Characters Discussed
(Great Characters in Literature)
Peter Pan
Peter Pan, a boy who will not grow up. He runs away on the day of his birth so that he will not have to become a man. He lives in Neverland, home of the fairies, protected by his friends the Indians against his enemy, Captain Hook. He is attracted to the Darling home by the stories the mother tells her children. He persuades the Darling children to visit Neverland and teaches them to fly.
Wendy Darling
Wendy Darling, an English girl who, with her two brothers, flies off to Neverland for a visit. She mothers Peter Pan and the lost boys, telling them stories at bedtime and tucking them in. After her return home, she goes to Neverland once a year to clean Peter Pan’s house. Each year, as she grows up, she and Peter Pan drift farther apart, until at last he cannot understand her at all.
Captain Hook
Captain Hook, a pirate captain in Neverland, named for the hook he has in place of an arm. Jealous of Peter Pan and the lost boys, he and his crew plan to kidnap Wendy so that she will be their mother. He succeeds in capturing the girl, but Peter Pan saves her. Frustrated, the captain throws himself overboard and is eaten by a crocodile who, having earlier tasted the captain’s arm, waits patiently for the rest of his victim.
Tinker Bell
Tinker Bell, a fairy in love with Peter Pan. A jealous creature, she resents Wendy, who is obviously Peter Pan’s favorite. Tinker Bell tries to have the lost boys kill Wendy with their bows and arrows by telling them that Wendy is a dangerous bird.
Nana
Nana, the Darlings’ dog, who acts as nurse for the children.
Mrs. Darling
Mrs. Darling, Wendy’s mother, who is terribly saddened by the temporary loss of her children.
Mr. Darling
Mr. Darling, Wendy’s father, who welcomes the lost boys to his home when they return with Wendy and her brothers.
Michael
Michael and
John Darling
John Darling, Wendy’s young brothers.
Tiger Lily
Tiger Lily, an Indian princess in Neverland.
Nibs
Nibs,
Slightly
Slightly,
Smee
Smee, and
Tootles
Tootles, other inhabitants of Neverland.
