Meet the Characters of Paul Jackson’s Elsewhere: A World of Fantasy and Intrigue
In Paul Jackson’s Elsewhere series, characters are more than just inhabitants of a fantasy world – they are the heart of the story. Each one plays a critical role in the unfolding drama, from the heroic to the villainous, the mystical to the mundane. With a rich tapestry of personalities, Jackson has created a cast of characters that breathe life into his immersive world. Let’s meet some of the key figures who drive the narrative in this epic fantasy series.
Master I: The Inventor of Gallamar’s Garden
Master I is one of the most enigmatic and inventive characters in the Elsewhere series. He makes his first appearance inside a giant egg perched high in an ancient tree, in the heart of Gallamar's Garden of Wonders. Master I awakens with no memory of his past, yet he is a man of around sixty years, suggesting a life that remains shrouded in mystery. Within the egg is a book, blank except for the title: The Book of Master I.
Once free from his confinement, Master I discovers his identity as an inventor. His genius and resourcefulness are vital to the survival of the islanders in The Uprising. As the story unfolds, Master I’s creations play an essential role in both the defence of Humble Island and the wider war against the Lord of the Shadows.
Feather: From Wing to Rebel
Feather is a character that starts his life attached (quite literally) to Master I. He begins as one of Master I’s wings but soon embarks on a journey of his own. Thrown into the wind, Feather quickly grows beyond his initial form, becoming a sentient, independent being with his own personality. By the time he returns, he has developed strong opinions, impatience, and even feet.
Feather's transformation represents the theme of growth and self-discovery that runs through Elsewhere. His evolution from a part of someone else into an independent force mirrors the larger struggles of the characters, who must all find their place in a world that is rapidly changing.
Sammsy Shouter: The Protector of Humble
Sammsy, known for his booming voice and strong will, enters the story in The Hidden Destiny. As the self-appointed protector of the Hills of Humble, Sammsy is rough around the edges but fiercely loyal to his home. Orphaned at a young age and raised by his grandfather, Sammsy has had a difficult upbringing that has shaped him into a resilient and determined young man.
Sammsy's journey is one of personal growth, as he transitions from a boy defending his home to a key player in the resistance against the Lord of the Shadows. His loud voice is symbolic of his larger-than-life personality, and his unyielding sense of duty makes him a fan-favourite character.
Eldrin: The Ghostly Guide
Eldrin, also known as Uncle John, is a mysterious and powerful character who appears in various forms throughout the series. While his physical presence is limited to a pre-story at the beginning of The Hidden Destiny, Eldrin's influence spans the entire nine-book series. He communicates with the living through letters, riddles, and apparitions, offering guidance and wisdom from beyond the grave.
Eldrin’s connection to the main characters, particularly Sammsy, is shrouded in mystery. His knowledge of the past and future allows him to hold significant power over the story’s villains, particularly the Merchant of Storms and the Lord of the Shadows. Eldrin’s ability to carve two Master Keys from the heartwood of the Mother Tree adds another layer of intrigue to his character, as he remains a critical figure in the battle for Elsewhere.
The Merchant of Storms: A Villainous Visionary
Every epic fantasy needs a villain, and in Elsewhere, the Merchant of Storms is one of the central antagonists. As the quintessential “second son” who has grown up feeling overshadowed by his elder brother, the Merchant’s bitterness and ambition drive him to seek power at any cost. His moral compass, shaped by envy and resentment, pushes him to become a cunning and ruthless leader.
The Merchant's ambition is centred around his pursuit of the Master Key, a powerful artefact that could change the course of the war. His ship, built to withstand any storm and slip through time vortexes, is a testament to his obsession with immortality and control. The Merchant’s complex motivations and tragic backstory make him a compelling villain that readers love to hate.
Findorian: The One Who Knows
Findorian is one of the most pivotal characters in Elsewhere. His name means “The One Who Knows,” though at the beginning of the series, he is unaware of the critical role he will play in the future of the Realms. Born under extraordinary circumstances, Findorian’s life is marked by prophecy and destiny. From a young age, it is clear that he is different from those around him, and his journey toward self-discovery forms one of the central arcs of the series.
Throughout the books, Findorian must rise to the challenges set before him, not only to fulfil his destiny but also to save the Realms of Elsewhere from total destruction. His development is reminiscent of other great fantasy heroes like Frodo Baggins or Harry Potter, as he learns the extent of his power and the responsibility that comes with it.
The Good Lady Herself: The Immortal Enigma
One of the most intriguing characters in Elsewhere is the Good Lady Herself, the eldest daughter of Heaven and an immortal being of breathtaking beauty. She is, however, not without flaws—her greatest weakness is her love for a mortal man, which introduces complexity to her otherwise perfect existence.
The Good Lady’s role in the story remains one of mystery and allure, as her actions are governed by both divine power and human emotion. Her presence adds a layer of celestial intrigue to the series, as she navigates the delicate balance between her love and her responsibilities as an immortal.
Paul Jackson’s Elsewhere is a world built not just on epic battles and grand adventures, but on the rich, multidimensional characters who populate its realms. From the inventive Master I to the enigmatic Good Lady Herself, each character is a key piece of the larger puzzle that makes Elsewhere an unforgettable experience for readers. As the series unfolds, these characters grow, evolve, and face the challenges of a world on the brink of destruction, drawing readers deeper into the heart of this fantastical universe.
