My Lady Jane

Edward is another of the three main protagonists. The narrative opens with a chapter following him, reflecting his importance as king, both to the country and to the narrative. The opening chapter is an inciting incident, as Edward’s sickness and his subsequent actions set up the rest of the story. While Edward is upset about apparently dying, his response showcases his character, combining dry humor with teenage grumpiness: “‘Bollocks,’ he muttered to himself again. ‘The Affliction’ seemed like a terribly inconvenient way for a king to die” (13). Edward’s irreverent take on his illness sets the comedic, light-hearted tone of the rest of the book.

The emphasis that a king can die of something mundane like an illness also introduces a theme that is central to Edward’s character: The Complexities of Freedom and Power. Throughout the book, he wrestles with what kingship really means. Initially he believes himself to be the most powerful person in the country. However, he soon realizes that he has no freedom: He can’t go and do what he wants. He does not have power over himself since he cannot escape illness, and even later when he is well, he cannot do basic tasks for himself because he has always had servants. In these ways, his position both empowers and disempowers him. Even his political power turns out to be hollow, with Dudley leading the councilors in actually governing the country.

Although Edward is spoiled he is able to learn fast, because he respects others and is brave. He listens to Bess, who inspires him to jump from the window and find his Ethian form. He also gradually reconsiders his entitlement to rule, realizing that kingship also comes with responsibilities. He sees that Gracie is his equal in every way except their nominal social status: He learns from her example and practices his fighting skills with her. In the final denouement, he is able to beat his old fencing master in a duel for the first time, embodying how he has grown through his relationship with Gracie. His journey of gaining in freedom and self-determination is paralleled by his physical condition. He starts the book weak and dependent on others, but eventually becomes strong enough to participate in the coup.

Ultimately, Edward expresses his freedom and self-knowledge through nominating Bess queen. Crowning Bess gives him the social freedom that he craves, allowing him to pursue a relationship with Gracie. His choice also reflects his growth, showing his newfound understanding that gender does not determine a person’s aptitude for ruling.

Gifford is the third of the protagonists. He is the son of the main antagonist, Dudley. He prefers to be called G, showing the separation he feels from his parents and upbringing. He does not want the name they gave him as he feels it reflects their manner and values, which he rejects.

G struggles with being the second, least favorite child, feeling he is a disappointment. He has internalized this familial rejection to some degree, as he fears a wife is just another person he will disappoint. He likes escaping into his horse form, in which he can run free without disappointing anyone. He cannot control his changes, reflecting how this is a definitive dynamic in his life. His love of poetry is also a form of escapism, as he sneaks out of the family home to perform. He also composes pieces in his head to help him get through intense situations, such as awaiting execution or processing his attraction to Jane. His poetry shows he has a thoughtful, sensitive nature.

G and his poetry are crucial to the theme of Finding One’s True Self. G is able to express himself through his poetry, but he keeps his poetic talent hidden not just from his family, but even from Jane once they become close. His secrecy and insecurity show he is not fully at ease with himself. However, the external journey he takes forces him on an internal journey too. He is pushed outside his comfort zone, as he and Jane have to rely on each other when they are on the run. G has to work through some of the ways he is different from his father, realizing that some of the notions he has about gender come from Dudley but don’t reflect what he himself really thinks.

He also has to work out what is fair in a relationship, promising to respect Jane’s independence and asserting his own right to respect in his horse form. Despite his insecurities, he has strong beliefs about equality, though it is Jane’s active example that encourages him to feel he can be proactive in upholding this ideal. He proves his worth to himself by showing bravery, fighting the bear, and standing up for what he believes in and for the person he loves.

In the last few chapters, he finds a new confidence with his true self. He rejects his harsh father figure, manages to control his transformation, and finally shares his poetry with Jane, composing a sonnet for her.

Dudley is one of two major antagonists, revealed in an early plot twist that initiates the story. He was Edward’s trusted advisor, but turns out to be poisoning him. He is ruthless and self-serving, willing to kill a teenage king for his own gain.

Dudley’s power-hungry ways contrast with the social responsibility advocated by characters like Jane and Bess. His greed and ambition create instability throughout the country, as he is willing to spur bloodshed and violence if it helps him achieve his own ends. However, he is also a personal antagonist to Gifford. Despite being his father figure, he constantly puts him down and shows him no affection, hiding him away because he is ashamed of his horse form. He uses G as a pawn in his machinations, forcing him to marry Jane. He then immediately betrays him, changing sides to save himself when Mary seizes the throne.

Dudley is fickle and cowardly. He tries to win over G again at the novel’s end to protect himself, giving G an opportunity for closure, as G no longer needs anything from his father. Rather than either killing him or sparing him, G decides he should go on trial like everyone else involved.

Bess is an important ally for the protagonists, who facilitates much of the plot. She is responsible for Edward’s initial survival and escape by giving him an antidote, and then directs him to find his Ethian form and go to Gran’s. She also provides the broad structure for the protagonists’ overall success. She has planned for everything, gathering allies and masterminding a strategy, including winning over the French king.

Bess is an idealized archetype of a supporting character, seemingly able to navigate all situations while leaving room for the protagonists to grow and display their own qualities. Unlike Dudley and Mary, Bess does not actively seek power but accepts it when Edward bestows it on her. Her elevation frees Edward to live his life more authentically, while providing the country with the stability and prosperity it needs.

Bess is presented as brave, loyal, incredibly clever and tactical, commanding, a great orator, and a natural leader. Her characterization draws on some representations of the real Elizabeth I, but represents an idealized version. However she is humanized through her close relationship with Edward, who finds comfort in her when he thinks he’s dying. She is referred to as “Bess” rather than Elizabeth in the narrative, reflecting the informal, warm way he addresses her.

Mary is another antagonist alongside Dudley. She presents a sweet front, using a pet name for Edward and showering him with affection, but he finds her patronizing and humorless. His instinct reflects her real character: She is ruthless, willing to poison her own brother and planning to have all Ethians burnt alive.

Mary is motivated by her strong beliefs in a set world order. She is fiercely prejudiced against the Ethians but also believes in her own rights as the firstborn heir regardless of gender, asserting herself against Edward’s claims to the throne. She has some support from the rest of country, seizing the throne easily. Her successful coup represents the wider threat of violence caused by social divide and biases. However the protagonists’ and Bess’s idealistic arguments ultimately triumph against her. She has a comic and ironic ending: Despite her hatred of the Ethians, she turns into one, creating a sense of just desserts while maintaining the novel’s light-hearted tone.

Gracie is a crucial ally to Edward and his love interest. She facilitates his survival in the wild and his personal growth through her skills and self-assurance. She defies gendered social norms by wearing trousers, hunting and stealing, and being defiantly self-sufficient. She is brave, confident, and beautiful.

Gracie helps Edward despite his regime’s role in her tragic past, reflecting her kindness and complexity, but also her attraction to him. She has difficulty relating to his status as king. She alternates between teasing him, which reflects their personal relationship, and pulling away, taking their differences in the social hierarchy seriously. Ultimately, she becomes leader of the Pack and summons Edward to talk. They have a happy ending with a romantic relationship, but like Jane she does not have to give up her independence or way of life for the sake of love.

Gran is the grandmother of Bess, Mary, Jane, and Edward. As an outspoken woman and an Ethian, her husband had her reported dead to protect her. She lives in her own castle, offering a hideout for the protagonists. This physical refuge parallels the social acceptance she offers, as she supports them regardless of their Ethian forms and political downfall. She is tough, self-assured, and defies social convention, turning into a skunk when she is aggrieved.