A Curse for True Love

Prince Apollo is a secondary point-of-view character and the main antagonist of the novel. Before Evangeline remembers who he is, when she sees him, she thinks “he made her think of a hero from a fairytale” (5). As she discovers later in the novel, this turns out to be ironic because, while Apollo may look the part of the handsome prince who rescues the fair maiden and establishes himself as a hero, he is anything but. Garber subverts the fairy tale trope of the handsome and good prince with Apollo, who is revealed to be selfish and greedy, willing to manipulate Evangeline in his quest for immortality. He also believes in his own importance, which he thinks should extend to the people he rules over, and he is shocked when he discovers, after his supposed death, how little they care for him. Incidents like this test Apollo’s perspective on himself, but he remains a static character throughout the novel, dying without ever growing to a new understanding of himself.

His narcissistic greed is Apollo’s fatal flaw. Everything Apollo does throughout the story serves his self-centered desire to be more than he is. Apollo sacrificing himself to the Tree of Souls embodies his personality and the qualities he holds dear—namely self-importance. Apollo values himself above all others, something he tries to deny by rationalizing that everything he is doing is for Evangeline. However, Apollo does not love Evangeline; she is just one more thing he uses to make himself feel important by forcing her to be with him, not Jacks, because he can’t handle the idea of Evangeline choosing someone else over him. Apollo’s status and actions show both The Foundations of Power and The Difference Between Right and Good. Apollo believes the power he wields makes his actions right because he has the influence to accomplish what he wants. In truth, Apollo’s view is clouded by his warped view of himself and others. He thinks he is doing good when he is really just harming people.

Jacks is the third point-of-view character of the novel and Evangeline’s main love interest. He is a Fate, which means that he is immortal, and also acts as a foil for Apollo. Whereas Apollo looks like the dashing hero-prince, to Evangeline, Jacks looks “like a happy ending that was just out of reach” (176). Throughout the novel, Jacks is juxtaposed against Apollo, highlighting both the differences and commonalities between them. Although he is Evangeline’s love interest and rescues her several times throughout the novel, he has also, like Apollo, manipulated and used her in the past.

Jacks’s character arc involves change, both from the previous novel, in which he used Evangeline for his own gains, and within this novel, when he changes his still-present need to control her. Having lost Evangeline twice and brought her harm he never intended, Jacks is convinced he will only ruin her if he doesn’t remove himself from her life. He takes it upon himself to make choices for Evangeline, not understanding The Difference Between Right and Good. Although his instinct to protect Evangeline is good, his means are not right. By putting his love for her aside, and giving up his heart to protect her, Jacks is still exhibiting controlling behavior, choosing their future without consulting with her. By the end of the novel, however, Jacks has come to realize that he needs to leave the choice up to Evangeline, showing a growth and transformation.

Aurora is a member of the ancient and powerful Valor family and another antagonist. When Evangeline first meets her, Evangeline thinks she “truly looked like a fairy princess from a fairytale” (129). This comment echoes her thoughts upon meeting Apollo. However, like Apollo, Aurora’s beautiful exterior hides darkness beneath. 

Aurora is consumed by her love for Jacks, making jealousy her tragic flaw. She is willing to do whatever it takes to get Evangeline away from Jacks so she can have him for herself, not realizing that Jacks doesn’t and never will want her. Also like Apollo, Aurora believes her status gives her the right to rearrange the lives of others to her own ends. She makes deals with both Jacks and Apollo, providing each with what they want in exchange for gaining more power and influence. Aurora remains a static character, unchanged at the end of the novel. As the story closes, Aurora still cannot understand why Jacks doesn’t love her, which reveals both her lack of self-awareness and her failure to grow and transform. Aurora believes her beauty and rank should be enough to get anyone she wants, and she doesn’t realize there is more to love and attraction than simply being the most beautiful or powerful option.

LaLa is the Unwed Bride Fate and Evangeline’s best friend. LaLa enters the story late after she and Evangeline were separated in The Ballad of Never After. Still, LaLa plays an important role in Evangeline’s quest for a happy ending—namely someone for Evangeline to confide in. As a Fate, LaLa also offers more insight into the Fates and Jacks’s behavior. LaLa thinks about love and the world differently from Evangeline because of her Fate nature. This contrast with Evangeline also highlights the challenges Evangeline faces in her relationship with Jack, and her determination to build a relationship with him despite those challenges.