The Princess Diaries

Compare and contrast Mia and Lilly. How are the girls similar or different? How do they play off each other’s strengths and weaknesses? Why does their friendship work (or not work)?

The Princess Diaries takes place in modern-day Manhattan. What is the significance of this setting? How does the city function as a backdrop to this royal tale?

Mia’s mother tells her that most teenage girls would be thrilled to learn that their father is a prince. Why does Helen believe this? How does Mia respond?

When Mia tells Lilly to “shut up,” she realizes that she has never told anyone to shut up before. What pushes Mia to this breaking point? How does this moment show character development?

Throughout the novel, Michael drops hints that he is interested in Mia. Find three of these moments and explain how and why Mia ignores or misunderstands his intentions.

The Grandmère of The Princess Diaries novel is very different from the Grandma of the film adaptation, and Mia’s father is absent from it. Why do you think the film’s director chose to make these major deviations from the novel?

Although Mia claims that she has trouble being assertive, she is a staunch vegetarian and states that she won’t eat meat to appease anyone, not even Josh. Why is it easier for Mia to stick to this conviction than it is for her to stand up for herself? What does this reveal about her character?

Consider the role of the media in The Princess Diaries. How does Lilly use her public access channel? How do people like Grandmère and Josh weaponize the press?