Character List

“Coraline” by Neil Gaiman is a children’s story that is filled with several colorful characters including young Coraline Jones herself, her “mundane” parents, The Other Mother and the Other Father, Coraline’s eccentric neighbors, Miss. Forcible and Miss. Spink, the crazy old man, and a talking cat. Each of these characters has their quirks and helps Coraline realize her true potential in various ways.

Coraline Jones

Coraline’s character is multifaceted, showcasing both her vulnerabilities and strengths. Her journey resonates with readers as she navigates a surreal and perilous world, ultimately emerging triumphant through her courage and unwavering determination. Coraline’s character serves as a relatable and empowering figure for readers, especially young audiences. Her journey is not just a physical adventure but also an emotional and psychological one, as she grapples with feelings of loneliness, fear, and the longing for something more exciting in her life. Her bravery in the face of danger teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and resilience.

Furthermore, Coraline’s interactions with other characters, such as the Other Mother and the Cat, reveal deeper layers of her personality and moral compass. Her skepticism and refusal to be deceived by the Other Mother’s illusions demonstrate her discerning nature and innate sense of right and wrong. This aspect of her character reinforces the importance of critical thinking and staying true to oneself, even in the face of temptation or manipulation.

The Other Mother

The Other Mother’s character is deeply rooted in the concept of the uncanny valley, where something familiar appears slightly off or unsettling. She presents an exaggerated version of a caring mother, which initially draws Coraline in but ultimately becomes increasingly unsettling as her true intentions are revealed.

Moreover, the Other Mother’s role as a shapeshifter symbolizes the fluidity of truth and identity. She manipulates reality to suit her desires, blurring the lines between what is real and what is illusion. This aspect of her character reflects the theme of perception versus reality, urging readers to question their own assumptions and perceptions in the face of deception.

The Cat 

Symbolically, the Cat embodies the concept of intuition and trust in oneself. His role goes beyond that of a mere pet; he acts as Coraline’s mentor, urging her to trust her instincts and navigate the challenges presented by the Other Mother with cunning and resilience.

Further, the Cat’s role as a mentor figure to Coraline underscores the theme of self-discovery and empowerment. He encourages Coraline to trust her instincts and think critically, providing valuable advice without directly intervening in her decisions. This dynamic reflects the importance of personal agency and learning to rely on one’s judgment in navigating life’s challenges.

Moreover, the Cat’s loyalty to Coraline highlights the significance of genuine connections and friendships, even in the most unexpected places. Despite his aloof demeanor, the Cat remains a steadfast ally, offering support and protection when Coraline needs it most. His presence reassures readers that they are never truly alone, even in the darkest of circumstances.

Mr. Jones 

Mr. Jones, or Charlie Jones, Coraline’s real father, works from home in the Pink Palace Apartments in Oregon, and barely has time to spare for his daughter. He spends most of his time at his desk and does not even look up whenever Coraline asks him a question. The constant parental neglect that Coraline is subjected to prompts Coraline to amuse herself. As a result, she becomes much more self-sufficient than any girl her age. However, the father-daughter duo loves each other despite being emotionally distant from one another.

Coraline’s father is known for being adventurous with his meals, which are disgustingly termed as “recipes” by Coraline. He is kidnapped by the Other Mother and is ultimately rescued by Coraline. After this incident, he seems to have developed a greater amount of affection towards his daughter. His character serves as a foil to the Other Mother, contrasting her manipulative and controlling nature with his genuine care and affection for Coraline.

Mrs. Jones

Mrs. Jones, Coraline’s real mother, is a busy woman who does not pay much attention to her daughter. Initially, she cannot be bothered about the meals that she feeds her daughter and does not indulge Coraline in her whims and fancies. This leads to Coraline wishing for things better in the real world than her own – a wish that is manifested In the parallel universe created by the Other Mother. However, Mrs. Jones is encouraging and supportive of her daughter’s adventures and even suggests a few games for her daughter to play on her own. Mrs. Jones is ultimately captured by the Other Mother (along with Mr. Jones) and Coraline is forced to brave her fears and rescue her parents.

Mrs. Jones’ character serves as a counterpoint to the Other Mother, contrasting her genuine love and concern for Coraline with the Other Mother’s manipulative and deceitful nature. Her transformation from a busy mother to a determined protector highlights the novel’s themes of maternal love, sacrifice, and the power of family bonds in overcoming adversity.

The Other Father

The Other Father is created by the beldam to look exactly like Coraline’s own father (with a few differences here and there). He is controlled entirely by the beldam and does everything she asks him to do. He tries to entice Coraline into staying in the parallel universe. He cooks delicious meals and engages Coraline in interesting conversations in an attempt to get her to stay. However, he lets slip some valuable information about the Other Mother for which he is punished and pushed through a trapdoor.

When Coraline meets him under the trapdoor, she feels sorry for him and asks him to stand up to the beldam. However, the Other Father is not strong enough to stand up to the Other Mother. He ends up attacking Coraline, who escapes from him by plucking out his button eye. The Other Father’s character adds depth to the story’s exploration of the Other Mother’s powers and the consequences of her deception. His tragic arc serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of individual agency and the struggle to resist external pressures that seek to subvert one’s identity and free will.

Miss Forcible and Miss Spink

Miss. Forcible and Miss. Spink are elderly actresses and Coraline’s eccentric neighbors who live in Coraline’s world. The two of them are lovers and they spend most of their lives with their many terriers reminiscing their days from the stage. Miss. Forcible and Miss. Spink agrees that Coraline is “a remarkable young woman” but does not bother to learn her real name, as they keep calling her “Caroline.” 

They are good fortune tellers and they warn Coraline of the impending danger she is going to face. The couple also provides Coraline with a protective stone which ultimately proves to be one of Coraline’s most valuable assets in the other universe.

Miss Forcible and Miss Spink’s characters serve as embodiments of nostalgia and theatricality, harkening back to a bygone era of entertainment. Their eccentricities and larger-than-life personalities provide a whimsical backdrop to Coraline’s adventures, reminding readers of the magic and wonder that can be found in everyday life. Additionally, their friendship with Coraline underscores the theme of mutual support and camaraderie, showing how even the most unlikely friendships can blossom in times of adversity.

Mr. Bobo

Mr. Bobo is the “crazy old man” who lives in the flat above Coraline’s flat. He trains a rat circus day in and day out. His rats prove to be a valuable asset to Coraline, as they provide useful information to her twice in the novel. However, much to the exasperation of Coraline, Mr. Bobo keeps calling her “Caroline” instead of “Coraline.”

In the parallel universe, Mr. Bobo is much more animated and appears to be a lot more cunning. His rats are sinister and foreboding too. However, once Coraline has escaped from the parallel universe, Mr. Bobo becomes closer to her and even starts calling her by her real name.

Mr. Bobo’s character contributes to the overall sense of unease and tension in the story, serving as a reminder of the Other Mother’s power to shape and distort reality. His circus-like antics and unsettling presence highlight the surreal and nightmarish aspects of Coraline’s journey, amplifying the novel’s themes of fear, deception, and the battle between light and darkness.

The Ghost Children

Coraline meets three ghost children when she is pushed into a tiny room after an argument with the Other Mother. As it turns out, The Other Mother has captured the souls of the ghost children and has left them to wander around in the parallel universe, lost. The first ghost child is a subdued young girl while the second one is a relatively bold and outspoken ghost boy. The last ghost girl is a fairy girl who seems very much like Coraline. All three of them warn Coraline of the dangers ahead and help her defeat The Other Mother in various ways. Ultimately, the souls of the ghost children are set free through Coraline’s dedicated efforts and the three children wander off into the universe. 

The Ghost Children’s characters add depth to the narrative by highlighting the tragic consequences of the Other Mother’s actions. Their spectral presence serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers lurking within the parallel world, motivating Coraline to press forward in her quest to save both herself and the other trapped souls. Additionally, their willingness to aid Coraline despite their own plight emphasizes the importance of empathy and solidarity in the face of adversity.