

Sneezer

Sneezer is a classmate of Arthur and Suzy. He is named for his tendency to sneeze at unexpected times, which often leads to humorous situations. Sneezer is a sensitive and caring friend, always looking out for others.

Mister Monday's Noon

Mister Monday's Noon is a powerful servant of Mister Monday. He is responsible for carrying out Mister Monday's orders and ensuring the smooth running of the Lower House. Little is known about his background or origin.

Character Arcs

Arthur Penhaligon

Throughout the book, Arthur undergoes a significant character arc. Initially timid and unsure of himself, he is thrust into the role of Key-Bearer and must face numerous challenges and dangers. As he embraces his role and gains confidence, Arthur becomes more determined and brave, ultimately saving the House from destruction.

Mister Monday

Mister Monday's character arc revolves around his descent into corruption and selfishness. Once a benevolent Trustee, he becomes consumed by his desire for power and wealth. Mister Monday's arc ends with his defeat at the hands of Arthur, highlighting the consequences of his actions.

Suzy Turquoise Blue, Leaf, and Sneezer

While Suzy, Leaf, and Sneezer do not undergo significant character arcs in "Mister Monday," they play important supporting roles in Arthur's journey. Their loyalty, bravery, and resourcefulness contribute to the overall plot and help Arthur overcome various obstacles.

Other Trustees

The other Trustees of the House, including Grim Tuesday, Drowned Wednesday, Sir Thursday, Lady Friday, Superior Saturday, and Lord Sunday, each have their own character arcs throughout the series. However, their arcs are not fully explored in "Mister Monday."

Relationships

Arthur Penhaligon and Suzy Turquoise Blue

Arthur and Suzy's friendship deepens throughout the book as they face the challenges of the House together. They rely on each other for support, and their loyalty to one another is unwavering.

Arthur Penhaligon and Leaf

Arthur and Leaf's friendship evolves from a casual acquaintance to a close bond. Leaf's adventurous nature complements Arthur's determination, and together they make a formidable team.

Arthur Penhaligon and Sneezer

Sneezer's sensitivity and astuteness make him an invaluable friend to Arthur. He often provides insights and observations that help Arthur navigate the challenges of the House.

Arthur Penhaligon and Mister Monday's Noon

Arthur and Mister Monday's Noon have a tense and adversarial relationship. Mister Monday's Noon serves as an obstacle for Arthur throughout the book, creating challenges and attempting to thwart his progress.

Arthur Penhaligon and the other Trustees

While the other Trustees are not heavily featured in "Mister Monday," their existence and actions contribute to the overall conflict. They are portrayed as powerful and dangerous adversaries, setting the stage for future confrontations with Arthur.

In conclusion, "Mister Monday" by Garth Nix features a diverse cast of characters with unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships. Arthur Penhaligon, the protagonist, undergoes a significant character arc as he embraces his role as the Key-Bearer and faces the challenges of the House. Mister Monday, the main antagonist, represents corruption and the consequences of greed and power. The supporting characters, including Arthur's friends and the other Trustees, contribute to the overall plot and add depth to the story. The relationships between the characters provide both support and conflict, shaping the narrative and driving the plot forward.