"The Wolves in the Walls" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Neil Gaiman's "The Wolves in the Walls," the main character is Lucy, a young girl who discovers that there are wolves living inside the walls of her house. Lucy's parents and brother play supporting roles throughout the story. Additionally, the wolves and a pig puppet also have significant roles within the narrative.

Character Descriptions

• Lucy: Lucy is a curious and imaginative young girl. She has short, dark hair and is depicted as brave and determined. Lucy's facial expressions and body language effectively convey her emotions throughout the story.
• Lucy's Parents: Lucy's parents are portrayed as caring and concerned individuals. They are supportive of Lucy but also dismissive of her fears about the wolves in the walls. They are depicted as average-sized adults with warm and comforting facial features.
• Lucy's Brother: Lucy's brother is an older sibling who often teases Lucy. He is shown as a mischievous character with a playful personality. He has light-colored hair and a mischievous grin.
• The Wolves: The wolves are the primary antagonists of the story. They are depicted as large, menacing creatures with sharp teeth and glowing eyes. Each wolf has a distinct personality, ranging from cunning to intimidating.
• Pig Puppet: The pig puppet is a supporting character that Lucy interacts with throughout the story. It is portrayed as a friendly and understanding companion to Lucy.

Character Traits

• Lucy: Lucy is curious, imaginative, brave, and determined. She possesses a strong sense of adventure and is willing to confront her fears to protect her family.
• Lucy's Parents: Lucy's parents are caring, supportive, and protective. They are skeptical of Lucy's claims about the wolves initially but ultimately prioritize her safety and well-being.
• Lucy's Brother: Lucy's brother is mischievous, playful, and sometimes teasing. Despite his antics, he cares for Lucy and helps her face the wolves in the walls.
• The Wolves: The wolves are cunning, intimidating, and relentless. They are driven by their desire to reclaim their territory and instill fear in Lucy and her family.
• Pig Puppet: The pig puppet is friendly, empathetic, and serves as a source of comfort for Lucy. It provides her with a sense of security during her encounters with the wolves.

Character Background

• Lucy: Lucy is a young girl who loves exploring and has a vivid imagination. She lives in a house with her parents and brother, leading a relatively normal life until she discovers the wolves in the walls.
• Lucy's Parents: Lucy's parents are nurturing and protective individuals. They provide a stable and loving environment for Lucy, but they initially dismiss her claims about the wolves as mere imagination.
• Lucy's Brother: Lucy's brother, though mischievous, cares for Lucy and supports her when the wolves become a real threat. He is an integral part of their family dynamic.
• The Wolves: The wolves previously inhabited the house but were driven out by Lucy's ancestors. They have been living in the walls, waiting for an opportunity to return and reclaim their territory.
• Pig Puppet: The origin of the pig puppet is not explicitly mentioned in the story. However, it serves as a symbol of comfort and support for Lucy during her encounters with the wolves.

Character Arcs

• Lucy: Throughout the story, Lucy's character arc revolves around her transformation from a curious child to a brave and resourceful protagonist. She overcomes her initial fear of the wolves and takes charge to protect her family and home.
• Lucy's Parents: Although they initially dismiss Lucy's fears, Lucy's parents experience a character arc as they witness the reality of the wolves in the walls. They become more supportive and protective of Lucy, acknowledging the danger they face.
• Lucy's Brother: Lucy's brother experiences a minor character arc as he transitions from teasing Lucy to supporting her in her battle against the wolves. He learns the importance of family and teamwork.
• The Wolves: The wolves' character arcs revolve around their attempts to instill fear in Lucy and her family. However, they are ultimately outwitted, highlighting their failure to reclaim their territory.
• Pig Puppet: The pig puppet remains a constant source of comfort and support for Lucy throughout the story. Its presence helps Lucy maintain her courage and determination.

Relationships

• Lucy and her Parents: Lucy shares a loving and supportive relationship with her parents. Although they initially doubt her claims about the wolves, they come together to protect their family and confront the threat.
• Lucy and her Brother: Lucy's relationship with her brother is characterized by playful teasing. However, when faced with the danger of the wolves, they unite and support each other.
• Lucy and the Wolves: Lucy's relationship with the wolves is one of fear and confrontation. As the story progresses, she becomes determined to face them and protect her family.
• Lucy and the Pig Puppet: Lucy's relationship with the pig puppet provides her with comfort and companionship. The puppet serves as a confidant and a source of strength during her encounters with the wolves.

Overall, "The Wolves in the Walls" explores themes of bravery, family, and the power of imagination. Lucy's journey from fear to courage, along with the support of her family and the pig puppet, showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.