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.