"The Butterfly Lion" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Butterfly Lion" by Michael Morpurgo, the story revolves around three main characters: Bertie, Millie, and Michael. Bertie is the protagonist, a young boy who embarks on a remarkable adventure. Millie is Bertie's friend and companion throughout his journey. Michael is the narrator, an older man who reflects on his experiences with Bertie and shares them with the readers.

Character Descriptions

• Bertie: Bertie is a courageous and compassionate young boy. He has a deep love for animals and a longing for adventure. With his fair hair and bright blue eyes, Bertie is described as having a contagious smile that lights up a room. He possesses an innocent and curious nature, making him endearing to those around him.
• Millie: Millie is a kind-hearted and loyal girl who becomes Bertie's best friend. She has long, flowing brown hair and expressive hazel eyes. Millie is depicted as having a gentle demeanor and a natural affinity for animals. She is intelligent and supportive, always standing by Bertie's side.
• Michael: Michael is the older version of Bertie, reflecting on his past experiences. He has a weathered appearance, with grey hair and wrinkles that tell the stories of his life. Michael's eyes hold a mix of wisdom and nostalgia, as he recounts the adventures he had with Bertie and the impact they had on his life.
• The Lion: The Lion is a majestic and mysterious creature who plays a significant role in Bertie's journey. He has a golden mane and piercing amber eyes that reflect his strength and wisdom. The Lion is portrayed as both gentle and fierce, embodying the duality of nature. He becomes Bertie's guardian and protector, guiding him through life's challenges.
• The Butterfly: The Butterfly is a delicate and ethereal character who appears at crucial moments in the story. It has vibrant, colorful wings that symbolize transformation and freedom. The Butterfly serves as a symbol of hope and rebirth, inspiring Bertie to embrace change and overcome adversity.
• Miss Lewes: Miss Lewes is Bertie's compassionate and nurturing teacher. She has a warm smile and a gentle voice that make her approachable to the students. Miss Lewes recognizes Bertie's potential and encourages his love for animals and nature. She acts as a guiding figure and a source of support for Bertie throughout his journey.
• Mr. Baker: Mr. Baker is the strict and authoritative headmaster of Bertie's school. He is depicted as a tall, stern man with a booming voice that commands attention. Mr. Baker initially disapproves of Bertie's adventurous spirit and tries to suppress his dreams. However, his character evolves as he witnesses Bertie's growth and learns the value of embracing one's passions.
• The Old Soldier: The Old Soldier is a mysterious and wise character who shares Bertie's love for animals. He has a grizzled appearance and carries the weight of his past experiences. The Old Soldier becomes a mentor to Bertie, teaching him valuable life lessons and imparting his wisdom.

Character Traits

• Bertie: Brave, compassionate, adventurous, curious, resilient.
• Millie: Kind-hearted, loyal, gentle, supportive, intelligent.
• Michael: Reflective, wise, nostalgic, empathetic, introspective.
• The Lion: Majestic, mysterious, gentle, fierce, protective.
• The Butterfly: Delicate, ethereal, transformative, inspirational, hopeful.
• Miss Lewes: Compassionate, nurturing, supportive, encouraging, understanding.
• Mr. Baker: Strict, authoritative, evolving, observant, understanding.
• The Old Soldier: Mysterious, wise, grizzled, mentor, resilient.

Character Background

• Bertie: Bertie comes from a humble background, growing up on a farm in Devon, England. He develops a deep connection with animals from a young age, often exploring the countryside and encountering various creatures. His adventurous spirit and love for animals shape his character and journey throughout the story.
• Millie: Millie is a kind-hearted girl who lives near Bertie's farm. She shares his love for animals and becomes his best friend and companion on his adventures. Millie's background is not extensively explored in the book, but her unwavering loyalty and supportive nature demonstrate her genuine friendship with Bertie.
• Michael: Michael is the older version of Bertie, reflecting on his past experiences. He has led a life filled with adventures and has been deeply impacted by his encounters with Bertie, the Lion, and the Butterfly. Michael's background is intertwined with his memories and reflections on his time spent with Bertie.

Character Arcs

• Bertie: Bertie experiences a significant character arc throughout the story. He starts as a curious and adventurous young boy, longing for freedom and excitement. As he embarks on his journey with the Lion and encounters the Butterfly, Bertie learns valuable life lessons about love, loss, and the importance of cherishing moments. His character evolves into a resilient and compassionate individual who finds a sense of belonging.
• Millie: Millie's character arc is intertwined with Bertie's journey. As Bertie's steadfast companion, Millie grows in confidence and courage alongside him. She learns to overcome her fears and stands up for what she believes in. Millie's loyalty and support for Bertie remain unwavering, making her an essential part of his transformation.
• Michael: Michael's character arc is reflective and introspective. As he narrates the story, he delves into his memories and emotions, uncovering the impact Bertie had on his life. Michael's arc involves coming to terms with loss, finding solace in memories, and understanding the profound influence of love and friendship.

Relationships

• Bertie and Millie: Bertie and Millie share a deep and genuine friendship. They are kindred spirits who understand and support each other. Their bond grows stronger as they embark on adventures together, facing challenges and celebrating victories side by side.
• Bertie and the Lion: Bertie forms a unique bond with the Lion, who becomes his protector and guide. The Lion helps Bertie navigate through life's obstacles, teaching him valuable lessons about bravery and resilience. Their relationship symbolizes the connection between humans and nature.
• Bertie and the Butterfly: The Butterfly appears at pivotal moments in Bertie's life, providing him with hope and inspiration. Their relationship represents transformation and the power of embracing change. The Butterfly encourages Bertie to see the beauty in life and guides him towards his destiny.
• Bertie and Miss Lewes: Miss Lewes recognizes Bertie's potential and supports his love for animals. She acts as a mentor figure, nurturing his growth and encouraging his dreams. Their relationship showcases the impact of a supportive teacher on a young child's development.
• Bertie and the Old Soldier: The Old Soldier becomes a mentor to Bertie, sharing his wisdom and love for animals. He guides Bertie on his journey and imparts valuable life lessons. Their relationship represents the passing down of knowledge and the importance of intergenerational connections.

In conclusion, "The Butterfly Lion" by Michael Morpurgo introduces a captivating cast of characters. Bertie, Millie, and Michael take center stage, each undergoing personal growth and transformation. Through their relationships with the Lion, the Butterfly, and other supporting characters, they learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the power of embracing one's passions. "The Butterfly Lion" is a heartwarming tale that reminds readers of the profound connections between humans and nature, and the impact of these relationships on our lives.