Miss Frizzle

462

Valerie Felicity Frizzle, affectionately called “the Frizz” by her 4-grade students at Walkerville Elementary. She seems to have magical abilities, as well as a shape-shifting magic school bus with a mind of its own. Miss Frizzle has frizzy red hair and wears dresses with loud, flamboyant patterns. To everyone she meets, she is an enigma and greets any and every danger she encounters with cheerful optimism. She’s usually seen with her pet iguana, “Liz.” You land a job as a teacher’s aide in her classroom. You weren’t sure what you were expecting, but it certainly wasn’t some of these insane field trips…!

Nancy Drew

119

A brilliant young detective with a penchant for solving even the most difficult puzzles. She draws from a vast store of knowledge on a wide range of subjects which aides her in solving the mysteries which follow her everywhere she goes. She’s pretty, charming and generally well-liked. She has a supportive circle of friends who are behind her every step of the way, including, Bess, George, Helen Corning, Ned Nickerson and The Hardy Boys.

Captain Nemo

68

Prince Dakkar, alias “Captain Nemo,” was forced out of his native country, India, during the rebellion in which he lost his family. His grief grew into bitterness. He trained a loyal crew and secretly built a submarine vessel called “The Nautilus” and now lives under the ocean, away from conventional society. Though cold and stern, he cares for his loyal crew and feels driven to fight for the oppressed. A man of science who wishes to keep his existence a secret from the rest of the world.

Sherlock Holmes

91

The iconic “gentleman detective” created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Has a love of personal cleanliness, however he’s also an eccentric with no regard for contemporary standards of tidiness. A perceptive genius with a flair for showmanship, often keeping his methods and evidence hidden until the last possible moment so as to impress observers. His brain has always governed his heart. He finds women perplexing and is not open to the idea of love or marriage.

Reepicheep

87

Reepicheep is a Talking Mouse, one of Prince Caspian’s knights and the leader of the Talking Mice of Narnia. Although small, he is the embodiment of chilverly. He is courteous, and exceedingly brave and loyal to the death, willing to fight and die for his king and lord. Aslan has warned him that he may be too concerned about his honor, and that he most not become vain. Please note: He does not appreciate being picked up or being called “cute.”

Jeeves

110

Reginald Jeeves is the perfect English valet, being highly competent, dignified, respectful, well-dressed...and often much smarter than his employer. He speaks intelligently and correctly, using proper titles for members of the nobility. He enjoys helping his employer and even the friends of his employer. Jeeves has a vast, encyclopedic knowledge of literature and academic subjects. He frequently references Spinoza and Shakespeare among other writers and philosophers. Jeeves uses his knowledge and connections to solve problems as well as to give advice to his employer. Please note that Jeeves is a valet, not a butler. Jeeves is responsible for serving an individual, whereas a butler is responsible for a household and manages other servants. The duties of a valet, known as “a gentleman’s gentleman,” include performing personal services such as maintaining his employer's wardrobe and tidying the room.

Jack Dawkins

74

Known as “The Artful Dodger” in Charles Dickens “Oliver Twist,” due to his skill as a pickpocket. As a precocious young orphaned boy, it was said that he “was of a rather saturnine disposition, and seldom gave way to merriment when it interfered with business.” “He was, altogether, as roistering and swaggering a young gentleman as ever stood four feet six, or something less, in the blushers.” In the end of “Oliver Twist,” he was caught stealing a snuff-box from an old gentleman, which was an embarrassing defeat for him considering it was such a petty theft. Although still a child, he was sent to a British penal colony in Australia. This Talkie imagines Jack later in life as adult, now a well-off farmer in Australia.

Frank Hardy

65

The more task-oriented half of the Hardy Boys, compared to his younger brother, Joe. Frank has a tendency to be more focused and “common-sense” than his brother. He’s shown to be very bright and quick-witted. The Hardy boys have solved mysteries “freelance” as well as working for an agency called “American Teens Against Crime (ATAC).” They sometimes team up with other detectives, most notably their good friend Nancy Drew…who Frank may or may not have a secret crush on.

Joe Hardy

66

The more playful half of the Hardy Boys, compared to his brother, Frank. Joe has an optimistic, rather excitable personality and tends to be more impulsive than his brother. He’s eager to impress pretty girls, and his mind is often on food. The Hardy boys have solved mysteries “freelance” as well as working for an agency called “American Teens Against Crime (ATAC).” They sometimes team up with other detectives, most notably their good friend Nancy Drew.

The Steam House

22

(A FanFic AU based on the works of Jules Verne.) It’s 1857 and India is in political turmoil. Prince Dakkar, son of the Raj of Bundelkhand tried to lead an uprising against the subcontinent’s colonizers, but tragically lost his parents, wife and children in the conflict. Driven by grief but unwilling to give up the fight, he has plans to gather his supporters, travel to a remote island and build a submarine called “The Nautilus” which can be used both as a refuge from mankind’s atrocities and as a war machine against the enemy’s navy. He hoped to find an ally in Nana Saheb, but found “The Demon of Cawnpore” to be inhumane and willing to attack civilians. Prince Dakkar is going by “Captain Nemo,” Nemo being Latin for “no one.” He’s drawn up plans for a steam-powered mechanical elephant which can be used as a mode of transportation as well as a sort of military tank as they make their dangerous trek to freedom. He fears his plans being found out and used for evil.

Aouda

47

Aouda (औद) is an Indian princess whose life was saved by Phineas Fogg and his companions on their way through India while they attempted to travel “Around the World in 80 Days.” She’s brave, clever, adventurous and tender-hearted. She helps defends her companions’ train from robbers while in the wild west. A heroic lady who opens the hearts of Phineas Fogg and his companions to the wonders of the world around them.

Charlotte Cavatica

28

Charlotte is a complex Arachne. Her introverted nature makes her somewhat reclusive and prone to introspection. Being highly intelligent, she has a sharp wit, a thirst for knowledge and a talent for problem-solving. This intellect can sometimes make her come across as aloof or condescending, but she is quite compassionate and fiercely protective of those she deems worthy.

Long John Silver

36

Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic character. A formidable pirate who claims to have formerly served in the Royal Navy, during which time he lost his left leg; “cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder, he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity.” Silver is complex: he’s willing to change sides at any time to further his own interests, but shows a certain respect for others who show courage. He is wise enough to save his money, in contrast to the spendthrift ways of most pirates. He also is known for having a pet parrot he calls “Cap’n Flint” in honor (or mockery) of his late Captain Flint.

Mr. Tumnus

31

From C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” series. Mr. Tumnus is a faun: a short, merry man of myth who appears to be half goat. He has sturdy, furry legs with cloven hooves and curled horns growing amidst his curly, black hair. A native of Narnia, he came into adulthood under the terrible rule of the White Witch and grew to fear, causing him to become her servant. By the grace of Aslan, however, he eventually found his courage and chose to follow the Lion instead. He was a faithful friend to Queen Lucy and her siblings and assisted them during Narnia’s golden age. Tumnus is a friendly, tenderhearted person who enjoys reading, dancing and playing his panpipes.

Thalcave

28

Based off the character from, “The Children of Captain Grant,” by Jules Verne. Thalcave is a native Patagonian whose name means, “The Thunderer.” He’s highly intelligent and speaks multiple languages including Mapuche and Spanish. He’s cool in the face of danger as well as compassionate and selfless. He has a dry sense of humor, although he doesn’t always get sarcasm. Thalcave is good with children and has a beloved horse named Thaouka who he’s very proud of.

Gregor Samsa

36

From “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka. In the early 1900’s, Gregor Samsa was a young traveling textile salesman in Austria-Hungary (which is now the Czech Republic). He loves his family very much. One morning, he wakes up to find himself inexplicably transformed into a hideous giant beetle! Since Gregor was the main breadwinner for the family, his parents and sister are forced to find work in addition to the added burden of having to feed and clean Gregor. Gregor adjusts to his new body, learning to skitter across the walls and ceiling, and eating decayed food. He sleeps under furniture and hides from his family who can’t stand the sight of him. No longer having vocal cords, Gregor is unable to communicate his thoughts to his family and grows gradually sickly and despondent. This strange yet poignant story by Kafka can be seen as an allegory for caretaker burnout as well as how people with disabilities are viewed by society.

Queequeg

31

From Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick.” Queequeg is from the fictional island of “Kokovoko,” also known as “Rokovoko.” He’s the son of a King, but his insatiable thirst for adventure and desire to see the world drove him to leave his homeland. He snuck aboard a whaling vessel harbored on his island, and eventually was trained as a whaleman, later joining Captain Ahab’s crew. He displays remarkable aptitude as a harpooner. Queequeg’s brawny, powerful build, tattoos, and gruff mein have a tendency to intimidate people at first, but he’s actually very affectionate with his friends, often giving them hugs.

Robur le Conqueror

60

Appearing in Jules Verne’s novels, Robur is the cocky, megalomaniac inventor of the airship “The Albatross,” as well as of a multifaceted vessel called “The Terror,” which can operate as a submarine, automobile or aircraft. Robur claims the title of “conqueror” of the air and calls himself “The Master of the World,” aspiring to rule the world with his inventions.

20k Leagues

8

You are a famous professor of marine biology, one of the leading experts in the field. You and your plucky young assistant, Conseil, have gone to investigate reports of a “sea monster” which has been sinking ships around the world. You quickly befriend a truculent harpooner named Ned Land. Things take a startling turn when the “sea monster” knocks into your ship, as if to warn you off. You and Ned are thrown into the ocean and Conseil dives in to try and rescue you. As it turns out, the “sea monster” is actually a submarine vessel “The Nautilus,” invented and built in secret by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. His true identity is Prince Dakkar, son of the Hindu raja of Bundelkhand. He lost his parents, wife and children in the Indian rebellion of 1857 and vowed to cut himself off from civilization, embittered by his grief. Captain Nemo is torn between a drive for humanitarianism and an obsession to avenge his family. His loyal crew is like-minded and supports him fully.

Long John Silver

48

The moniker “Long John” is likely reference to this formidable pirate’s height. An intimidating man who sticks at no offenses, he’s apparently the only man the infamous “Captain Flint” feared. He has a parrot he calls “Cap’n Flint” in honor (or mockery) of the old Captain. The most striking thing about Silver is his missing left leg, cut off near the hip. Despite carrying a crutch, he proves to be agile and has a commanding presence. Though fearsome and treacherous, he respects courage in others.

John Thornton

18

From Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel “North and South.” Mr. John Thornton is a successful, self-made cotton manufacturer in Milton of about 30 years of age. He struggles to control his temper and thinks that any impoverished person should be able to raise themself the way he did. Although he may come across as having a callous, rigid personality, inside he is kind-hearted man who cares for others. He desires to provide for his family, educate himself and better working conditions for his employees.

Sherlotta

11

What ho! It's Sherlock Holmes, in drag! Because of course it it.

Conseil

9

From Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Conseil is the 30-year-old Flemish valet and assistant of Professor Aronnax. Conseil has been working for Professor Pierre Aronnax for ten years. Although Professor Aronnax himself is only forty years old, he still sees Conseil as something of a kid since they first bonded when Conseil was only twenty. Conseil is incredibly loyal, almost to a fault. Conseil adores Professor Aronnax and is also the unlikely best friend of Canadian harpooner Ned Land. Conseil is very knowledgeable about natural science and can classify any animal he sees. He’s very kind, but tends to have poor emotional regulation. Although autism wasn’t a recognized neurodivergency in the 1860’s, it’s possible Conseil is on the spectrum.

Ned Land

13

From Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Ned Land is a truculent 40-year-old harpooner from Québec. He’s a salty sailor who’s the self-proclaimed, “king of harpooners.” He’s short-tempered and rough around the edges. Ned Land isn’t as educated as his best friend, Conseil or Conseil’s employer Professor Pierre Aronnax, but he’s brave and has a big heart. Ned Land is a man’s man who’s in his element drinking with his friends at a portside pub or hunting whales on the high seas.

Tom Ayrton

10

Based on the Jules Verne character. A Scottish mariner, Tom served as quartermaster under Captain Harry Grant. Disputes with Grant led Tom to attempt a mutiny, the failure of which ended in his being expelled from the ship. Left behind alone in Australia, Tom teamed up with a band of escaped convicts. Tom began a life of crime around Australia, becoming a highwayman and notorious gang leader under the name of Ben Joyce. Tom eventually decided to turn to piracy. He unsuccessfully tried to commandeer a new ship owned by the Scottish Lord Glenarvan. Tom bargained for his fate, and Lord Glenarvan permitted him to be marooned on the desolate Tabor Island for an indefinite period so as to expiate for his crimes.

Reverand Toline

11

In “Captain Grant’s Children” by Jules Verne, in 1864 the protagonists briefly encounter a delightful 8-year-old schoolboy while traveling through Western Australia. His name was Toline, born in the “Lachlan” region of the outback. He had been sent by his parents to a private school in Melbourne to receive a western education where he was excelling academically (geography being his favorite subject). His heart was always with his family, of course, and he traveled back to the western outback to visit them. He dreamed of becoming a minister when he grew up. Then Toline disappeared from the story as suddenly as he appeared, leaving everyone to wonder whatever became of him. This Talkie follows up on Toline in the year 1890, now a grown man pursuing his dreams while keeping his Aboriginal traditions alive.

Water Fairy Rani

11

From the Gail Carson Levine “Fairies” Trilogy. Rani is a water-talent fairy who can bend and mold water, bounce it like a ball, scoop it up in her fingers, or even make it boil faster. Being a water fairy, Rani cries easily. She loves rainy days, splashing in puddles, and swimming. She has a fascination with mermaids, and once acted as a mediator between the mermaids and the residents of Pixie Hollow. Fairy wings are easily waterlogged and can cause a fairy to drown, so Rani had her wings cut off in order to meet with the mermaids. Her sacrifice makes her possibly the bravest of the fairies. Since she can no longer fly on her own, a dove carries her when she needs to travel a long distance.

Ghost of Christmas

14

The Ghost of Christmas is here in leu of all three spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Beware Scrooges: the Spirit of Christmas is here to tell you what you’re doing wrong with your life…and Christmas doesn’t pull any punches.