"Sorcerer to the Crown" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Sorcerer to the Crown" by Zen Cho, there are several key characters that play significant roles in the story. The two main protagonists are Zacharias Wythe and Prunella Gentleman. Zacharias is a freed slave and the Sorcerer Royal of Britain, while Prunella is a young woman with magical abilities. The primary antagonist is Sir Stephen Wythe, Zacharias's adoptive father. Other supporting characters include Mak Genggang, Damerell, Rollo, and Mrs. Daubeney.

Character Descriptions

• Zacharias Wythe: Zacharias is a tall and dignified man with dark skin and a serious demeanor. He possesses great magical talent and is highly skilled in using his powers. Zacharias is often seen wearing formal attire befitting his role as the Sorcerer Royal.
• Prunella Gentleman: Prunella is a young woman of mixed race with striking features and a mischievous smile. She has a natural affinity for magic, which she discovers as the story progresses. Prunella is known for her intelligence and resourcefulness.
• Sir Stephen Wythe: Sir Stephen is an older man with a stern expression and an air of superiority. He is Zacharias's adoptive father and harbors a deep resentment towards him. Sir Stephen is a powerful sorcerer and uses his influence to manipulate others.
• Mak Genggang: Mak Genggang is an old witch and a formidable magical force. She is wise and mysterious, often appearing in unexpected places and offering advice to those in need. Mak Genggang is known for her elaborate traditional dress and her ability to see beyond the surface.
• Damerell: Damerell is a young man with a charming personality and a talent for magic. He becomes a close friend to Zacharias and Prunella, offering support and assistance throughout their journey. Damerell is known for his wit and his ability to lighten tense situations.
• Rollo: Rollo is a mischievous and loyal familiar, taking the form of a small dragon. He is fiercely protective of Prunella and accompanies her on her adventures. Rollo's presence adds an element of humor to the story.
• Mrs. Daubeney: Mrs. Daubeney is a formidable and influential woman who plays a significant role in the magical society. She is known for her sharp mind and her ability to manipulate others to achieve her goals.

Character Traits

• Zacharias Wythe: Zacharias is intelligent, honorable, and dedicated to his duties as the Sorcerer Royal. He is reserved and often struggles with the weight of his responsibilities. Zacharias is fiercely loyal to his friends and has a strong sense of justice.
• Prunella Gentleman: Prunella is resourceful, quick-witted, and determined. She possesses a strong sense of self and is not afraid to challenge societal norms. Prunella is also compassionate and caring towards others, often using her abilities to help those in need.
• Sir Stephen Wythe: Sir Stephen is manipulative, power-hungry, and resentful. He sees Zacharias as a threat to his own position and does everything in his power to undermine him. Sir Stephen is willing to use others as pawns to achieve his own goals.
• Mak Genggang: Mak Genggang is wise, mysterious, and enigmatic. She possesses a deep understanding of magic and the world around her. Mak Genggang is also kind-hearted and offers guidance to those who seek it.
• Damerell: Damerell is charismatic, witty, and kind-hearted. He is a loyal friend to Zacharias and Prunella, always ready to lend a helping hand. Damerell uses his charm and wit to diffuse tense situations and bring levity to the story.
• Rollo: Rollo is mischievous, loyal, and protective. He is fiercely devoted to Prunella and often gets into amusing situations. Rollo adds a lighthearted element to the story and serves as a source of comic relief.
• Mrs. Daubeney: Mrs. Daubeney is cunning, intelligent, and manipulative. She is skilled at playing the political game and uses her influence to further her own agenda. Mrs. Daubeney is a complex character who is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain her position of power.

Character Background

• Zacharias Wythe: Zacharias was born into slavery but was freed and adopted by Sir Stephen Wythe, who recognized his magical potential. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, Zacharias rose to become the Sorcerer Royal. He struggles with his identity and the expectations placed upon him.
• Prunella Gentleman: Prunella was raised at Mrs. Daubeney's School for Gentlewitches, where she worked as a secretary. She discovers her own magical abilities and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and her powers.
• Sir Stephen Wythe: Sir Stephen is a powerful magician who adopted Zacharias and trained him in magic. He resents Zacharias for surpassing him in skill and becoming the Sorcerer Royal. Sir Stephen is driven by a desire for power and control.
• Mak Genggang: Mak Genggang is an ancient witch with a rich and mysterious background. She has a deep connection to magic and serves as a mentor to Zacharias and Prunella.
• Damerell: Damerell comes from a wealthy magical family and has a privileged background. He befriends Zacharias and Prunella and uses his resources to assist them in their quest.
• Rollo: Rollo's background is not explicitly explored in the book, but he is depicted as a loyal and mischievous familiar who is deeply devoted to Prunella.
• Mrs. Daubeney: Mrs. Daubeney is a powerful and influential figure in magical society. Her background is shrouded in mystery, but she is known for her cunning and ability to manipulate others.

Character Arcs

• Zacharias Wythe: Throughout the story, Zacharias undergoes a transformation from a reserved and burdened individual to a confident and empowered sorcerer. He learns to embrace his own identity and challenge the oppressive structures of society.
• Prunella Gentleman: Prunella's character arc revolves around self-discovery and empowerment. She starts as a secretary at Mrs. Daubeney's school but discovers her own magical abilities and becomes a force to be reckoned with. Prunella learns to navigate a world that seeks to suppress her and finds strength in her own abilities.
• Sir Stephen Wythe: Sir Stephen's character arc is one of deceit and manipulation. He schemes and plots to maintain his position of power, but ultimately faces the consequences of his actions.
• Mak Genggang: Mak Genggang is a static character who serves as a guiding force throughout the story. She imparts wisdom and guidance to Zacharias and Prunella but does not undergo significant changes herself.
• Damerell: Damerell's character arc revolves around friendship and loyalty. He starts as a casual acquaintance but becomes a trusted ally to Zacharias and Prunella. Damerell learns the importance of standing up for what is right and supporting those he cares about.
• Rollo: Rollo's character arc is subtle, but he learns to trust and rely on Prunella and becomes more attuned to his own instincts as the story progresses.
• Mrs. Daubeney: Mrs. Daubeney remains a manipulative and power-hungry character throughout the story, with no significant changes to her arc.

Relationships

• Zacharias and Prunella: Zacharias and Prunella form a strong bond throughout the story. They support and trust each other, overcoming societal barriers and working together to challenge the status quo.
• Zacharias and Sir Stephen: Zacharias and Sir Stephen have a strained relationship due to Sir Stephen's resentment towards Zacharias's success. Their interactions are often tense and filled with conflict.
• Prunella and Mrs. Daubeney: Prunella and Mrs. Daubeney have a complex relationship. Prunella initially idolizes Mrs. Daubeney but later comes to realize the true nature of her manipulation.
• Prunella and Damerell: Prunella and Damerell develop a close friendship and rely on each other throughout their journey. They provide each other with support and encouragement.
• Prunella and Rollo: Prunella and Rollo share a deep bond of trust and loyalty. Rollo serves as Prunella's familiar and protector, adding a touch of whimsy to their relationship.

The characters in "Sorcerer to the Crown" are richly developed and contribute to the intricacies of the story. Each character plays a unique role, and their interactions and development add depth to the narrative. From the protagonists' growth and self-discovery to the antagonists' manipulations, the relationships and character arcs in the book make for a compelling read.