"Under Wildwood" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Under Wildwood" by Colin Meloy, the characters play various roles in the story. Prue McKeel, the protagonist, embarks on a journey to rescue her baby brother from the perilous Wildwood. Curtis, Prue's friend, accompanies her on this adventure. Richard McKeel, Prue's father, provides support and guidance throughout the story. Alexis, Dowdy, and Septimus are creatures that aid Prue and Curtis in their quest. The Dowager Governess serves as the main antagonist, creating obstacles for Prue and Curtis. The Mystics, a group of magical beings, play a supporting role in the narrative.

Character Descriptions

• Prue McKeel: Prue is a brave and determined young girl with a strong sense of responsibility. She has long brown hair, bright green eyes, and a compassionate heart. Prue possesses a natural curiosity and an unwavering loyalty to her family and friends.
• Curtis: Curtis is Prue's loyal friend, always ready to support her in their adventures. He has short blond hair, a mischievous smile, and a quick wit. Curtis is resourceful and often acts as the comic relief in tense situations.
• Richard McKeel: Prue's father, Richard, is a kind and loving parent. He has a rugged appearance with a beard and weathered features. Richard is a skilled woodworker and imparts his wisdom and knowledge to Prue, encouraging her to be brave and independent.
• Alexis: Alexis is a wise and mysterious creature, resembling a talking raven. He has jet-black feathers and piercing blue eyes. Alexis possesses ancient knowledge of the Wildwood and guides Prue and Curtis through their journey.
• Dowdy: Dowdy is a small, furry creature with large, expressive eyes. She has the ability to communicate with animals and serves as a loyal companion to Prue and Curtis. Dowdy's appearance is reminiscent of a squirrel mixed with a rabbit.
• Septimus: Septimus is a towering, tree-like creature with a gentle demeanor. He is covered in moss and has branches and leaves protruding from his body. Septimus possesses magical abilities and provides crucial assistance to Prue and Curtis.
• The Dowager Governess: The Dowager Governess is the main antagonist of the story. She is a powerful and manipulative sorceress who seeks to control the Wildwood for her own nefarious purposes. The Dowager Governess is depicted as a tall, regal woman with dark flowing hair and piercing green eyes.
• The Mystics: The Mystics are a diverse group of magical beings that inhabit the Wildwood. They possess various abilities and appearances, ranging from ethereal and graceful to grotesque and enigmatic. The Mystics play a supportive role in Prue and Curtis' journey, offering guidance and assistance when needed.

Character Traits

• Prue McKeel: Brave, determined, curious, loyal, compassionate.
• Curtis: Loyal, resourceful, witty, mischievous.
• Richard McKeel: Kind, loving, wise, skilled.
• Alexis: Wise, mysterious, knowledgeable, loyal.
• Dowdy: Communicative, loyal, furry, perceptive.
• Septimus: Gentle, magical, towering, helpful.
• The Dowager Governess: Powerful, manipulative, regal, dark.
• The Mystics: Diverse, magical, supportive, enigmatic.

Character Background

• Prue McKeel: Prue is a twelve-year-old girl who lives in Portland. She loves exploring and spending time in nature. When her baby brother is kidnapped and taken to the Wildwood, Prue's determination and love for her family drive her to embark on a dangerous journey to rescue him.
• Curtis: Curtis is Prue's best friend and lives in the same neighborhood. He shares Prue's adventurous spirit and often joins her in exploring the woods near their homes. Curtis's loyalty and quick thinking make him an invaluable companion on their quest.
• Richard McKeel: Richard is Prue's father and a skilled woodworker. He has a deep connection to nature and has taught Prue to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Richard's support and guidance provide Prue with the strength to face the challenges of the Wildwood.
• Alexis: Alexis is an ancient creature with extensive knowledge of the Wildwood. He has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations within its borders. Alexis becomes a mentor and guide for Prue and Curtis, helping them navigate the treacherous terrain and understand the creatures they encounter.
• Dowdy: Dowdy is a creature native to the Wildwood. She befriends Prue and Curtis and aids them in their journey. Dowdy's ability to communicate with animals proves invaluable, allowing the group to navigate through dangerous situations and form alliances with the creatures of the Wildwood.
• Septimus: Septimus is a mystical being deeply connected to the trees and plants of the Wildwood. He possesses magical abilities that assist Prue and Curtis in their quest. Septimus acts as a guardian and protector, ensuring their safety as they traverse the enchanted forest.
• The Dowager Governess: The Dowager Governess is a sorceress who seeks to control the Wildwood and bend its inhabitants to her will. Her background and motivations are shrouded in mystery, but her immense power and manipulation make her a formidable adversary for Prue and Curtis.
• The Mystics: The Mystics are a diverse group of magical beings that have made the Wildwood their home. They have unique backgrounds and abilities, ranging from seers and healers to warriors and tricksters. The Mystics have a deep understanding of the Wildwood's secrets and play a crucial role in supporting Prue and Curtis on their journey.

Character Arcs

• Prue McKeel: Prue begins her journey as a curious and adventurous girl, but her experiences in the Wildwood test her bravery and determination. She learns to rely on her instincts and make difficult decisions to protect her loved ones. Prue's character arc involves personal growth, as she becomes more confident and resilient throughout her quest.
• Curtis: Curtis starts as a mischievous and quick-witted friend to Prue. As the story progresses, he realizes the seriousness of their mission and the dangers they face. Curtis's character arc involves the development of a deeper sense of responsibility and the discovery of inner strength.
• The Dowager Governess: The Dowager Governess is initially portrayed as a powerful and manipulative antagonist. However, as the story unfolds, her motivations and background are revealed, adding depth to her character. Her arc involves a potential redemption or a deeper descent into darkness.

Relationships

• Prue and Curtis: Prue and Curtis share a close friendship rooted in their shared love for adventure and exploration. Their bond strengthens as they face the challenges of the Wildwood together, relying on each other's strengths and providing support in times of need.
• Prue and Richard McKeel: Prue and her father, Richard, have a loving and supportive relationship. Richard's wisdom and guidance inspire Prue to face her fears and take risks. Their bond strengthens as Prue's journey unfolds, and Richard's faith in his daughter's abilities grows.
• Prue and Alexis: Prue and Alexis form a mentor-student relationship. Alexis imparts his knowledge of the Wildwood to Prue, helping her understand the complexities of the magical realm. Their relationship deepens as they rely on each other's strengths to overcome obstacles in their path.
• Prue and Dowdy: Prue and Dowdy quickly form a strong friendship based on trust and loyalty. Dowdy's ability to communicate with animals proves invaluable in their journey, and Prue's compassion and kindness towards Dowdy solidify their bond.
• Prue and Septimus: Prue and Septimus develop a relationship based on mutual respect and trust. Septimus's guidance and magical abilities aid Prue on her quest, and Prue's determination and bravery earn his admiration and friendship.

The relationships between the characters in "Under Wildwood" contribute to the depth and richness of the story, highlighting the importance of friendship, family, and the power of unity in the face of adversity.