Characters & Roles
Who is the prince in the story?
Prince Brat
Why does Prince Brat run away from the castle?
He is bored and wants adventure
What does “ransom” mean?
Money or payment demanded for the return of someone.
Where does the story begin?
In the castle
What lesson does Prince Brat learn?
To think of others and take responsibility
What is Jemmy’s job in the castle?
The Whipping Boy
What mistake do the outlaws make when they kidnap the boys?
They think Jemmy is the prince
What does “royal” mean?
Related to a king or queen
What time period is The Whipping Boy set in?
The Middle Ages
What lesson does Jemmy learn?
To trust others and accept help
Who captures Jemmy and Prince Brat in the forest?
Hold-Your-Nose Billy and Cutwater
Where do Jemmy and the prince hide from the outlaws?
In the sewers
What does “rogue” mean?
A dishonest or mischievous person
What clues tell us it’s the Middle Ages?
Castles, kings, horses, and no electricity
What is the main theme of the story?
Friendship and understanding can change people
What animal does Betsy have with her on the road?
A dancing bear!
How do the boys prove who they really are to the king’s soldiers?
Jemmy reads and writes for the prince
What does “tutor” mean?
A private teacher
What kind of place do the outlaws live in?
A cave in the woods
How do Jemmy and Prince Brat show bravery?
They face danger and work together to escape
How does Jemmy outsmart the outlaws?
He pretends to be the prince’s tutor and writes a fake ransom note
What happens to the prince by the end of the story?
He changes and becomes kinder and braver
What does “gilded” mean?
Covered with a thin layer of gold or something that looks fancy but isn’t real gold
What is one difference between the city and the countryside in the story?
The city is crowded and noisy; the countryside is quiet and full of nature
What does the story teach about judging people?
That everyone deserves kindness, no matter their status