Peter Pan: Analysis of Major Characters

Author: James Barrie

First published: as play: 1928; as prose: “Peter Pan in Kensington Garden,” from The Little White Bird, 1902; Peter Pan, 1906; revised as Peter and Wendy, 1911

Genre: Play

Locale: London and Neverland

Plot: Fairy tale

Time: Anytime

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, 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, 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, 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, the Darlings' dog, who acts as nurse for the children.

Mrs. Darling, Wendy's mother, who is terribly saddened by the temporary loss of her children.

Mr. Darling, Wendy's father, who welcomes the lost boys to his home when they return with Wendy and her brothers.

Michael and John Darling, Wendy's young brothers.

Tiger Lily, an Indian princess in Neverland.

Nibs, Slightly, Smee, and Tootles, other inhabitants of Neverland.