Ella Enchanted characters

Appears from the start

A girl of Frell who was magically compelled in infancy to obey every direct order. Ella is intelligent, curious, and stubborn, and she constantly searches for ways to limit the harm caused by the enchantment without letting most people know it exists. She has a gift for languages and can imitate the speech of other peoples and creatures.

Appears from the start

A powerful fairy whose impulsive gifts often create trouble for their recipients. At Ella's birth she declares that obedience will make the child happy and places the spell on her despite objections from the family.

Appears from the start

The household cook and Ella's godmother. Warm, practical, and protective, she knows about the obedience spell and helps Ella conceal it. She is also a fairy, although she avoids grand magic and distrusts Lucinda's reckless approach to gifts.

Also known as Lady Eleanor

Appears from the start

Ella's affectionate mother, who treats her daughter with humor and understanding. She and Mandy protect the secret of Ella's enchantment and teach Ella never to reveal it to anyone who might exploit her.

Also known as Sir Peter

First appears in chapter 2

Ella's father, a titled merchant who spends much of his time traveling and trading. Charming when it serves his business, he is frequently absent and regards family decisions in practical and financial terms.

Also known as Char, Prince Charmont

First appears in chapter 3

The young crown prince of Kyrria. Friendly, thoughtful, and less formal than Ella expects, he enjoys speaking with her as an equal and shares her curiosity about the kingdom's different peoples.

First appears in chapter 6

Dame Olga's elder daughter and one of Ella's schoolmates. Status-conscious and controlling, Hattie quickly recognizes that Ella can be forced to comply with commands and uses that advantage to humiliate her.

First appears in chapter 6

Hattie's younger sister. Olive follows Hattie's lead, speaks without much reflection, and is interested in Ella chiefly when she expects to gain money, possessions, or attention.

First appears in chapter 4

A wealthy widow who is eager to improve her social standing. She is Hattie and Olive's mother and presents herself as a friend of Ella's family while watching closely for an advantageous match.

First appears in chapter 7

An Ayorthaian girl at finishing school who becomes Ella's genuine friend. Areida is kind, studious, and treated as an outsider by Hattie, but she and Ella delight in stories and languages together.

First appears in chapter 12

An elf whom Ella meets after leaving school. He and his family offer her food, shelter, and friendship, and Slannen shares her interest in language while helping her continue her journey.