The Door in the Wall

Brother Luke is a monk who takes Robin to live at St. Mark’s Church in London after the plague reaches his house. He’s kind, patient, and wise, and he helps Robin recover from a devastating illness and learn to regain his mobility. His gentle understanding of Robin’s turmoil, along with his careful guidance, gives Robin a new perspective on his life. He teaches him to see challenges not as misfortune but as tests of his character. Brother Luke serves as a mentor who encourages Robin to bring out his best self, learn the most he can, and use his growing set of skills to make useful contributions to and help protect his people. He also demonstrates many aspects of monastic life in the 14th century; he and other monks care for the sick, teach Robin to read, and are skilled woodworkers—reflecting monasteries’ emphasis on providing specific skills and trades as they serve their communities.

The courier-minstrel John-go-in-the-Wynd carries letters to and from Robin and his father, and he helps Robin travel north to Lindsay. John is big, hearty, cheerful, and very entertaining due to his many songs and stories. John helps Robin travel to the town of Lindsay, where he shows the boy how to build a harp and use it to play and sing songs. John’s sense of adventure and his courage inspire Robin, who works with him to save Lindsay from invaders. 

Ruler of the town of Lindsay, Sir Peter is recovering from battle wounds when Robin arrives for training as a knight. Sir Peter is a good friend of Robin’s father, and he welcomes the boy into his home. He becomes something of an uncle to Robin, and Robin returns the favor by helping to save Lindsay’s town and castle. Sir Peter serves, along with Robin’s father, as a model of the courageous nobleman-knight figure. His acceptance of Robin helps the child gain the confidence that he relies on when he helps save the town from its siege.

Lady Maud is Robin’s mother. When Robin is due to be sent away to learn to be a knight just after he turns 10, she receives a command to be one of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting. Thus, she’s away from Robin for most of the story, and her characterization is limited. When she returns, Robin worries that she won’t accept him because of his new disability, but she’s overjoyed to see him again and proud of the capable young man he is becoming as he matures. Her absence, along with that of Robin’s father, is a major stressor for the boy as he deals with the effects of his illness. Their reunion demonstrates a mother’s devotion to her child, as well as Robin’s loving heart and his growth as a person.

Sir John de Bureford, a nobleman and knight to the king, is Robin’s father. Away fighting the Scots, he receives a letter from Robin and writes back to express his sorrow over his son’s illness and his hope that Robin will shortly be able to ride north to continue his studies in the knightly arts. Sir John completes his mission against the Scots and, with the king, visits Robin at Lindsay. When they reunite, Sir John demonstrates his love for his son and his pride in the boy’s accomplishments as he recognizes his transition from a child to a young man.

D’Ath is one of the castle dogs at Lindsay. Robin befriends him with bits of food, and soon the dog is his constant companion. D’Ath’s fierce loyalty to Robin suggests that the boy’s inherent goodness, kindness, and friendliness are easily recognized by animals and people alike.

Geoffrey walks with crutches. He’s cheerful, witty, and sassy; at first, he offends Robin by calling him “Brother Crookshanks,” but Robin learns from Geoffrey the value of using crutches for mobility and the advantages they sometimes bring in certain athletic events. Geoffrey is the first person who shows Robin that he can still have friends, enjoy fun and games, and live a “normal” life after his illness.