L’EVALLIER, CHIEF ELF, LATER COUNCIL LEADER - Richard E. Grant
Need someone who can play “posh”, be courageous, argue with their boss despite knowing it could mean they’re turned into a statue, loves his wife but is so conscious of his position he is embarrassed by that until he finally discovers the joy of sex. He’s thorough with his job, is known to be honourable yet when it comes to magical ability can take on the Chief Wizard and survive, no mean achievement. Has fantastic knowledge of the Kingdom. Is a walking library when it comes to what the fairy royals can and cannot do. Is a pain in the neck to the Queen but she knows she needs him. In some senses he is her conscience.
RODISH, CHIEF DWARF, COUNCIL LEADER, KILLED BY WITCH - Nicholas Lyndhurst
Needs someone who can manipulate L’Evallier (not many can), who has a sound knowledge of the Kingdom, is phenomenally brave but unlike the Chief Elf is not that happy questioning his superiors (despite accepting the Queen ought to be pushed into marriage to secure the succession. Nobody wants Eileen recalled to take the throne). As a result the poor dwarf does end up being kiilled by the Witch, this situation set up by Brankaresh. Rodish inspires loyalty amongst all dwarves, his death is a huge loss to them, and he can fight brilliantly, which ironically leads to his killing as Brankaresh and Witch know Rodish has got to be removed if they are to get on with their plot to overthrow the Queen. Is good to his constituents. Is honest.
HANASTREW - Emma Watson
Earnest, devoted to duty, hero worshipper (in this case, Eileen), brave, learns to be inventive with magic when Eileen is no longer around to consult, relatively young. Royalist though comes to realize the Queen is not above criticism. Can stand up to both Eileen and Queen. Is not easily fooled. Is incorruptible too. Inspirational leader to the squad. Leads from the front. Almost killed by Witch though to be fair Hanastrew nearly killed the crone first.
FRESDIAN LATER CHANGES NAME TO ROSE - Caroline Quentin
Conniving fairy godmother who hides her true skills behind a mask of being an eccentric fanatic of all fauna and flora around the universes because she’s seen how the royals have made use of Eileen, continually endangering her, and Fresdian wants none of that herself. Becomes desperate to have a child of her own. This is a fairy-related illness when fairies get to a certain age and haven’t been married off. Is prevented from stealing an earth child. Sent to earth to make a new life there with the fighting sprites, Stanrock and Whespy. This is very much a case of the Queen getting three troublemakers out of her way. Fresdian is knowledgeable, tart, not easily fooled and passes on her blood-inherited gifts to Jennifer, partly to annoy Eileen, partly to trigger Jennifer’s own inherited magic, and partly because Fresdian can be bloody minded. Fresdian does the unthinkable by dying on earth the human way instead of returning to the Kingdom for that.