I thought one of the most effective strategies that Nesbit used to convey her themes of fantasy was her unique form of characterization. While Nesbit aimed an an audience of the average child, she successfully portrayed the children in a realistic fashion with good and bad qualities. In this way Nesbit is not only adding interest to her fantasy, but she is also enhancing the didactic message in the story. The fantasy is more appealing to the readers with these children because the story would become predictable with perfect children who always chose the right decision with pure motives. The children with flaws are made more relatable to the reader. The didactic message is enhanced through this because the children are simultaneously seen as a reflection of the intended audience, while at the same time creating a feeling of superiority for the reader. This judgment of the children is allowed through the narrative voice.
The children's character is built as a central meaning to the fantasy. Through specific eamples, gender roles as well as their selfless nature opposed to their selfish nature are played out. For example, the boys help their sisters with chores and cleaning so that they can play; the children sing to and entertain their baby brother. However, when troubled times put the children under pressure, their more slefish tendecies are seen. Even Anthea, the moral pillar of reason, creates a lie to keep her mother from worrying when she is in fear of the consequences of losing the Lamb. The children's motives for doing good are also questioned as the reasoning seems to very often be for self gratification or because they feel obligated. However, there are good deeds done out of love as well because the children are complex characters.
Through this use of characterization, I feel that the messages are more accurately conveyed to the reader. Because it is not the typical fantasy in a surreal perefect world, I feel the realism displays a more relatable theme for the audience.
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