Mrs. Joy Davidman Gresham

Joy Gresham, a spirited American woman in her late thirties, is the devoted mother of her young son, Douglas. Her life journey is a tapestry of transformations, having been born into a Jewish family, only to later embrace communism before finding solace in Christianity. Joy’s literary prowess shone brightly when she shared a prestigious national poetry award with the legendary Robert Frost. Yet, her personal life is fraught with marital discord involving her husband, a fellow author based in the United States. As the narrative unfolds, her epistolary exchanges with Lewis become a beacon in her existence. During a voyage to England with Douglas, she meets Lewis, and their intellectual camaraderie blossoms into a profound friendship. They first meet at a hotel for tea, and soon she is invited to his home, a relationship that culminates in her staying through Christmas. Eventually, Joy ends her troubled marriage and relocates to Oxford. But life’s cruel hand intervenes, revealing she is stricken with bone cancer. In this time, their friendship matures into love, a sentiment that even the reserved Lewis comes to cherish. Although Joy experiences a bittersweet three-year remission allowing cherished moments with Lewis, including a honeymoon in Greece, she ultimately succumbs to her illness before the play concludes.

Douglas Gresham

Douglas, the eight-year-old son of American writers Joy and Bill Gresham, shares a deep bond with his mother, following her guidance with unyielding loyalty. Like Joy, he is an avid admirer of Lewis’ literary works, finding particular enchantment in the Narnia Chronicles. However, his initial encounter with Lewis during a trip to England leaves the young boy disenchanted. As Joy and Lewis grow closer, Douglas finds a connection not only with Lewis but also with Warnie, Lewis’ brother. When Joy’s health deteriorates, Douglas looks to the heroic actions depicted in Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew for comfort and direction. Yet, contrary to the tale, he witnesses his mother’s passing. It is only through Lewis’ comforting presence that Douglas can finally grieve his mother’s departure. Following her death, Lewis and Warnie step into the role of his guardians.

Harry Harrington

Harry Harrington, an Oxford chaplain and close confidant of Lewis, finds himself at odds with the evolving relationship between Lewis and Joy. Though not as blunt as Riley, Harrington subtly stirs the pot, urging others to voice their disapproval. Even as Joy’s life ebbs away, Harrington refuses to officiate a religious wedding ceremony for her and Lewis, although he later conducts her funeral, confessing that his words were tailored to meet Lewis’ expectations rather than his own convictions.

Jack Lewis

See C. S. Lewis

C[live] S[taples] Lewis

At the heart of Shadowlands stands Lewis, an esteemed Oxford scholar and professor approaching his sixties. A master of English literature, he is celebrated for his religious works and beloved children’s stories, including the enchanting Narnia Chronicles. Initially depicted as a reserved and deeply pious man, Lewis is already grappling with the philosophical questions of life, mortality, and suffering. His life takes an unforeseen turn when Joy Gresham, an extraordinary American woman, transitions from being a pen pal to a pivotal figure in his life. Their encounter in Oxford, followed by an invitation to his home for tea and later Christmas, sets the stage for a profound intellectual connection that gradually evolves into love. This emotional awakening transforms Lewis, and their brief marriage, overshadowed by Joy’s battle with cancer, illustrates the entwined nature of joy and sorrow in human experience.

Major Warner Lewis

Warnie, the elder brother of Jack Lewis, shares a bachelor’s life with his sibling in the...