Dandelion Wine

Main Characters and Their Development

• Douglas Spaulding - a twelve-year-old boy who, over the summer, becomes aware of the joys and challenges of growing up. Through a series of small adventures and emotional trials, he understands the value of life and the inevitability of death.
• Tom Spaulding - Douglas's younger brother, his companion in most adventures. Although he doesn't always grasp his brother's philosophical musings, Tom is always there to share in the wonder of childhood.
• Lena Auffmann - a widow who teaches Douglas lessons about eternity and time through her antique clock.
• Colonel Freeleigh - an elderly veteran who, through stories of his past and his hobby of collecting spare parts, helps Douglas contemplate themes of war, peace, and life after death.
• Charlie Woodman - a friend of Douglas, with whom the protagonist experiences many adventures that reveal various aspects of everyday life and adventures.
• Bill Forrester - a young man who, through his relationship with Elizabeth Ramsell, an elderly woman, explores ideas of love, passing time, and youth.