grants her the right to execute traitors, like Edmund who betrayed the other children, Aslan acknowledges her truthfulness. Only one way exists to save Edmund. With Lucy and Susan watching in secret, and without his friends or even Edmund knowing of his sacrifice, Aslan endures taunting and torture by the White Witch and her followers. Even worse, the White Witch declares that despite Aslan's sacrifice, she will still kill Edmund. The scene is profoundly moving, especially the sight of the battered and lifeless Aslan. Aslan's death for Edmund evokes deep emotions: sorrow, anger, fear, and despair. His suffering seems without purpose.

However, had the White Witch known of the "deeper magic from before the dawn of Time," she would have realized that if an innocent being sacrifices himself for a traitor, then "Death itself would start working backwards." Aslan is resurrected as a playful and happy lion, delighting in the company of Lucy and Susan. Later, in battle, the good creatures, with Aslan's assistance, redeem their land. Edmund is forgiven and redeems himself by fighting bravely and outsmarting the White Witch. The themes of forgiveness and redemption make The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a story of hope, demonstrating that evil deeds can be undone.

Aslan

Aslan is the Great Lion, the King of Beasts, the ruler of Narnia, Lord of the woodlands, and the son of the great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. His mission is evident from the moment he returns to Narnia: to vanquish evil by serving others. The initial stage of Aslan's service involves melting the witch's winter and ushering in spring. This is followed by Father Christmas distributing gifts to the Pevensie children and the woodland creatures. Upon the children's arrival at the Stone Table, Aslan extends his hospitality to all, but he particularly guides Peter in thinking and acting like a military leader. Aslan's help to Edmund is threefold: he dispatches his forces to rescue Edmund from the White Witch, has a life-changing conversation with Edmund, and, in the ultimate act of selflessness, sacrifices his own life so that Edmund may live.

Simultaneously, Aslan is saving all of Narnia from annihilation according to the Deep Magic, which decrees that unless a life is sacrificed for the crime of treachery, Narnia will be destroyed by fire and water. While the witch believes she has secured ultimate victory and control over Narnia, Aslan knows that true triumph will be his due to the Deeper Magic, which asserts that death will be reversed when an innocent victim willingly sacrifices themselves in place of a traitor. By performing this ultimate service for Edmund and Narnia, Aslan is able to return to life and fulfill his purpose. His subsequent actions swiftly bring an end to evil's rule: he breathes life into the stone statues and defeats the White Witch with his jaws. The final phase of Aslan's service is to crown the Pevensie children as kings and queens of Narnia, after which he departs to attend to other lands.

Mr. Beaver

Mr. Beaver is a wise, diligent, and pragmatic creature committed to the cause of good in Narnia's struggle against evil. With unwavering faith in Aslan and belief in the ancient prophecies, he takes it upon himself to lead the Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve to Aslan. Upon learning of their arrival in Narnia, he immediately takes action. At great personal risk, Mr. Beaver befriends the Pevensie children in the wood, warns them of the witch's spies, and invites them into his home. From there, he leads his wife and three of the children on a perilous journey to meet Aslan, who will save Edmund and all of Narnia from the White Witch. At the children's coronation, Mr. Beaver is recognized and honored for his faith and service.

Mrs. Beaver

Mrs. Beaver, the compassionate wife of Mr. Beaver, is devoted to aiding, comforting, and supporting others. Her sewing machine being her most prized possession underscores her commitment. Together with her husband, she prepares a lavish meal for the Pevensie children. Later, with minimal assistance from her husband, she packs provisions for their journey to the Stone Table. Although Mr. Beaver and the children are eager to depart and believe Mrs. Beaver is wasting precious time, they later appreciate her foresight during the challenging journey. She tends to the injured Edmund and tenderly holds her husband's hand while awaiting the outcome of Aslan's private conversation with the White Witch. The children adore Mrs. Beaver and honor her with gifts at their coronation.

Emperor-beyond-the-Sea

The Emperor-beyond-the-Sea is Aslan's father and the creator of Narnia's laws. Although he is never seen, his influence is evident in the discussions about the Deep and Deeper Magic. Mr. Beaver refers to the White Witch as his "hangman," who relishes causing death. However, according to the Deeper Magic, death is not the end, and the Emperor sends Aslan to Narnia to reveal this profound truth.

Father Christmas

Unlike the cheerful Santa Claus known on the other side of the wardrobe, Father Christmas is grand, joyful, and most importantly, real. Though he shares the white beard and bright red robe with Santa Claus, his presence makes the children both happy and solemn. His arrival signals the weakening of the Witch's spell and the return of Aslan. As Aslan's helper, he bestows gifts upon the Pevensie children and the creatures of the wood to aid them in their fight against evil.

The Lion

The lion, turned to stone by the White Witch in her courtyard, initially frightens Edmund. Once Edmund realizes the lion is made of stone, he mocks the majestic beast by drawing a mustache and glasses on its face. Aslan, however, demonstrates his high regard for lions by first breathing life back into the stone lion. Later, Aslan astonishes the lion by referring to them collectively as "Us Lions," saying, "Those who are good with their noses must come in the front with us lions to smell out where the battle is." By using this pronoun, Aslan treats the lion as an equal, bestowing dignity and honor upon him, bringing the lion immense joy. The children further honor and reward the lion during their coronation.

Mrs. Macready

Mrs. Macready, the Professor's housekeeper, isn't particularly fond of children. Her responsibility is to guide visitors through the house, and she strictly instructs the children to stay out of her way during these tours. The children's adventure in Narnia begins and ends on a day when Mrs. Macready is leading a tour; to avoid her, the children hide in the wardrobe and find themselves in Narnia. When they return, Mrs. Macready is still occupied with the visitors.

Maugrim

Maugrim, also known as Fenris Ulf in British editions, is a menacing grey wolf and the Captain of the White Witch's Secret Police. His cunning nature is evident when he pretends to be one of the Witch's statues to ambush Edmund. However, his inability to control his anger ultimately leads to his downfall. After Maugrim chases Susan up a tree, Peter attacks him with a sword. Although Peter's initial strike misses, Maugrim becomes so enraged that he howls, giving Peter just enough time to drive his sword into Maugrim's heart.

Edmund Pevensie

Edmund, the second youngest of the Pevensie siblings and the most troublesome, resents the self-righteousness of his older brother Peter and the maternal control of his sister Susan. He is only older than Lucy, and he channels his frustration towards her with relentless teasing and cruelty. Even after experiencing Narnia himself, he betrays Lucy by denying her story to Peter and Susan. Upon their arrival in Narnia, Edmund inadvertently reveals that he has been there before, prompting Peter to call him a "poisonous little beast." Edmund then vows to take revenge on his siblings.

The main motivation behind Edmund's quest for revenge is neither his unlucky position in the sibling rivalry nor an inherent wickedness. Instead, he is propelled by an overwhelming hunger for both food and power, fueled by the Witch's dark magic. The spell cast by consuming the Witch's Turkish Delight doesn't erase Edmund's moral compass; rather, it makes his sense of right and wrong seem trivial compared to his intense cravings. As Edmund approaches the Witch's castle, the narrator notes that, deep down, Edmund knew the Witch was malevolent and Aslan was benevolent. However, his thirst for power prevented him from reconciling with his siblings. It is only during his journey with the Witch that he begins to realize how gravely he has misjudged her, leading to a change of heart. This transformation is evident when he pleads with the Witch not to turn a joyful group of woodland creatures into stone. Edmund's newfound compassion is sincere, as the narrator remarks, it was "the first time in this story [Edmund] felt sorry for someone besides himself."

After being rescued by Aslan's forces and having a private conversation with Aslan, Edmund emerges as a transformed individual. He apologizes to his siblings and later proves his bravery by destroying the Witch's wand during a battle. Aslan knights him for his courage and eventually crowns him as one of Narnia's kings. The hard lessons Edmund learns early in life shape him into "a graver and quieter man than Peter, and great in council and judgment." He earns the title "King Edmund the Just."

Lucy Pevensie

Although Lucy is the youngest of the Pevensie children, she is the most observant and insightful, and it is through her perspective that Lewis narrates the story. When the children first encounter the Robin, Lucy intuitively understands that the bird wants them to follow it. On the night when Lucy and Susan are unable to sleep, Lucy senses that something is wrong with Aslan and suggests they seek him out. (In both cases, her intuition proves accurate.) However, it is Lucy's smaller observations that add depth to her character: When Aslan claps his paws together, Lucy notes, "Terrible paws … if he didn't know how to velvet them!"; and just before Aslan's death, she perceives him as looking "braver, and more beautiful, and more patient than ever."

Lucy acts as a contrast to Edmund: whereas Edmund is deceitful and self-centered, Lucy is honest and generous. She prioritizes helping others and puts their needs before her own. When she learns that Mr. Tumnus has been captured, her immediate thought is that she and her siblings must try to rescue him. Until Mr. Beaver informs her that only Aslan can save him, Lucy is solely concerned with Mr. Tumnus's safety. Similarly, the first question Lucy asks Aslan is whether anything can be done to save Edmund. Reflecting her altruistic and compassionate nature, Father Christmas gives Lucy a cordial made from the healing juice of fire-flowers that grow on the sun, a gift intended for aiding others. Interestingly, Lucy's only misstep occurs when using this gift. She administers the juice to a wounded Edmund and waits for it to take effect, neglecting other injured individuals around her. When Aslan points out her mistake, she responds sharply, but he gently yet firmly reminds her, "Must more people die for Edmund?" Lucy immediately feels remorseful and promptly begins healing the others.

Lucy earns the title "Queen Lucy the Valiant" after ascending to the throne. Throughout her reign, she remains joyful and golden-haired, attracting the admiration of many local princes who desire her as their queen.

Peter Pevensie

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe follows Peter Pevensie, the eldest sibling, as he transforms from a thirteen-year-old boy into the High King of Narnia. Early on, Peter exhibits qualities befitting a king: his preference for majestic animals like eagles, stags, and hawks on the estate grounds indicates a regal nature; his choice to withhold judgment on Lucy's story until all facts are known demonstrates the wisdom needed for effective leadership; and his decision to appoint Lucy as the leader upon their arrival in Narnia shows sound judgment. Peter's leadership abilities become more pronounced as the story unfolds. When the beavers and children reach the Stone Table, Susan and Lucy are too anxious to approach Aslan, so Peter steps forward first. He also shows courage and integrity by accepting partial responsibility for Edmund's actions, telling Aslan that his anger towards Edmund "helped him to go wrong."

Before Peter can be named High King, he must first develop one crucial trait: bravery in the heat of battle. Aslan understands this, so when Susan blows her horn, he sends Edmund to confront Maugrim alone. Peter is gripped by fear, but knowing that both his and his sister's lives are at stake, he conquers his terror and defeats Maugrim. Due to this courageous act, Aslan entrusts Peter with the command of his army. Although Peter is uneasy about leading a battle without Aslan's presence, he does not retreat. Instead, he embraces the challenge and, the following day, leads a valiant charge against the White Witch's malevolent forces. This battle is Peter's ultimate test and preparation for high kingship, as it measures his leadership capabilities. He triumphs, and in a display of nobility, credits Edmund for the victory. Lucy then observes a transformation in Peter, noting, "His face was so pale and stern and he seemed so much older." Her observation highlights Peter's significant growth and readiness to become High King.

By the conclusion of the story, the courage Peter once lacked has become his greatest asset. He evolves into "a great warrior" with a broad chest and earns the title "Peter the Magnificent."

Susan Pevensie

Susan Pevensie, the second oldest sibling, takes on a maternal role among her brothers and sisters. Unlike Peter and Lucy, she lacks leadership qualities and intuitive insight. Instead, she is practical, highly cautious, and somewhat self-centered. When they discover Mr. Tumnus's arrest, Susan concludes that Narnia "doesn't seem particularly safe." Concerned about the falling temperatures and lack of food, she suggests they return home. It is only after Lucy argues for rescuing Mr. Tumnus that Susan agrees it is the right thing to do, though she admits she does not "want to go a step further" and "wishes [they]'d never come." When the children follow the robin, Susan's initial reaction is again to choose the safest and most practical option: going home.

Susan's cautious nature arises from her tendency to focus on the negative aspects of challenging situations and anticipate the worst possible outcomes. Her short-sightedness contrasts sharply with Lucy's perceptiveness, leading to frequent misjudgments that Lucy often corrects. For instance, when they discuss Aslan's unusual behavior, Susan expresses her suspicion that Aslan might "steal away and leave" before the battle. In contrast, Lucy, who trusts Aslan and cares deeply for him, correctly predicts that "some dreadful thing is going to happen to him." When they see mice crawling over Aslan's body, Susan is immediately disgusted and tries to shoo them away. Lucy, however, observes that the mice are actually gnawing at the ropes to free Aslan and points this out to Susan. Additionally, Susan disagrees with Lucy's idea of informing Edmund about Aslan's sacrifice, saying, "It would be much too awful for him." Lucy, on the other hand, believes "he ought to know."

As Susan witnesses Aslan enduring brutal torture and death, she undergoes a significant transformation, shifting from being self-centered to developing compassion for others. She spends the entire night weeping with Lucy, holding Aslan in her arms, and even suggests attempting to untie him. During her reign as Queen, she earns the title "Susan the Gentle," renowned for her graciousness and long black hair.

The Professor

The wise and generous Professor welcomes the Pevensie children into his spacious country home during the London air raids. The children quickly warm to him, partly due to his amusing appearance. Peter and Susan seek his advice about Lucy, and he surprises them by saying that if they apply logic, they will conclude that Lucy's story is true. Ultimately, Peter and Susan realize the Professor is correct. When all the children rush to him at the end to recount their adventures in Narnia, he is not at all surprised. In fact, he believes every word and assures them that they will undoubtedly return to Narnia someday.

Giant Rumblebuffin

Giant Rumblebuffin is a kind giant who was turned to stone by the White Witch and brought back to life by Aslan's breath. Due to his immense size and strength, Aslan asks for his assistance in freeing everyone from the Witch's castle. Eager to serve his King and friends, he uses his massive club to smash the gate and bring down the towers. He works up such a sweat that he asks Susan or Lucy for a handkerchief to wipe his brow. When Lucy willingly offers hers, Rumblebuffin mistakenly picks her up, thinking she is the handkerchief. This prompts Mr. Tumnus to remark to Lucy that although the Rumblebuffins are "one of the most respected of all the giant families in Narnia," they are "not very clever." Giant Rumblebuffin is honored and rewarded at the children's coronation.

Mr. Tumnus

Mr. Tumnus is the first creature Lucy encounters in Narnia. He invites Lucy to his cave under the guise of hospitality, with the real intention of kidnapping her for the White Witch. However, being a good Faun at heart, he cannot bring himself to betray her. The Witch arrests him for High Treason and turns him to stone, but he is eventually revived by Aslan's breath. At the children's coronation, he is the first to be honored and rewarded. Years later, he informs the Pevensies about the return of the White Stag.

The White Stag

The White Stag is an enchanted creature that grants wishes to those who can catch him. Mr. Tumnus tells the four rulers that the White Stag has been seen in the Western Woods, prompting a royal hunt. The Pevensies chase the creature through the forest and into a thicket, where they decide to dismount and continue on foot. Their pursuit leads them past the lamppost and back through the wardrobe.

The White Witch

The White Witch is the malevolent, self-proclaimed Queen of Narnia. The narrator does not explain how she came to power, but it is clear from Mr. Tumnus's conversation with Lucy that her claim to the throne is illegitimate: "She calls herself the Queen of Narnia though she has no right to be queen at all, and all the Fauns and Dryads and Naiads and Dwarfs and Animals—at least all the good ones—simply hate her." The good creatures despise her for her cruelty and ruthlessness. She has cast a spell over the land, making it perpetually winter without Christmas, and she uses her magic wand to turn her enemies to stone. The White Witch claims to be Queen by asserting she is human, but Mr. Beaver reveals that although she appears human, "there isn't a drop of real human blood in [her]."

The White Witch lives in constant dread of the prophecy that foretells the end of her life and reign when two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve ascend the thrones at Cair Paravel. To maintain her power, she takes every possible measure. When her attempts to capture and eliminate the Pevensie children fail, she confronts Aslan and accuses Edmund of treachery, boldly invoking the Deep Magic, which grants her the right to execute traitors. However, Aslan offers his own life in exchange for Edmund's, and the Witch eagerly agrees, believing her victory is certain with Aslan removed from the picture.

She proceeds to torture, mock, and kill the rightful King of Narnia. Her immorality and inability to love prevent her from understanding the Deeper Magic, which has the power to conquer death and ultimately leads to her downfall.

The primary characters in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" are Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie. They are sent away from London during World War II to escape the air raids. Lucy, the youngest and most virtuous, is the first to discover Narnia, C.S. Lewis's fantastical world. She faces disbelief from her older siblings, and Edmund, after entering Narnia himself, deceives the others. Edmund's betrayal is a central element of the plot, leading to a dramatic climax where Aslan, the great — but untamed — lion, sacrifices himself on the stone table.

Peter, the eldest sibling, displays consistent decency throughout the story. His actions towards his siblings mirror his interactions with the Narnians, especially during discussions and battles. Susan, the oldest sister, also shows fundamental decency. She and Lucy witness Aslan’s suffering, and her empathy and sorrow enhance her role as a compassionate character.

The Narnians are vividly portrayed. Mr. Tumnus, the Faun, is an endearing and reluctant hero who chooses to do what is right despite the severe consequences of defying the White Witch. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver provide a warm hospitality and clear-sightedness in their dealings with the children. Aslan's majestic presence, highlighted by the Narnians' hopeful references, distinguishes him from the others. His wisdom is both emotional and intellectual: a mere look from him makes Edmund realize his wrongdoing, and his love enables Edmund to seek forgiveness.

Evil in Narnia is embodied by the alluring Queen, the White Witch. Her beauty is deceptive, reminiscent of wickedly beautiful witches from earlier fairy tales. She uses Turkish Delight to ensnare Edmund, a tactic that works on both a literal and allegorical level: Edmund’s greed for the candy is driven by his spite and selfishness.

After the major events — Aslan's death and resurrection, the battle against the White Witch, and the liberation of enchanted creatures — the children are crowned High Kings and High Queens of Narnia. They rule wisely and justly for many years. However, in the end, these now-adult rulers find their way back to the wardrobe and return to being the children they were years earlier in Narnia.