Characters in The Gathering by Isobelle Carmody:
Main Characters:
* Lily: The protagonist, a young girl raised by her grandmother, Nana, in a remote Australian outback town. Lily is strong-willed, independent, and deeply connected to the land. She struggles with the loss of her parents and the mysteries surrounding their death.
* Nana (Ellen): Lily's grandmother, a wise and powerful woman who possesses deep knowledge of the land and its secrets. Nana is a strong pillar of support for Lily and plays a crucial role in her journey.
* The Gathering: A group of powerful beings that represent the ancient forces of the land. They are responsible for maintaining balance and order in the world.
* The Old Ones: Ancient and powerful spirits that reside in the land. They are connected to the Gathering and often interact with Lily, revealing secrets and guiding her path.
* The Shadow Lord: A malevolent entity that seeks to corrupt the land and the Gathering. He is the main antagonist and a powerful force of chaos.
* The Shadow Lord's Servants: Creatures and beings that serve the Shadow Lord and represent his darkness. They are often described as terrifying and destructive forces.
Other Important Characters:
* The Grey Man: A mysterious and enigmatic figure that plays a significant role in Lily's journey. He is often seen as a protector and guide, offering cryptic wisdom and warnings.
* The White Horse: A magical creature that appears to Lily, signifying her connection to the land and the Gathering.
* The Black Dog: A shadowy creature associated with the Shadow Lord. It represents fear and darkness.
* Local townspeople: The residents of Lily's outback town are often presented as skeptical and distrustful of her beliefs and abilities. Some, like the local doctor, play a more supportive role.
Key Characteristics:
* Connection to the Land: Many characters are deeply connected to the land and its spirits, drawing strength and wisdom from it.
* Clash Between Light and Darkness: The story revolves around the conflict between the forces of good and evil, represented by the Gathering and the Shadow Lord.
* Journey of Self-Discovery: Lily's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns about her true identity and the importance of her connection to the land.
* Symbolism and Myth: The story is rich with symbolism, drawing on themes of ancient mythology and Australian Aboriginal folklore.
Note: This is a brief overview of the main characters in The Gathering. The book delves much deeper into their personalities, motivations, and relationships.