Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

The Queen

Sophie and the BFG can scheme and plan, but The Queen, being the ruler of one of the most powerful human countries, is the character who gets things done. Both the BFG and Sophie look up to the Queen, and she deserves it. She thinks creatively and intelligently, just like our two protagonists.

Not convinced? Just look at the way she speaks to the protagonists compared to how she speaks to all the other characters. She gives characters like Mary her best “Pull yourself together” (19.109) in true Queen fashion—commanding and a little cold.

But she’s different with the BFG. Even when he lets out a whizzpopper at breakfast, she only smiles and says, “I prefer the bagpipes.” (20.67) It’s clear that, in the BFG, she sees something she likes. (Even if maybe she doesn’t smell something she likes.)

Like a true guide, the Queen prepares Sophie and the BFG for their final journey, but does not travel with them. Sure, they travel with soldiers, but the BFG and Sophie will have to do the hard work on their own. She’s done her part, and now the others are ready to save the day.