Untitled Flashcard Set

The Protagonist: Wilbur is the runt of the litter, representing vulnerability and the struggle for survival. He is initially saved by Fern and later protected by Charlotte.
Growth and Maturity: Wilbur's character arc moves from infantile dependence and fear to courage and gratitude. His transformation is completed when he takes on the responsibility of caring for Charlotte's children, showing that he has learned the value of friendship and sacrifice.
Emotional Sensitivity: Wilbur's capacity for deep emotion makes him the heart of the story, as his desire for companionship motivates much of the plot.

The Architect of Fate: A barn spider who becomes Wilbur's closest friend. Charlotte is characterized by her intelligence, loyalty, and eloquent vocabulary.
Sacrifice: Charlotte embodies the theme of selfless love. She spends her final days weaving messages like "Some Pig" and "Terrific" to ensure Wilbur's safety, knowing that she will not live to see the result.
Wisdom: She provides a philosophical perspective on life and death, teaching Wilbur that a life well-lived is one that helps others.

The Bridge to Childhood: Fern is the 8-year-old girl who saves Wilbur from her father’s axe. She represents the pure, uninhibited empathy of childhood.
Transition to Adolescence: As the novel progresses, Fern spends less time in the barn with the animals and more time with her peer Henry Fussy. This symbolizes the inevitable process of growing up and leaving behind the imaginative world of animals for human society.

The Utilitarian Foil: Templeton is a gluttonous and selfish rat. Unlike Charlotte, he does nothing unless there is a reward, specifically food.
Character Role: Despite his lack of moral fiber, Templeton is essential to the plot. He collects the words for Charlotte to weave, demonstrating that even flawed or unpleasant individuals can contribute to a greater good within a community.

The Realistic Adults: These characters represent the pragmatic world of farming. Their motivations are largely economic (the weight of the pig, the cost of feed), serves as the external pressure that Charlotte and Wilbur must overcome through their extraordinary friendship.