‘Charlotte’s Web‘ by E.B. White is a classic children’s book that tells the story of a beautiful friendship between Wilbur, a young pig, and Charlotte, a spider, as they develop a deep bond in the face of adversity.

Characters

Wilbur

The story starts with Fern saving Wilbur from slaughter. She persists her parents to save Wilbur which leads him to the Zuckerman barn. While the threat of Wilbur’s death plays an important role in the story, the resulting friendship is what shapes him. Devoted to Fern, Wilbur follows her around and learns the importance of friendships, which is later highlighted in the rest of the story.

At Wilbur’s arrival to the Zuckermans’ barn, he feels the weight of his loneliness. He constantly seeks for friendships from the other animals, and no one bat an eye, until Charlotte.

It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer.

Wilbur

As a childlike character, Wilbur is lighthearted, playful, and desperate to make friends. He understands the importance of friendship through his bond with Fern, and when he later finds out the Zuckermans plan to slaughter him too, his desperation escalates. He is a character that needs comfort, reassurance, and help when he is afraid. So, he frequently turns to Charlotte in those particular moments.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a character who is a deeply loyal friend. She watches Wilbur from her web in the Zuckermans’ barn and decides to lend a helping hand. She enjoys Wilbur’s company and accepts his desperate attempts at being friends.

Charlotte is a self-sacrificing friend and repeatedly puts Wilbur before herself. She befriends him, patiently teaches him, and works hard to save him. Throughout the night, she diligently spins words into her web to save Wilbur, even consoling him so he gets a good night sleep while she works. Eventually, Charlotte eventually passes away after using her last webs making her egg sac.

With the right words, you can change the world.

Charlotte

Fern

Fern, the young girl who initially begs for Wilbur’s life, is a compassionate character. Although she lives on the farm, she is seemingly unaware of the circle of life that is part of living on a farm. This spurs her to action by not only saving Wilbur from being slaughtered but by also putting in the work to raise him. Fern considers the animals in the Zuckermans’ barn to be some of her best friends and therefore prioritizes their well-being.

However, as Fern grows up, her concern and interest for the animals slowly change and although she is invested in the outcome of Charlotte’s plan to save Wilbur, her new friendships with her peers are prioritized. Similarly to Wilburn who eventually matures through the story, especially after Charlotte dies.

Templeton

Templeton is portrayed as a rather unsavory character. He’s selfish, greedy, and primarily concerned with his own comfort and well-being. His actions are often driven by his insatiable appetite and desire for food, leading him to scavenge and hoard various items from the farm. He is cunning and opportunistic, always looking for ways to satisfy his needs without much regard for others.

Despite his initial negative portrayal, Templeton exhibits moments of complexity and even loyalty. His interactions with the other animals, especially Wilbur and Charlotte, reveal layers beyond his selfish exterior. Furthermore, his character adds a touch of realism to the story. Not all characters are purely good or evil; they possess a mix of traits that make them more human-like. Templeton’s inclusion showcases that even characters with flaws can contribute to the greater good, albeit in unexpected ways.

Conclusion

While immersed in the world of “Charlotte’s Web,” I felt a profound sense of belonging. The narrative’s emphasis on friendships prompted introspection, leading me to cherish all my loved ones more deeply. Charlotte’s selflessness and her sacrifices for Wilbur resonated strongly, evoking memories of my family’s own sacrifices and inspiring immense gratitude towards them. This story resonated with me because its storytelling beautifully underscores the significance of relationships and the profound appreciation of life. I hope this timeless story continues to touch readers as it did for me.