Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mia Thermopolis | Protagonist | A teenage girl who discovers she is a princess. |
| Grand-mère | Mentor | Mia's grandmother and the Queen of Genovia. |
| Lilly Moscovitz | Best friend | Mia's loyal and outspoken best friend. |
| Michael Moscovitz | Friend/Love Interest | Lilly's older brother and Mia's crush. |
| Lana Weinberger | Antagonist | Popular girl and Mia's high school rival. |
| Boris | Royal Advisor | Grand-mère’s assistant and palace aide. |
Role Identification
| Character Name | Role in Story |
|---|---|
| Mia Thermopolis | Central character; experiences growth from ordinary teenager to accepting royal duties. |
| Grand-mère | Guide and mentor; introduces Mia to royal responsibilities. |
| Lilly Moscovitz | Support system; offers honest advice and friendship. |
| Michael Moscovitz | Romantic interest; provides emotional support and challenges Mia. |
| Lana Weinberger | Antagonist; creates conflict by challenging Mia's social standing. |
| Boris | Facilitator; helps Mia navigate palace life and protocols. |
Character Descriptions
Mia Thermopolis
Mia is an awkward, relatable teenage girl who struggles with her new royal identity. She is witty, self-deprecating, and often overwhelmed by expectations. Her journey involves balancing her normal life with the demands of royalty.
Grand-mère
The Queen of Genovia, Grand-mère is regal yet practical. She is determined to prepare Mia for her future role, often using tough love. Despite her stern exterior, she cares deeply for Mia.
Lilly Moscovitz
Lilly is fiercely loyal and outspoken. She supports Mia unconditionally and often provides comic relief. Her bluntness sometimes causes friction but her friendship is unwavering.
Michael Moscovitz
Michael is intelligent, kind, and confident. As Lilly’s older brother and Mia’s crush, he represents a grounded presence in Mia's chaotic life. His subtle encouragement helps Mia grow.
Lana Weinberger
Lana is the quintessential high school queen bee, manipulative and jealous. She embodies the social challenges Mia faces and acts as a foil to Mia’s genuine nature.
Boris
Boris is the royal advisor who offers guidance on protocol and etiquette. He balances formality with a dry sense of humor, easing Mia’s transition into royal life.
Character Traits
| Character Name | Key Traits |
|---|---|
| Mia Thermopolis | Humble, witty, insecure, brave, compassionate |
| Grand-mère | Authoritative, wise, strict, caring |
| Lilly Moscovitz | Loyal, blunt, humorous, protective |
| Michael Moscovitz | Supportive, intelligent, patient, charismatic |
| Lana Weinberger | Manipulative, jealous, popular, superficial |
| Boris | Formal, pragmatic, humorous, resourceful |
Character Background
Mia Thermopolis
Mia lives a typical New York City life until she learns she is heir to the Genovian throne. Raised by her single mother, Mia is initially unprepared for royal life. Her background highlights the contrast between ordinary adolescence and royal expectations.
Grand-mère
As the reigning Queen, Grand-mère has a strong sense of duty. Her past reign has taught her the importance of tradition and responsibility, which she tries to instill in Mia.
Lilly Moscovitz
Lilly comes from a liberal, supportive family. Her background as Mia’s best friend grounds Mia in reality and provides emotional stability.
Michael Moscovitz
Michael is a college student with a deep interest in science and literature. His maturity contrasts with high school drama, influencing Mia’s perspective on life.
Lana Weinberger
Lana's privileged background fosters her entitlement and social dominance. She resents Mia's sudden rise in status and seeks to undermine her.
Boris
Boris has served the royal family for decades. His knowledge of palace protocols and history makes him an essential guide for Mia.
Character Arcs
| Character Name | Development Arc Summary |
|---|---|
| Mia Thermopolis | Evolves from insecure teenager to confident princess embracing her dual identity. |
| Grand-mère | Shifts from strict mentor to more understanding grandmother, balancing tradition with empathy. |
| Lilly Moscovitz | Maintains loyalty while learning to accept Mia’s changes and growing independence. |
| Michael Moscovitz | Moves from observer to active supporter, deepening his relationship with Mia. |
| Lana Weinberger | From antagonist to a symbol of social obstacles Mia must overcome, with occasional moments of vulnerability. |
| Boris | Continues as a steady presence, adapting his methods to support Mia’s growth. |
Relationships
Mia and Grand-mère
Their relationship is complex, marked by expectations and love. Grand-mère pushes Mia to embrace her royal duties, while Mia struggles to meet these demands without losing her identity.
Mia and Lilly
Best friends with a strong bond, Lilly challenges Mia to stay true to herself. Their friendship is a pillar of support amid Mia’s transformation.
Mia and Michael
Their relationship develops from friendship to romantic interest. Michael’s encouragement helps Mia navigate personal and royal challenges.
Mia and Lana
Rivalry defines much of their interaction. Lana’s antagonism tests Mia’s resilience and confidence, highlighting social conflicts.
Grand-mère and Boris
Professional and respectful, their relationship supports the royal household’s smooth functioning. Boris aids Grand-mère in mentoring Mia.
Mia and Boris
Boris acts as a mentor in etiquette and royal protocol, often offering dry humor to ease Mia’s anxiety.
This comprehensive character analysis of Meg Cabot’s Princess in Training reveals the depth and dynamics of its characters, highlighting their roles, traits, and growth throughout the story. The interplay of relationships enriches Mia Thermopolis’s journey from ordinary girl to poised princess.
