Thumbelina
Main Characters and Their Development
- Thumbelina — the main character, a tiny girl born from a flower. She goes through many trials, starting with being kidnapped by a toad and ending with meeting a mole. Eventually, she finds her happiness with the prince of the elves.
- Toad — the first to kidnap Thumbelina, wanting to make her the wife of her son. The toad symbolizes coarseness and selfishness.
- May Beetle — kidnaps Thumbelina after she escapes from the toad. However, he soon abandons her due to pressure from other beetles who consider her unattractive.
- Field Mouse — takes Thumbelina in after she is abandoned by the May Beetle. The mouse cares for her but also tries to marry her off to a wealthy mole.
- Mole — a wealthy but blind and dull character who wants to marry Thumbelina. He symbolizes material wealth without spiritual richness.
- Swallow — saves Thumbelina from a life underground with the mole by carrying her to warmer lands. The swallow symbolizes freedom and hope.
- Elf Prince — falls in love with Thumbelina and makes her his wife. He symbolizes ideal love and harmony.
Date of publication: 28 June 2024
Updated: 14 November 2026
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Genre: Children's literature
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