Stardust

Which character is probably the most relatable to the general readership, and why? What traits and characteristics do they encompass, and what might their actions mean on a symbolic level? Does the character’s background (human or faerie) make a difference in a reader’s ability to relate to them in the novel?

Identify some standard fairy-tale tropes within the novel. How did the author approach these in a new way? Select choices from a variety of places in the novel.

What can the story teach us about the nature of a Heart’s Desire? Is it positive, fulfilling, dangerous, duplicitous, or something else? Look for examples in the novel to support your view.

Why do you think the author chose to use a retrospective narrator? How did this choice shape your perception of the story?

Compare and contrast Tristran and his father, Dunstan. How are they alike, and how are they different?

Yvaine learns that if she crosses the wall, she turns into a lump of rock. What do you think would happen if other faerie characters, such as Una or the Lilim, were to cross over? Why? Use details from the book to support your answer.

What are some instances of foreshadowing in the opening two chapters? Where and how are they fulfilled later in the novel?

Name the references to real historical figures throughout the story. How do these allusions support the novel? What do they mean on a representative level?