The Battle of Light and Dark

Over Sea, Under Stone unfolds a captivating tale of a timeless struggle between forces of Light and Dark, setting the stage for the epic showdown chronicled in the series' finale, Silver on the Tree. Every character finds themselves entwined in this cosmic duel, though their true loyalties often lie hidden beneath the surface. Some characters, appearing allies of Light, reveal darker affiliations as the story progresses. As the plot thickens, Jane, Barney, and Simon are swept into the maelstrom, choosing to champion the Light. Their journey, filled with decisive choices and courageous acts, marks the Drew children as the central figures, growing profoundly through their trials. At their helm stands Great-Uncle Merry, the formidable embodiment of Light, countered by the menacing Mr. Hastings, Dark's chief acolyte.

The Intuitive Jane

"You can't find a treasure map and just say Oh, how nice, and put it back again."
Jane, with her keen intuition and hair-trigger instincts, often seems to possess an uncanny connection to others. Her senses sharpen when she discerns the alignment of standing stones with their map and perceives the sinister call of the owl as the enemy's harbinger on the beach. Her wish for the timely arrival of Great-Uncle Merry is magically fulfilled. Yet, despite her perceptiveness, she sometimes falters in character judgment, as seen when she and Simon doubt Barney’s suspicions about Mrs. Palk’s true nature.

Brave Barney

Barney, the youngest Drew, shines with knowledge of King Arthur and a courageous heart that guides him to unearth the map, engage in moral debates with Mr. Hastings, and ultimately seize the grail. Even when faced with death, Barney stands resolute, refusing to surrender the grail. His pivotal role in the narrative cements him as a crucial player in their valiant quest.

Steadfast Simon

Eldest sibling Simon bears the weight of responsibility, feeling a protective duty towards his younger siblings. This imbues him with caution; he shields the map from Miss Wither and Bill Hoover and suggests retreat in the cave. However, Barney’s relentless determination is what propels them to reclaim the grail.

The Guiding Presence of Great-Uncle Merry

At the heart of their odyssey stands Great-Uncle Merry, known also as Merriman Lyon, who Barney later discerns as the legendary Merlin. While he offers guidance and shielding, he entrusts crucial choices to the children, maintaining a somewhat one-dimensional aura despite his mystique and influence.

The Malevolent Mr. Hastings

Contrasting the benevolent Merry is his malicious counterpart, Mr. Hastings. Though he resides in a vicarage, he embodies the antithesis of a vicar, cloaked in deception. Hastings personifies the lurking malevolence in seemingly mundane individuals, commanding unwavering obedience from the other Dark disciples.

The Dark Servants

Mrs. Palk emerges as a prominent figure among the Dark's ranks, with her role as housekeeper and cook at Grey House serving as a mere ruse, unraveling only as the plot reaches its zenith. Mr. and Miss Withers navigate the waters aboard the Lady Mary under the guise of a leisurely sail, all the while aiding the grail's pursuers. Their lackey, Bill Hoover, a towering brute, epitomizes the cost of allegiance to darkness, serving as their unwilling puppet, unlike the independent Drew children.

Unaware Guardians

Mr. and Mrs. Drew, though the children's parents, remain detached from the unfolding drama. They complete the familial tapestry but portray the vacuity of lives untouched by the Light versus Dark conflict. Positioned neither in the camp of the Dark nor fully engaged with the Light, they embody an existence of liminality. Through them, Cooper illustrates that true fulfillment and liberation lie in unwavering commitment to the Light.