Character Clues

Character Analysis

Actions

Actions speak way louder than words in Fablehaven. Take, for instance, Seth's adventuring style: "He took the lead again, blazing a trail through the undergrowth" (4.56). Does Seth care about following the path? Nope, he'll make his own, thankyouverymuch. Does he care about following the rules (a.k.a. the path through life)? Nope again. The way he acts clues us into how he feels.

Direct Characterization

People (and sometimes non-humans) in Fablehaven are frequently described in ways that are accurate and revealing. Kendra characterizes Seth as someone who "had never scared easily" (3.126), and by contrast, she thinks of herself as being "not a natural rule breaker" (4.55). These direct characterizations are simple and to the point, giving us insight into who these characters are and leaving no room for doubt.

Family Life

Because Seth and Kendra are siblings, we see them bickering a lot. But we also get glimpses into what they mean to each other. When all the action goes down after Midsummer Eve, and Kendra is desperately seeking help from the Fairy Queen, the fact that her annoying little brother is in danger plays a big part in her actions:

For the first time, the fact that Seth was going to die fully entered her mind. She thought of moments with him, both endearing and annoying, and realized that there would be no more of either. (17.81)

Luckily the Fairy Queen answers Kendra's prayers. Kendra's love for her family helps us get a sense of how far she'll go to help them—and we'd hate to think of what might've happened if the Fairy Queen refused to help her.