The Blackthorn Key

In many ways, Christopher is presented as a typical 14-year-old boy. Socially, he has no great power of his own; everything he has derives from his relationship to Master Benedict. Yet Master Benedict values other traits in him, including his intelligence and perception, and Christopher develops these throughout his time with Master Benedict. Christopher has one close friend, Tom, with whom he conducts experiments that would appeal to many young boys in apothecaries’ shops. From the beginning, Christopher’s voice has an easy charm that makes him a likable narrator. Moreover, he has other likable qualities: He is grateful for his position and seems to genuinely care about those around him, down to the pigeons on the roof. 

Christopher also has a brave side, which can border on the reckless. His experiments with making gunpowder notify the reader of this immediately. However, this bravery serves him in good stead as he refuses to leave Master Benedict and again later as he refuses to flee the city, even when he is wanted as a murderer and the real murderer is after him. Although he enjoys playing with even the most dangerous substances, Christopher shows a capacity for thoughtfulness early on as he explains his thought processes to Tom.