Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow

Protagonist and main narrator Simon Snow’s bravery, honesty, and impulsivity propel the plot. Like all of the novel’s characters, Simon’s name is part of his characterization. Simon believes he needs to be pristine and pure like snow—a perfect surface for his role as the Chosen One. However, the word “snow” carries another association—a blank canvas that can be stained, marked, or otherwise written on. If Simon isn’t careful, his cultivation of snow-like emptiness will leave him vulnerable to those who want to paint their own wishes on his surface.

Eighteen-year-old Simon has curly bronze hair and blue eyes. In Chapter 4, Penny describes her best friend’s appearance at the start of their eighth year at Watford: “He’s broad-shouldered and broad-nosed, and when he gets too thin, his skin just hangs off his cheekbones” (32). Simon’s concerning thinness indicates the neglect he experiences at children’s homes in the Normal world.

Simon shows his courage when he fights a dragon to protect the students and faculty of the Watford School of Magicks. Indeed, Simon is accustomed to such daring and dangerous deeds because he is the Chosen One. For most of the novel, Simon’s destiny feels like a death sentence, but he bravely accepts his fate because he believes his sacrifice will save the world.