"The Secret of Platform 13" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Secret of Platform 13," the characters play various roles that shape the story's narrative. The two main protagonists, Odge Gribble and Raymond Trottle, embark on a magical adventure to rescue the kidnapped prince. They are supported by characters like Ben, Mrs. Trottle, Mr. Trottle, Cor, and Gurkin. The main antagonist, Dr. Hatchett, poses a threat to the characters and their mission.

Character Descriptions

Odge Gribble

Odge Gribble is a young hag who works as a nursemaid on the magical island of Platform 13. She has wild red hair, a pointy nose, and a mischievous smile. Odge is small in stature but possesses great bravery and determination.

Raymond Trottle

Raymond Trottle is a young boy who is kidnapped from King's Cross Station and taken to a secret island. He is the long-lost prince of the island and possesses magical powers. Raymond is described as having curly brown hair, glasses, and a kind-hearted demeanor.

Ben

Ben is a young kitchen boy on Platform 13 who becomes a loyal friend to Odge and Raymond. He is resourceful, quick-witted, and always ready to help. Ben has short blonde hair and a mischievous grin.

Mrs. Trottle

Mrs. Trottle is Raymond's overprotective and snobbish mother. She is described as tall, elegant, and always dressed in expensive clothing. Mrs. Trottle is initially dismissive of others but undergoes a transformation as the story progresses.

Mr. Trottle

Mr. Trottle is Raymond's absent-minded and kind-hearted father. He is tall with thinning hair and often lost in his own thoughts. Mr. Trottle adores his son and is willing to do anything to protect him.

Cor

Cor is a young mistmaker on Platform 13 who possesses the ability to create illusions. She is described as having long blue hair and a mischievous personality. Cor becomes a valuable ally to Odge and Raymond throughout their journey.

Gurkin

Gurkin is a feisty and loyal giant who works on Platform 13. He is incredibly strong and often provides comic relief with his clumsy nature. Gurkin has a heart of gold and is always there to lend a helping hand.

Dr. Hatchett

Dr. Hatchett is the main antagonist of the story. He is a mysterious and sinister character who kidnaps Raymond with the intention of keeping him as his own. Dr. Hatchett is described as having dark hair, a pale complexion, and a cold demeanor.

Character Traits

Odge Gribble

• Brave
• Determined
• Mischievous
• Resourceful

Raymond Trottle

• Kind-hearted
• Curious
• Intelligent
• Magical

Ben

• Resourceful
• Quick-witted
• Loyal
• Mischievous

Mrs. Trottle

• Snobbish
• Overprotective
• Transformative
• Caring

Mr. Trottle

• Absent-minded
• Kind-hearted
• Protective
• Lovable

Cor

• Mischievous
• Loyal
• Creative
• Supportive

Gurkin

• Clumsy
• Loyal
• Comedic
• Strong

Dr. Hatchett

• Mysterious
• Sinister
• Cold
• Evil

Character Background

Odge Gribble

Odge Gribble is a hag who was abandoned by her parents as a baby. She was found and taken in by the mistmakers on Platform 13, who raised her as their own. Despite her unconventional upbringing, Odge has become a skilled nursemaid and is beloved by the magical creatures on the island.

Raymond Trottle

Raymond Trottle is the son of wealthy parents, Mr. and Mrs. Trottle. He was kidnapped as a baby and taken to the magical island of Platform 13, where he was raised by the mistmakers. Raymond grows up unaware of his true identity until his twelfth birthday, when the secret of his royal lineage is revealed.

Ben

Ben is a young orphan who works as a kitchen boy on Platform 13. He has spent most of his life on the island and is familiar with its magical inhabitants. Ben possesses a deep sense of loyalty and a mischievous nature, making him an invaluable ally to Odge and Raymond.

Mrs. Trottle

Mrs. Trottle is a wealthy and snobbish woman who is initially portrayed as selfish and dismissive of others. However, her character undergoes a transformation as the story progresses, revealing a caring and protective side as she joins the mission to rescue her son.

Mr. Trottle

Mr. Trottle is Raymond's absent-minded father who deeply loves his son. He is often lost in his own thoughts but is willing to do anything to protect Raymond. Mr. Trottle's kind-hearted nature endears him to the other characters.

Cor

Cor is a young mistmaker who possesses the ability to create illusions. She is mischievous and creative, always looking for ways to amuse herself and others. Cor's background is not extensively explored in the story, but her loyalty and support make her an essential member of the rescue mission.

Gurkin

Gurkin is a giant who works on Platform 13 and has a heart of gold. He is known for his clumsiness and comedic nature, bringing laughter to the island's inhabitants. Despite his size, Gurkin is incredibly loyal and always ready to assist others.

Dr. Hatchett

Dr. Hatchett is a mysterious character with dark intentions. His background is shrouded in secrecy, and little is known about his past. He kidnaps Raymond for his own nefarious purposes, becoming the main antagonist of the story.

Character Arcs

Odge Gribble

Odge Gribble starts the story as a skilled nursemaid and a mischievous hag. Throughout the adventure to rescue Raymond, she displays immense bravery and determination, showcasing her growth as a character. Odge's arc revolves around her journey from being underestimated to proving herself as a capable and heroic individual.

Raymond Trottle

Raymond Trottle begins as an innocent and curious young boy who is unaware of his royal lineage. As he embarks on the journey to rescue himself, he discovers his magical powers and learns to embrace his true identity. Raymond's arc focuses on his self-discovery and acceptance of his responsibilities as the prince of the island.

Mrs. Trottle

Mrs. Trottle undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. Initially portrayed as a snobbish and dismissive character, she gradually becomes more caring and protective of Raymond. Her arc revolves around her realization that material wealth is not as important as the love and well-being of her son.

Cor

Cor's character arc emphasizes her growth as a loyal and supportive friend to Odge and Raymond. She starts as a mischievous mistmaker, but as the story progresses, she becomes more reliable and creative in assisting the protagonists. Cor's arc centers on her development as a trustworthy ally.

Relationships

Odge Gribble and Raymond Trottle

Odge and Raymond form a strong bond throughout their journey to rescue the prince. Their friendship is based on mutual trust and reliance. Odge provides the bravery and resourcefulness, while Raymond brings his magical abilities and kindness to the table. Together, they overcome various challenges and develop a deep understanding of each other.

Ben and Odge Gribble

Ben and Odge share a close friendship built on their shared experiences on Platform 13. Ben's resourcefulness and mischievous nature complement Odge's bravery and determination. They rely on each other's strengths, working together to overcome obstacles and support Raymond's rescue mission.

Mrs. Trottle and Raymond Trottle

Initially distant, the relationship between Mrs. Trottle and Raymond evolves as the story progresses. Mrs. Trottle's love for her son becomes evident as she joins the rescue mission and risks her own safety for him. Raymond, in turn, learns to appreciate his mother's care and understand her motivations.

Mr. Trottle and Raymond Trottle

Mr. Trottle's love for his son is unwavering throughout the story. Despite his absent-minded nature, he is always there to support Raymond. Their relationship highlights the importance of familial bonds and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.

Odge Gribble and Cor

Odge and Cor develop a strong friendship based on trust and support. Cor's illusions and creativity prove invaluable in their mission to rescue Raymond. Odge's bravery and determination inspire Cor to become a more reliable and loyal friend.

In conclusion, "The Secret of Platform 13" by Eva Ibbotson presents a diverse range of characters with unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships. The protagonists, Odge Gribble and Raymond Trottle, undergo significant character arcs, transforming from ordinary individuals into heroes. The supporting characters, such as Ben, Cor, and Gurkin, contribute to the story's development and provide valuable assistance to the main characters. The antagonist, Dr. Hatchett, poses a constant threat and adds tension to the narrative. Through their interactions and relationships, these characters bring depth and excitement to the enchanting world of Platform 13.