Who Peter Pan is
Peter Pan lives in Neverland, an island where children's games share space with pirates, fairies and real danger. He is proud and cheerful, still has all his baby teeth, and refuses to become a man.
His bravery is real, but he does not always imagine the harm that might follow an adventure. He lives so completely in the moment that he forgets people and does not learn from his deeds.
What Peter Pan wants
Peter wants adventure and a mother who will tell stories to the Lost Boys. When Wendy sews his shadow back on, he tells her about the boys and their need for a mother. He teaches Wendy and her brothers to fly, bringing them from their London nursery towards Neverland.
Peter Pan and the others in the story
Wendy takes on a mother's duties for the Lost Boys, while Peter plays at being their father. For him, this remains a game, and he does not understand why his answers about affection hurt her.
Tinker Bell is fiercely loyal to Peter, but her jealousy makes her dangerous to anyone who comes close. Captain Hook is his pirate enemy, seeking revenge for the hand Peter cuts off and throws to a crocodile.
Best-known lines
“All children, except one, grow up.”
“Second to the right, and straight on till morning.”
Questions
Why does Peter Pan never grow up?
Peter chooses to remain a boy, and Neverland allows him to do so. That freedom comes with forgetfulness and a limited understanding of other people's feelings.
Is Peter Pan good or bad?
Peter is neither simply good nor simply bad. He is brave and charming, but he can also be vain, careless and cruel.
How does Peter Pan feel about Wendy?
Peter describes himself as being like Wendy's son. He plays at being a father without understanding how much the game can matter to her.