Character Sketches - The Happy Prince | English Class 9 PDF Download

• The Happy Prince is the central character of the story, originally a statue standing high above the city. When he was alive, the prince lived in a palace surrounded by luxury, unaware of the struggles and misery in the world around him. After his death, he is immortalized as a golden statue with sapphire eyes and a ruby on his sword hilt. From his vantage point, he witnesses the suffering of the people in the city, and though his heart is now made of lead, it breaks at the sight of their misery.

Happy Prince

• Despite being made of gold, the Happy Prince is selfless and compassionate. He feels deep empathy for the suffering of others and, through his friendship with the swallow, he sacrifices his precious materials to help those in need. This transformation from a once-happy, oblivious prince to a figure of compassion is central to the story. 
• His willingness to part with his eyes and gold symbolizes his complete selflessness. Even though he becomes dull and grey, he finds fulfillment in bringing happiness to others. His character reflects themes of sacrifice, empathy, and the moral of giving without expecting anything in return.

2. The Little Swallow

• The little swallow is another important character who plays a crucial role in carrying out the Happy Prince's wishes. At the beginning of the story, the swallow is preparing to migrate to Egypt with his friends. However, he becomes delayed and lands at the statue of the Happy Prince to rest. Initially, the swallow is self-centered, focused on his own journey and comfort. He is reluctant to stay and help the Happy Prince, as he is eager to fly to the warmth of Egypt.

Little Swallow

• However, as the story progresses, the swallow undergoes a significant transformation. Moved by the Happy Prince's kindness and the suffering he sees in the city, the swallow agrees to become the prince’s messenger. He carries the prince’s jewels and gold to the poor and needy, and over time, his character shifts from being focused on himself to becoming empathetic and self-sacrificing. 
• In the end, the swallow chooses to stay with the now-blind Happy Prince, even though the cold eventually takes his life. His loyalty and love for the prince symbolize the value of friendship and the importance of helping others, even at great personal cost.

3. The Seamstress

• The seamstress is a symbol of poverty and hardship in the story. She is described as a woman with thin, worn features, pricked hands, and tired eyes. She works tirelessly embroidering flowers on a gown for one of the Queen’s maids of honor, yet despite her efforts, she barely earns enough to provide for her sick child. The scene of the seamstress and her feverish son paints a stark picture of the hardships faced by the poor in the city.

Seamstress: Person whose job involves sewing clothing

• The seamstress' character embodies the plight of the working class, and her silent struggle contrasts with the wealth and opulence of the upper class. Her situation also highlights the theme of societal indifference to suffering, as she works on a dress for the wealthy while her own child lies sick, lacking basic necessities.

4. The Young Playwright

• The young playwright is another character who suffers from poverty. He is a talented writer working on a play, but hunger and cold prevent him from finishing his work. His physical condition, with no firewood to warm him and his inability to buy food, reflects the harsh realities faced by creative individuals who struggle to make a living.
• The playwright’s situation touches upon the theme of artistic struggle and the lack of appreciation or support for creative endeavors. His momentary joy at receiving the sapphire from the Happy Prince's eye symbolizes how small acts of kindness can provide not only physical relief but also emotional encouragement to those in need.

5. The Little Matchgirl

• The little matchgirl represents the most vulnerable in society: children who are neglected and abused. She is barefoot, hungry, and has dropped her matches in the gutter, fearing that her father will beat her for not bringing home money. The little matchgirl’s desperation and innocence contrast with the carefree lives of the wealthy, and her character underscores the harshness of the world, especially for children living in poverty.
• When the swallow delivers the Happy Prince’s second eye to the little matchgirl, it saves her from punishment and brings temporary happiness into her life. Her character emphasizes the theme of innocence suffering due to societal neglect.

6. The Mayor and the Councillors

• The mayor and the councillors appear towards the end of the story as symbols of authority and indifference. They are more concerned with the appearance and condition of the Happy Prince statue than with the suffering of the people. When they notice that the statue has lost its beauty, they decide to take it down, and the prince’s lead heart is discarded. The mayor and councillors represent the superficial and materialistic values of society, focusing on wealth and outward appearances rather than inner compassion and empathy. Their character contrasts with the generosity and selflessness of the Happy Prince.