In Neil Gaiman's imaginative and whimsical book, Fortunately, the Milk, the story revolves around a cast of unusual and memorable characters. The primary figures driving the adventure are the Dad, Professor Steg, the milk itself, and the challenging green globby things. The Dad's motivation throughout the entire ordeal is to secure milk for his waiting children's cereal, making them central to the plot's premise, even if they aren't directly part of the fantastical journey.
Main Characters of the Story
The narrative primarily focuses on the extraordinary journey of a father trying to accomplish a seemingly simple task.
The Dad
The central protagonist of the story, the Dad is a resourceful and imaginative father who ventures out to buy milk for his children's breakfast cereal. His mundane errand quickly transforms into a series of bizarre and exciting encounters across time and space. His determination to return home with the milk for his kids is the driving force behind his incredible adventures.
Professor Steg
Professor Steg, a time-traveling dinosaur (specifically a Stegosaurus), is an eccentric scientist who plays a crucial role in the Dad's journey. He provides the Dad with explanations and assistance regarding the time-traveling elements and various threats he encounters. Professor Steg adds a layer of scientific absurdity and helpfulness to the chaotic events.
The Milk
While an inanimate object, the milk acts almost as a character itself. It is the MacGuffin of the story, the sole reason for the Dad's perilous quest. Without it, his children cannot eat their cereal, thus making its retrieval the ultimate goal and the catalyst for all the wild adventures that unfold.
Green Globby Things
These mysterious and somewhat menacing green globby things serve as obstacles and antagonists in the Dad's journey. They represent the challenges and dangers he faces, contributing to the urgency and humor of his efforts to secure the milk and return home. They add an element of chaotic fun to the unfolding narrative.
Supporting Roles and Motivations
While not directly part of the fantastical journey the Dad undertakes, several other figures are integral to the story's setup and resolution:
- The Kids: The Dad's children are the ultimate motivation for his quest. Their desire for cereal, which necessitates the milk, kicks off the entire extraordinary adventure. Their presence waiting at home grounds the fantastic tale in a relatable, everyday family scenario.
The story cleverly weaves together the ordinary act of buying milk with extraordinary, time-bending escapades, all centered around these distinct characters.
[[Children's Literature Characters]]
