Gray portrays both human and animal characters, as well as a few beings that are neither. The humans include rulers, magicians, princes and princesses, and an assortment of other folk. The animals include everyday varieties, such as cats, dogs, and goats, as well as extraordinary beasts, such as unicorns, phoenixes, and the silver-clawed white lion of "According to Tradition." In Gray's stories, the cats and goats are just as likely to talk as the silver-clawed lion. His characters include such odd creatures as the "Face in the fire," the attendant spirit of legendary English sorcerer John Dee, and the puffball who delivers mail.

Gray's characters exhibit a full range of virtues and vices, from nobility and generosity to selfishness and indecision.

Few of Gray's creations are actually evil. Many characters who first appear to be villains turn out to be something else entirely. For...