Funke uses an interest in literacy to symbolize the inherent goodness or depravity of characters. Characters who prioritize literacy are curious, compassionate, and morally good, such as Mo Folchart and Meggie Folchart, whose home is filled with books. Mo repairs books professionally and Meggie sleeps with a book underneath her pillow each night. They treat books with profound reverence, and they are able to literally tap into The Power of Literature. Similarly, Mo describes Meggie’s mother as having loved reading; every night she would beg Mo to read aloud to her. When Resa is introduced, she is shown to be just as compassionate and brave as Mo and Meggie. Elinor’s greatest love in life is her precious collection of books, which she guards jealously. Though Elinor Loredan and Meggie clash when they first interact, Elinor soon becomes a staunch ally to Mo and Meggie and shows her own love and bravery. Even Dustfinger, who is an enigmatic and self-motivated character, shows an appreciation for literacy. He learns to read from Teresa, which hints that he falls closer to the side of good than that of evil. All of these characters demonstrate qualities of compassion, determination, and kindness.