"The Northern Lights" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Northern Lights" by Lucy Jago, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Robyn, takes center stage as a young girl with a curious and brave spirit. Other notable characters include the historical figures Sir John Franklin, Matthew Henson, Lady Jane Franklin, and Captain Crozier, who add depth and historical context to the story.

Character Descriptions

Robyn

Robyn is the main character in "The Northern Lights." She is a young girl who possesses a curious and adventurous spirit. Throughout the book, Robyn's determination and resourcefulness are evident as she embarks on a journey to solve a mystery. Her physical appearance is described as having unruly red hair and bright blue eyes, which mirror her fiery personality.

Sir John Franklin

Sir John Franklin is a historical figure in the book, known for his role as an explorer. He is portrayed as a seasoned and respected explorer with a strong desire to uncover the secrets of the Arctic. Franklin is described as a tall and weathered man, with a graying beard and piercing blue eyes. His presence in the story adds a sense of authority and historical significance.

Matthew Henson

Matthew Henson, another historical figure, is an African-American explorer who accompanies Sir John Franklin on his Arctic expedition. Henson is depicted as a skilled and knowledgeable explorer, with a calm and composed demeanor. He is described as having dark skin, and his physical strength and resilience are emphasized throughout the book.

Lady Jane Franklin

Lady Jane Franklin is the wife of Sir John Franklin. She is a determined and strong-willed woman who supports her husband's explorations. Lady Jane is depicted as elegant and sophisticated, with a regal air about her. Her character adds a touch of femininity and emotional depth to the story.

Captain Crozier

Captain Crozier is a historical figure and a naval officer who is also part of the Arctic expedition. He is portrayed as a seasoned sailor with a no-nonsense attitude. Captain Crozier's physical description includes a strong build and a weathered face, reflecting years of experience at sea. His character adds a sense of authority and leadership to the narrative.

Character Traits

Robyn

• Curious: Robyn's insatiable curiosity drives her to explore and unravel the mysteries surrounding the Arctic.
• Brave: Despite facing dangerous situations, Robyn displays courage and resilience, never shying away from challenges.
• Resourceful: Robyn's ability to think on her feet and find creative solutions helps her navigate through difficult situations.

Sir John Franklin

• Adventurous: Sir John Franklin's passion for exploration and discovery pushes him to venture into uncharted territories.
• Determined: Franklin's unwavering determination to uncover the secrets of the Arctic fuels his relentless pursuit of knowledge.
• Commanding: As a respected leader, Franklin commands authority and inspires his crew with his decisive nature.

Matthew Henson

• Knowledgeable: Matthew Henson's extensive knowledge of Arctic expeditions and survival skills make him an invaluable asset to the team.
• Composed: Henson's calm and composed demeanor allows him to stay level-headed in challenging situations.
• Loyal: Henson's unwavering loyalty to Sir John Franklin and his dedication to the mission make him a trusted companion.

Lady Jane Franklin

• Supportive: Lady Jane Franklin's unwavering support for her husband's expeditions reflects her dedication to his dreams and ambitions.
• Determined: Lady Jane's determination to find her husband and bring him back home drives her actions throughout the story.
• Resilient: Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Lady Jane displays resilience and strength, never losing hope.

Captain Crozier

• Disciplined: Captain Crozier's strict adherence to rules and protocols ensures the smooth operation of the expedition.
• Experienced: Crozier's years of experience at sea make him a knowledgeable and capable leader.
• Pragmatic: Crozier's practical approach to problem-solving allows him to make sound decisions in difficult circumstances.

Character Background

Robyn

Robyn's background is not extensively explored in the book. She is introduced as a young girl with a natural curiosity and a deep appreciation for adventure. Her family background and personal history are not prominent aspects of the narrative, as the focus is primarily on her journey and interactions with the historical figures.

Sir John Franklin, Matthew Henson, Lady Jane Franklin, and Captain Crozier

As historical figures, Sir John Franklin, Matthew Henson, Lady Jane Franklin, and Captain Crozier have well-documented backgrounds. The book briefly touches upon their previous expeditions and achievements, but their personal lives and upbringing are not extensively explored. However, their historical significance and contributions to the field of exploration are highlighted.

Character Arcs

Robyn

Robyn's character arc revolves around her growth from an inquisitive young girl to a determined and resourceful explorer. As she embarks on her journey to solve the mystery of the Northern Lights, Robyn faces numerous challenges that test her bravery and resilience. Through these experiences, she learns valuable lessons about herself and the world around her, ultimately emerging as a stronger and more independent individual.

Sir John Franklin, Matthew Henson, Lady Jane Franklin, and Captain Crozier

Since the historical figures in the book are based on real individuals, their character arcs are aligned with their actual lives and achievements. However, the book provides insights into their motivations, struggles, and personal growth throughout the Arctic expedition. These characters face physical and emotional challenges that shape their perspectives, leading to personal transformations and revelations.

Relationships

Robyn and Sir John Franklin

Robyn forms a unique bond with Sir John Franklin as he becomes her mentor and guide during her journey. Franklin recognizes Robyn's potential and encourages her curiosity, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and admiration.

Robyn and Matthew Henson

Matthew Henson becomes a mentor figure to Robyn, sharing his knowledge and wisdom about Arctic exploration. Their relationship is characterized by trust and camaraderie as they face the challenges of the Arctic together.

Lady Jane Franklin and Sir John Franklin

Lady Jane Franklin's relationship with her husband, Sir John Franklin, is portrayed as one of deep love and support. Despite the physical distance between them, Lady Jane's determination to find her husband and bring him back home drives her actions throughout the story.

Captain Crozier and Sir John Franklin

Captain Crozier's relationship with Sir John Franklin is one of professional respect and collaboration. As fellow explorers, they share a common goal and work together to navigate the challenges of the Arctic. However, their differing approaches to leadership sometimes create tension between them.

In conclusion, "The Northern Lights" by Lucy Jago introduces a diverse cast of characters, including the protagonist Robyn and several historical figures. Each character brings unique qualities and perspectives to the story, contributing to the overall narrative and character development. The book explores their roles, traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships, providing readers with an engaging and immersive reading experience.