Ella is an intelligent and confident young woman. A fairy cursed her at birth with a spell that forces her into obedience. At the beginning of the novel, she lives at home in a manor with her mother, Eleanor; her cook—and unbeknownst to Ella—her fairy godmother, Mandy; other servants; and occasionally—when he’s not out on a trade expedition—her father, Sir Peter. Ella takes after her mother, Eleanor, who was said to have a “playful spirit” (216). Ella attracts Prince Charmont, who is drawn to her sense of humor and wit. Ella is determined and intelligent, with a particular interest and talent for languages.

Ella is a dynamic character. She learns and grows through the challenges which she experiences. Her growing maturity is evident in her altruistic choice to reject Char’s marriage proposal. As a child, her efforts to resist the obedience curse were motivated by an obstinate and stubborn desire to do what she wanted. In contrast, her resistance to Char’s order to marry him is self-sacrificial, driven by love. She knows that marriage to Char would bring her great happiness, but she also knows that she must protect him. Ella has to draw on great inner strength; it is this moment of determined self-sacrifice that breaks the curse.