The Clamshell Show characters

Appears from the start

A pupil at Lady Sealia Foam's school and Christabel Blue's niece. Marnie has prepared for a singing audition and hopes to play Queen Maretta in the Clamshell Show, although competing for the role threatens her friendship with Orla.

Appears from the start

Marnie's friend and a fellow pupil who also enters the audition for Queen Maretta. Her decision puts the two friends in direct competition and immediately creates strain between them.

Appears from the start

Marnie's friend, a keen observer of fish, and the school's only rock-tuba player. Because nobody else plays her instrument, Pearl already has a place in the show orchestra rather than seeking a singing role.

Appears from the start

Marnie's aunt and a well-known performer on Radio Sea Wave. Her reputation at the school shapes Lady Sealia's unfavorable opinion of Marnie.

Appears from the start

The strict head of Marnie's school and one of the adults responsible for the joint Clamshell Show. She keeps a pet dogfish and judges Marnie unfavorably because of Marnie's association with Christabel Blue.

Appears from the start

The music teacher who organizes auditions for the schools' production of Queen Maretta and the Storm Sprites.

Appears from the start

The legendary queen at the center of the schools' planned production. Marnie Blue and Orla Finnegan both hope to portray her in the Clamshell Show.

First appears in chapter 2

A pupil seeking the role of Queen Maretta. Her singing in the opening audition is strong enough for Miss Tinkle to advance her to the next round.

First appears in chapter 2

A pupil who initially takes part in the singing auditions. Miss Tinkle assigns her to the show's chorus rather than advancing her as a candidate for Queen Maretta.

First appears in chapter 2

A pupil who appears in the first round of show auditions. Miss Tinkle decides that her contribution is better suited to stage management than to the role of Queen Maretta.

First appears in chapter 2

A newly arrived pupil with a powerful singing voice who advances as a candidate for Queen Maretta alongside Marnie and Orla. Her identity is not established, and she becomes another strong rival for the lead.

First appears in chapter 3

The school's crab deputy head. She provides Marnie with the correct time for the second audition, exposing the false schedule that has left Marnie in danger of missing her turn.

First appears in chapter 4

An Atoll Academy pupil cast as Prince Cobalt and the brother of the new Queen Maretta performer. He accompanies his sister when she arranges a visit to Marnie's aunt at Radio Sea Wave.

First appears in chapter 5

Orla's older sister and a studio assistant at Radio Sea Wave. She is part of Christabel Blue's regular broadcasting team when Marnie brings the show's two lead performers to the station.

First appears in chapter 5

The head of Atoll Academy, which joins Lady Sealia Foam's school to stage the Clamshell Show. He oversees the participating pupils from his school as the combined cast gathers for rehearsal.

First appears in chapter 5

A member of Christabel Blue's regular Radio Sea Wave team. The producer works behind the scenes at the station during the lead performers' visit and the preparations surrounding the Clamshell Show.

First appears in chapter 5

An Atoll Academy pupil cast as one of the Storm Sprites in the joint production. He rehearses with Marnie and Orla at Clamshell Grotto and is part of the cast assembled from both schools.

First appears in chapter 6

A human searching the lagoon after a message he left at the East Lagoon rocks disappeared. He has exchanged messages with Christabel Blue before and believes what he seeks is worth more than treasure.

First appears in chapter 12

An influential guest in the audience for the completed Clamshell Show. Impressed by Marnie and Orla's cooperation onstage, the agent offers them guidance if they pursue future musical opportunities.