"Prisoners in the Palace" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Liza is the protagonist of "Prisoners in the Palace" and the main character through whose eyes the story unfolds. Princess Victoria, Will, John Brown, Aunt Charlotte, Miss Edmonds, Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria serve as supporting characters, each playing a crucial role in Liza's journey.

Character Descriptions

Liza is a young maidservant to Princess Victoria. She is resourceful and intelligent, using her wit to navigate the treacherous waters of the palace. With her auburn hair and green eyes, Liza is described as having a striking appearance that catches the attention of those around her.

Princess Victoria is the future queen of England. She is portrayed as a spirited and curious young woman, eager to break free from the constraints of palace life. With her fair complexion and golden curls, Princess Victoria is a symbol of youthful innocence and potential.

Will is a footman who works alongside Liza in the palace. He is depicted as a kind-hearted and loyal friend, always ready to support Liza in her endeavors. With his tall stature and dark hair, Will exudes a quiet strength and reliability.

John Brown is a Scottish servant who becomes a confidant and ally to Liza. He is characterized as a gruff yet compassionate man, fiercely protective of those he cares about. With his rugged features and piercing blue eyes, John Brown stands out as a steadfast presence.

Aunt Charlotte is Liza's aunt and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria. She is portrayed as an elegant and sophisticated woman, well-versed in the intricacies of court etiquette. With her refined mannerisms and graceful demeanor, Aunt Charlotte commands respect and admiration.

Miss Edmonds is a governess to Princess Victoria. She is depicted as a strict and authoritative figure, dedicated to molding Victoria into a proper future queen. With her prim appearance and stern expression, Miss Edmonds embodies a sense of discipline and control.

Prince Albert is the Prince Consort and Victoria's future husband. He is characterized as a charming and charismatic individual, deeply in love with Victoria. With his regal bearing and charismatic smile, Prince Albert exudes an aura of royalty and charm.

Queen Victoria is the reigning monarch of England. She is depicted as a formidable and strong-willed woman, determined to maintain her power and influence. With her majestic presence and commanding voice, Queen Victoria embodies the essence of authority and leadership.

Character Traits

Liza is resourceful, intelligent, brave, and compassionate. She possesses quick thinking and adaptability, enabling her to navigate the challenges she faces in the palace.

Princess Victoria is curious, independent, rebellious, and idealistic. She longs for freedom and yearns to make a difference in the world.

Will is kind-hearted, loyal, dependable, and supportive. He provides unwavering support to Liza and is always ready to lend a helping hand.

John Brown is gruff, protective, loyal, and compassionate. He serves as Liza's protector and confidant, offering guidance and support when needed.

Aunt Charlotte is elegant, sophisticated, knowledgeable, and influential. She possesses a deep understanding of court life and plays a crucial role in guiding Liza through the complexities of palace politics.

Miss Edmonds is strict, authoritative, disciplined, and dedicated. She is committed to molding Princess Victoria into a proper queen and maintaining order within the palace.

Prince Albert is charming, charismatic, romantic, and supportive. He deeply loves Victoria and provides her with emotional support and encouragement.

Queen Victoria is formidable, strong-willed, authoritative, and determined. She is committed to upholding her position as queen and protecting the monarchy.

Character Background

Liza grew up in poverty and worked as a pickpocket before finding employment in the palace. Her humble background and street smarts give her a unique perspective as she navigates the complexities of court life.

Princess Victoria was born into royalty and has lived a sheltered life within the palace walls. Despite her privileged upbringing, she yearns for freedom and resents the restrictions placed upon her.

Will comes from a working-class background and has worked his way up through the ranks to become a footman. His hard work and dedication have earned him a position of trust within the palace.

John Brown hails from Scotland and has a background as a soldier. His experiences have shaped him into a loyal and protective individual, always ready to defend those he cares about.

Aunt Charlotte comes from a noble family and has served in the palace for many years. Her knowledge of court etiquette and connections make her an invaluable ally to Liza.

Miss Edmonds is a governess with a background in education and etiquette. Her strict upbringing and dedication to her role as a tutor have shaped her into a disciplined and authoritative figure.

Prince Albert was born into German nobility and married Queen Victoria. His love for Victoria and desire to support her in her role as queen drives his actions and decisions.

Queen Victoria ascended to the throne at a young age and has ruled England for many years. Her determination to maintain the monarchy and protect her position has shaped her into a formidable leader.

Character Arcs

Liza undergoes a significant character arc throughout the story. Initially driven by survival instincts and a desire for a better life, she eventually finds purpose and a sense of belonging within the palace. Liza learns to navigate the complexities of court life, gaining confidence and discovering her own strength along the way.

Princess Victoria also experiences a character arc as she transitions from a sheltered teenager to a future queen. She matures emotionally and gains a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and challenges that come with her position. Victoria learns to balance her desire for freedom with her duty to the crown.

Will provides a steady presence throughout the story, offering support and friendship to Liza. While his character arc may be less pronounced than others, his loyalty and steadfastness remain constant.

John Brown undergoes a transformation as he develops a close bond with Liza and becomes her protector. His gruff exterior softens, revealing a compassionate and fiercely loyal side.

Aunt Charlotte serves as a mentor to Liza, guiding her through the intricacies of court life. Her influence helps shape Liza's character arc, as she learns to navigate the political landscape within the palace.

Miss Edmonds plays a critical role in Princess Victoria's character development, instilling discipline and etiquette. As Victoria rebels against Miss Edmonds' teachings, their relationship evolves, leading to a greater understanding and mutual respect.

Prince Albert supports Victoria throughout her journey, providing emotional support and encouragement. His love for Victoria remains steadfast, and his presence enhances her character arc as she grows into her role as queen.

Queen Victoria undergoes a subtle character arc as she learns to trust and rely on others, particularly Liza and Prince Albert. Her relationship with Liza evolves from skepticism to respect and trust, highlighting her growth as a leader.

Relationships

Liza's relationship with Princess Victoria forms the heart of the story. Their friendship and mutual support drive the narrative, as they navigate the challenges of palace life together. Liza's loyalty and resourcefulness often come to Victoria's aid, while Victoria's determination and rebellious spirit inspire Liza.

Liza also forms a close bond with Will, who becomes her confidant and ally. Their friendship provides emotional support and a sense of belonging in the palace.

John Brown serves as a mentor and protector to Liza, offering guidance and support. His gruff exterior hides a compassionate nature, and his unwavering loyalty becomes a source of strength for Liza.

Aunt Charlotte acts as a mentor and guide for Liza, providing valuable insight into court politics and etiquette. Liza's relationship with Aunt Charlotte evolves from skepticism to trust, as Liza learns to navigate the complexities of palace life.

Miss Edmonds' relationship with Princess Victoria is initially characterized by strict discipline and clashes of wills. However, as Victoria rebels against Miss Edmonds' teachings, their relationship gradually evolves into one of mutual respect and understanding.

Prince Albert's relationship with Princess Victoria is one of love and support. His presence provides emotional stability and encouragement, as Victoria navigates the challenges of her role as queen.

Queen Victoria's relationship with Liza evolves from skepticism to trust and respect. Liza's loyalty and resourcefulness earn her the queen's admiration, and Liza becomes an important figure in Queen Victoria's life.

In conclusion, "Prisoners in the Palace" by Michaela MacColl features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships. The interactions between these characters drive the story forward, as they navigate the complexities of palace life and undergo personal growth and transformation. Liza, Princess Victoria, Will, John Brown, Aunt Charlotte, Miss Edmonds, Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria each contribute to the rich tapestry of the narrative, making "Prisoners in the Palace" a captivating read.