Do you love the books? Do you want to know more about the main characters?
“Meyer has, like one of her vampires, turned into something rare and more than merely human…People do not want to just read Meyer’s books; they want to climb inside them and live there.” – Time. The Famous Twilight Saga has been a success from its inception, due to its 4 book and 5 movie series being a global phenomenon. Actors Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke, play the main characters from the series. The Saga mainly focuses on the relationship between Edward and Bella. The development that starts from their first, dangerous encounter in Twilight, to their eternal love in Breaking Dawn. Taylor Lautner plays the role of Jacob Black, who is a ‘friend’ of Bella; and Billy Burke plays the role of Charlie Swan, the father of Bella Swan. Understanding each character is important, and from reading the book series, and especially the Twilight Saga; Official Illustrated Guide, you find out more about each character, and have a stronger connection with them.
Character profile of Isabella Marie Swan Cullen
Date of birth: Isabella Swan (preferred name, Bella) was born on the 13th of September 1987.
Physical description: She is slender, but not muscular and as a human was very fair-skinned. As a vampire she is even paler and her features have become perfected.
Special abilities: Bella has a mind that no one can read, unless she allows it. Her ‘shield’ protects her from any attack; as well protect those around her.
Hobbies: She enjoys readings, especially the classics, and also enjoys listening to music.
Family Relationships: Charlie and Renée are Bella’s parents, but divorced when she was a baby. Renee is now married to Phil Dwyer, Bella’s stepfather. Bella is married to Edward Cullen and has a daughter Renesmee Cullen. She thinks of Carlisle and Esme Cullen as her mother and father-in-law, and Alice and Emmett Cullen, as well as Rosalie and Jasper Hale as her brothers and sisters-in-law.
Personal history: Bella was born in Forks, Washington, but grew up with her mother in Riverside, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, for her parents had divorced. Bella took over the household responsibilities at an early age, and in pastime would read books, as she was quite unco-ordinated. Bella would usually receive As in her schoolwork, and had planned to get a degree in education and teach, for the future. Her mother worked as a teacher, and Bella truly respected her job. Bella decided to move in with her father in Forks for her last year and a half of school, for her mother married a minor-league baseball player, Phil Dwyer, and had to travel on the road for the baseball season. Bella arrived in Forks, January 2005, and on her first day at Forks High School, met Edward Cullen.
Famous quote from the books: (Twilight Ch.9) “About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him- and I didn’t know how potent that part might be- that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.” – Bella’s feelings for Edward.
Character profile of Edward Anthony Mason Cullen
Date of birth: Edward was born on the 20th of June 1901.
Physical description: Edward is tall and thin, but muscular. He has unruly bronze hair with attractive looks.
Special abilities: He has the ability to read the minds of people with in close proximity to him, all except that of Bella Swan.
Hobbies: Edward loves music and plays many different instruments. He sings and has an extensive collection of CDs. He also enjoys collecting cars.
Family relationships: Elizabeth Mason was the mother of Edward Cullen, and Carlisle and Esme Cullen are his ‘adoptive’ parents. He is married to Bella Swan and has a daughter, Renesmee Cullen. He thinks of Alice and Emmett Cullen, as well as Rosalie and Jasper Hale as his siblings.
Personal history: Edward and Elizabeth Mason were the parents of Edward Cullen. He was born in Chicago, Illinois 1901 and was an only child. His father was a successful lawyer and provided Edward with music lessons and an opportunity to attend private school. His father was emotionally distant and often away from home for business. Edward became closer with his mother. He excelled as both a student and an accomplished pianist. Edward had envied the life of a soldier and dreamed of the day he could join the battle of World War 1. The Spanish influenza hit Chicago nine months before Edward’s eighteenth birthday, infecting all his family. Doctor Carlisle treated Edward’s gravely ill family in the hospital where he worked. Elizabeth was on her deathbed and feared her son’s life. She begged Dr. Cullen to do whatever it took to save her son; somehow she knew he had a supernatural means for Edward. Carlisle was convinced and took Edward from the hospital to his home, where he became the first human Carlisle changed into a vampire. They formed a strong bond, and later Carlisle realised Edward had the ability to read minds, as he answered Carlisle’s unspoken questions. Esme joined the family, as she was transformed by Carlisle after her suicide attempt. Edward grew to love his new mother and father. Although he respected Carlisle’s “vegetarian” lifestyle, he couldn’t help but question what human blood was like. After spending a decade with his new parents, he decided to experience an alternate style of vampire life. He began drinking human blood instead of animal blood, and using his supernatural ability, he targeted dangerous criminals as his victims. After regretting taking so many human lives, he returned home to Carlisle and Esme and their way of life. Carlisle hoped that transforming Rosalie Hale would be an opportunity for Edward to fall in love, but only thought of her as a sister. When the Cullens moved to Alaska, Edward had another opportunity to fall in love, with Tanya from the Denali coven, but was not interested. It was not until 2003 when they moved to Forks, that he met a human girl named Bella Swan that captured his attention. Bella was remarkably different from any other person Edward had ever met, as she “sang” for him the way no other human had. She was also the first person whose mind Edward could not read.
Famous quote from the books: (Twilight Ch. 5) “ What if I’m not a superhero? What if I’m the bad guy?” – Edward warning Bella that he could be the bad guy and not the super hero.
Character profile of Jacob Black
Date of birth: Jacob was born on the 14th of January 1990.
Physical description: When Jacob first met Bella his height made him look older than he was. He also had roundness to his face, but when he was close to his wolf transformation be had a series of growth spurts, and became taller and muscular build.
Hobbies: Jacob enjoys rebuilding automotive vehicles.
Family members: He had a mother named Sarah, who is deceased. He lives with his father Billy Black and has twin sisters Rachel and Rebecca, who also live with their father. Jacob has imprinted on Renesmee Cullen. (imprinting will be explained in the famous quote below)
Personal history: In La Push, Jacob grew up with his father Billy; his mother Sarah and his older twin sisters, Rachel and Rebecca. Embry Call and Quil Ateara were Jacob’s best friends throughout childhood and adolescence and the three of them attended school on La plush reservation together. At the age of nine, Jacob’s mother was killed in a car accident. Jacob recovered from the loss of his mother, as his sisters filled the role of mother for him. Billy became wheelchair bound, with complications from diabetes. Jacob was of great help towards his father and enjoyed spending so much time with him. Billy tried to teach Jacob the traditions and histories of the tribe, but he stopped listening at an early age. Rachel and Rebecca left La Push, for it brought back too many memories of their mother. Rachel returned home when coping better with the loss of her mother and was imprinted on by Paul Lahote. Jacob was the fifth person to join the group of werewolves, and was the rightful Alpha, but turned down the role, until he formed a separate pack from Sam’s.
Famous quote from the books: (Eclipse Ch.8) “ It’s more like…gravity moves. When you see her, suddenly it’s not the earth holding you here anymore. She does. And nothing matters more than her. And you would do anything for her, be anything for her…you become whatever she needs you to be, whether that’s a protector, or a lover, or a friend, or a brother.” – Jacob is convincing Bella to change her mind about keeping the baby, as it is killing her.
Character profile of Charlie Swan:
Date of birth: Charlie was born in 1964 (date unknown).
Physical description: Charlie is of average build and height.
Hobbies: Charlie enjoys fishing.
Family members: Geoffrey and Helen were his parents. He was married to Renee, but divorced when their daughter, Bella was a baby. He is currently dating Sue Clearwater.
Personal history: Charlie was born and raised in Forks, Washington, by his parents, Geoffrey and Helen. He was an only child and became close friends with Billy Black, Harry Clearwater and Quil Ateara IV, who belonged to the Quileute tribe. Charlie joined the police department as an adult, and wanted to go to college, but his parents became ill. His mother had the early stages of Alzheimer’s and his father’s ability to move decreased, by severe arthritis. On Charlie’s first summer as a cop, he encountered Renee Higginbotham while on his way to visit Billy. Rene had promised to come back and visit Charlie. Charlie had fallen for Renee, and was relieved for her promised return. They became very close, and soon enough, Charlie had proposed. Renee accepted and a few weeks later, they were married. They lived in a small house, close to Charlie’s parents, and were a very happy couple. Renee became pregnant, but wanted to leave Forks. Charlie’s parents became more ill, and did not want to leave them. Renee became depressed and after having the baby, decided to leave Forks without Charlie. Four years later, Helen and Geoffrey died, and Charlie became lonely; except from his summer visits from Bella. He became chief of Police in Forks and maintained his relationship with Billy and Harry. They became closer friends, as Billy lost his wife. Charlie was thrilled when he heard Bella decided to live with him for her last year and a half of school.
Famous quote from the books: (Breaking Dawn Ch.10) “ Isn’t Edward up for a little healthy competition?” – Charlie showing Bella his confidence in her relationship with Jacob, which Charlie prefers Jacob to be her boy friend.
Each character’s story is very important to know and understand, but in the movies not all of their stories are told. Books enable you to find out about each character’s personal history. We find out that Bella isn’t just a fragile, and unhappy girl, which is how she is portrayed in the movies. She is self-confident, independent and responsible. Edward is not a soulless monster, and does not want to be a monster. Jacob is a caring, loving and responsible and Charlie is an independent, strong man who very much cares for his daughter, Bella. The Twilight Saga; Official Illustrated Guide, written by Stephenie Meyer, does not only hold secrets of the series, but has additional material from her notes, including character profiles, maps, genealogical charts, and more. If you would like to find out even more about the characters and other aspects of the series, The Twilight Saga Official illustrated guide would definitely provide this. “A literary phenomenon.” - The New York Times.
Alexandra Manago 8B2
You always get more from the books! Movies always seem to be so one-dimensional.
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