Character Profile

Prepared by: learnloophq@gmail.com

Last edited 11 days ago by Learn LoopHQ.

Chapter: 10. The Prince And The Swallow

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Character Profiles

1. The Happy Prince (Statue)

Key Traits:

Magnificent and Adorned: Gilded with fine gold, with sapphires for eyes and a ruby on his sword-hilt, he is outwardly beautiful and admired by the city.

Initially Ignorant: As a living prince, he lived in a palace of pleasure, shielded from sorrow and unaware of the suffering outside.

Deeply Empathetic and Compassionate: Once a statue, he gains the ability to see the widespread misery of his city and is filled with profound sorrow, weeping tears of lead. He deeply cares about the poor and suffering.

Selfless and Sacrificing: He is willing to give away his precious adornments (gold and jewels) to alleviate the poverty of his people, despite being a mere statue.

Wise: He understands that true happiness comes from doing good deeds and imparts this wisdom to the Swallow.

Immovable: Physically fixed on his column, he relies entirely on the Swallow for his charitable acts.

Relationships:

The Swallow: His chosen messenger, trusted friend, and the instrument through which he can express his compassion. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and shared purpose in helping others.

The Poor Citizens: The object of his immense pity and benevolence. He sees their struggles and dedicates his remaining “wealth” to easing their pain.

The Town Councillors/Mother: They admire his outward beauty and perceive him as a symbol of unshakeable happiness, largely ignorant of his true sorrow and purpose.

2. The Swallow

Key Traits:

Small and Agile: A swift flyer, well-adapted for long journeys, and proud of his family’s agility.

Initially Frivolous/Self-Centered: He delays his migration due to a “ridiculous attachment” to a Reed and is primarily focused on his own comfort and joining his friends in Egypt.

Empathetic: He is deeply moved by the Happy Prince’s tears, showing a capacity for pity that overrides his initial plans.

Reluctant but Obedient: While initially hesitant and even a bit grumpy (complaining about the cold, disliking boys), he is ultimately persuaded by the Prince’s sadness and agrees to help.

Transformable: His act of kindness transforms him, making him feel a mysterious warmth and understanding the joy of selflessness.

Loyal and Brave: He becomes fiercely loyal to the Prince and braves the cold and danger to carry out his missions.

Relationships:

The Happy Prince: His confiding friend and master. He becomes the Prince’s “wings” and messenger, carrying out his charitable wishes. Their bond grows stronger with each good deed.

Other Swallows: His former companions who have already migrated to warmer climates, representing the life he temporarily abandoned for a higher purpose.

The Reed: His former romantic interest, highlighting his initial misguided priorities.

The Seamstress and her Sick Son: The first beneficiaries of his compassionate acts, through whom he experiences the direct impact of his kindness.

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