The Story of the Amulet Summary

The eldest of the children, often the leader and voice of reason.

Cyril is the eldest of the five children, often taking on the role of the reluctant leader. He is generally sensible and tries to apply logic to their magical predicaments, though he frequently gets exasperated by his siblings' impulsiveness. He is responsible and often worried about the consequences of their wishes. His character develops as he learns to accept the unpredictable nature of magic and takes on more responsibility for his younger siblings, especially during the serious illness of the Lamb. He often tries to mediate disputes among them.

Relationships: Anthea (Younger sister, often his confidante); Robert (Younger brother, often bickering but loyal); Jane (Younger sister, often a source of innocent questions); The Lamb (Infant brother, whom he deeply cares for); Psammead (Magical guide and source of frustration)

The kind and imaginative second eldest, often the most empathetic.

Anthea is the second eldest and often the most compassionate and imaginative of the children. She is nurturing, especially towards Jane and the Lamb, and often tries to find the good in people, even historical figures like Queen Hatasu. She is practical but also open to the wonders of magic, making her a balance between Cyril's logic and Robert's adventurousness. Her empathy allows her to connect with the Psammead and other characters they meet on their journeys, often providing comfort and understanding.

Relationships: Cyril (Eldest brother, often a source of support); Robert (Younger brother); Jane (Younger sister, whom she often comforts); The Lamb (Infant brother, whom she dotes on); Psammead (Magical creature, whom she often pities)

The adventurous and sometimes reckless middle child, always eager for excitement.

Robert is the middle child, known for his adventurous spirit and occasional recklessness. He is the most enthusiastic about their magical adventures and often suggests the most daring wishes. He can be impulsive and sometimes thoughtless, leading to comical or difficult situations. Despite his flaws, he is brave and loyal to his siblings. His experiences travelling through time temper some of his impulsiveness, as he learns the consequences of ill-considered wishes, particularly when the Lamb falls ill.

Relationships: Cyril (Eldest brother, often bickering but shares adventures); Anthea (Older sister); Jane (Younger sister); The Lamb (Infant brother); Psammead (Magical creature, whose grumpiness he sometimes ignores)

The youngest of the older children, often innocent and curious.

Jane is the youngest of the four older children, characterized by her innocence, curiosity, and sometimes naive questions. She often observes things that the others miss and can be a source of unexpected wisdom or simple, direct truths. She is easily frightened but also capable of great bravery when her siblings or the Lamb are in danger. Her perspective often highlights the wonder and absurdity of their magical journeys, and she provides a contrast to her older siblings' more complex reactions.

Relationships: Cyril (Eldest brother); Anthea (Older sister, whom she looks up to); Robert (Older brother); The Lamb (Infant brother, whom she cares for); Psammead (Magical creature, who sometimes frightens her)

The baby of the family, whose illness drives a significant plotline.

Hilary, affectionately known as 'the Lamb,' is the baby of the family. Though he cannot speak, his well-being is central to a major plot arc when he falls gravely ill. His innocence and vulnerability highlight the children's deepening sense of responsibility and love for each other. His illness prompts the children's desperate attempts to find a cure using the Amulet, leading them to various historical healers. His eventual recovery, facilitated by the complete Amulet, signifies the resolution of a major conflict and the Amulet's true healing power.

Relationships: Cyril (Older brother, protective); Anthea (Older sister, doting); Robert (Older brother); Jane (Older sister, caring)

The magical sand-fairy, a grumpy but knowledgeable guide.

The Psammead is the magical sand-fairy rediscovered by the children in a pet shop. Though it can no longer grant wishes in the same way it did in their previous adventures, it becomes their guide and source of information regarding the Amulet. It is often grumpy, sarcastic, and easily annoyed by the children's questions or foolishness, but it possesses vast ancient knowledge about magic, history, and the Amulet's true nature. Its tragic backstory, revealed towards the end, explains its diminished powers and adds depth to its character, ultimately serving as a mentor figure.

Relationships: Cyril (Often annoyed by his questions); Anthea (Responds better to her empathy); Robert (Often exasperated by his impulsiveness); Jane (Sometimes startled by her directness)

An ancient Babylonian queen, brought to modern London by a wish.

Queen Hatasu is an imperious, magnificent, and utterly out-of-place ancient Babylonian queen, accidentally wished into modern London by the children. She embodies ancient royalty, demanding absolute obedience and luxury, and is completely baffled by modern customs, technology, and social structures. Her presence creates much of the novel's humor and dramatic irony, as the children struggle to accommodate her and keep her existence a secret. She inadvertently provides the children with the 'Word of Power' for the Amulet, making her crucial to their quest.

Relationships: The Children (Her reluctant hosts and attendants)

The Roman general and statesman, encountered during the children's time travel.

Julius Caesar is the renowned Roman general and statesman whom the children encounter during their time travel to ancient Rome and his invasion of Britain. He is depicted as intelligent, commanding, and ambitious, providing the children with a firsthand glimpse into a pivotal moment in history. Their interactions with him are brief but impactful, allowing them to witness his strategic mind and the might of the Roman Empire. He represents the power and influence of great historical figures, further expanding the children's understanding of different eras.

Relationships: The Children (Brief observers and minor participants in his historical narrative)

The children's kind and often worried mother.

The children's mother is a kind and loving figure, often concerned about her children's well-being. She falls ill early in the book, prompting the children's initial search for remedies and making their magical adventures more poignant. She remains largely unaware of her children's magical escapades, highlighting the secret world the children inhabit. Her distress over the Lamb's illness is a significant emotional driver for the plot, and her eventual relief upon his recovery provides a satisfying conclusion to that storyline. She represents the grounding reality of their home life.

Relationships: The Children (Her beloved children, whom she cares for deeply)