Who is Despereaux Tilling? What is unusual about him? What do his siblings try to teach him? Does he learn it? Why or why not? Why does Despereaux's family not want him to read? Why is Despereaux supposed to stay away from humans? What happens when he does not adhere to these rules? What does Despereaux do when his family turns against him? What does this say about Despereaux's character?

Who is Roscuro? Why does he like light? Why is he not supposed to like light? Why does Roscuro go into the banquet hall? Who sees him first? What happens when Roscuro hears himself being called a rat? For what reason? Where does Roscuro land when he falls? What happens next? For what reason?

Who is Miggery Sow? What has her life been like? What was it like for her when her mother died...