The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Main Characters and Their Development

• Marie Stahlbaum - the youngest daughter in the Stahlbaum family, the main protagonist of the story. A curious, brave, and kind-hearted girl who believes in miracles and magic. Throughout the tale, her relationship with the Nutcracker evolves from simple childhood affection to genuine friendship and empathy. She undergoes many trials to help the Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King.
• The Nutcracker - an enchanted prince who appears in the story as a wooden nutcracker. Brave, noble, and kind. Thanks to Marie, he regains his human form and defeats the Mouse King. His development parallels the battle with the Mouse army and Marie's support.
• The Mouse King - the main antagonist of the tale. A wicked and cunning ruler of the mice who cursed the Nutcracker. Throughout the story, he tries to thwart Marie and the Nutcracker but ultimately fails. He symbolizes the forces of evil and cruelty that the heroes must overcome.
• Drosselmeyer - Marie's godfather and one of the key characters in the story. A mysterious and skilled craftsman who created the Nutcracker and reveals his true story to Marie. He acts as a guide into the magical world for Marie and assists her in her adventures.