The Wind Singer by William Nicholson
Kestrel: Kestrel lives in a world of injustice, where people are judged not by their inner qualities
but by their results in exams. Love and kindness have long been forgotten and replaced by want of
a higher place in society. Determined to change this she goes on a quest to find the Wind Singer,
which she believe will bring happiness back to her home. She faces a lot of challenges on the way,
but is assist by her loyal friends, Bowman and Mumpo. She succeeds in doing this. Kestrel has a
very different character from her friends. She is stubborn, impulsive, more determined and more
courageous. However, they all hate the exam system, and have a goal of bringing the Wind Singer
home. Kestrel and Bowman are different from Munpo because they both have a family, and know
what it is like to be loved.
Bowman：Unlike Kestrel, Bowman is calmer, and wiser, thinks before he acts, and the leader of
the group. He often has to advise his twin, Kestrel not to act too impulsively. Bowman is also
gentler, and has empathy. His intention of going on this quest is slightly different from Kestrel’s;
he wants to protect his sister.
Mumpo：At the start of the book, Mumpo is a pathetic creature. He has no friends, no family and
no proper home. Despite his revolting appearance, he has a heart that longs to be loved and tries to
be brave. Mumpo comes on the quest because of his love for Kestrel, whom he considers his first
friend, and whom he loves with his whole heart. He also wants to protect Kestrel. In the end,
Mumpo unites with his father and is glad to have finally found true friends, a family and a home.
Beastly by Alex Flinn
Kyle: Kyle is from a typical American private high school, where people are discriminated against
because of their appearance and wealth. Kyle, originally an idol of his school, is turned into a
beast when he provokes a witch with his arrogance and cruelty. However, he is given two years
time to find true love before his will stay in this appearance forever. In his quest, he is
accompanied by a blind tutor and a house maid, who becomes his first true friends. He finally
finds his love who teaches him how to look past a person’s appearance and see goodness in their
hearts.
Linda: Linda is the daughter of a drug addict who mistreats and abuses her. Despite this, she is
determined to dig a tunnel out of this life by excelling in school. When her father sells her to Kyle,
Kyle falls in love with her. She sees past Kyle’s now grotesque external, and finds goodness in his
heart. In the end, she goes to Kyle’s private school and begins a new life.
Linda is different to Kyle as she came from a poorer background. Also, at first, Kyle did not
understand the importance of a person’s inner qualities, but was influenced by Linda to change.
Unlike Linda, he also did not realize how important knowledge and study is. But after his quest,
he became kinder, and gradually gained these qualities.
Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman
Lyra: Lyra’s world is governed by the church. Lyra is determined to risk her life to save her
friends when they are found missing, possibly kidnapped by a mysterious group called the
“Gobblers”. With her courage, craftiness, the knowledge from a magical instrument called the
alethiometer, and some friends made on the way including the gyptians, an armoured bear and an
aeronaut, she succeeds in saving the children. However, her best friend, Roger is killed by her own
father.
Lord Asriel: Lord Asriel is a powerful man who is willing to sacrifice anything in order to
achieve his goal- to end death and misery for the whole human race. It is not known if he has
achieved his goal, as a sequel to Northern Lights follows. Lord Asriel appears to be a cold,
unapproachable man. But underneath this cover, he is a man of strong emotions: passion, love,
ambition…Lord Asriel mostly works and travels alone. However, with his powerful influence and
commanding nature, he is not denied of his requests for provisions or help when they are needed.
Mrs. Coulter：Mrs. Coulter is a complicated character. She is described as being very beautiful
and intelligent, but also full of evil, hunger for power, cruelty and coldness. Mrs. Coulter is an
influential woman, as she is one of the most powerful leaders of the church. However, in her
choice between power and her daughter, Lyra, she decides to protect Lyra against the church.
Lyra is more inexperienced than the other characters. But they are all rebellious, crafty,
courageous and determined. While Lyra and Lord Asriel are the protagonist, Mrs. Coulter is the
main antagonist.