Behind the Thorns: The Characters in A Curse of Thorns and Slumber

By Marie-Hélène Lebeault

When I began writing A Curse of Thorns and Slumber, I wanted to explore a different side of fairytales—the side that’s messy, complicated, and deeply human. Liora Thornhand’s journey started as a twist on Sleeping Beauty, but it quickly grew into something more personal. For me, her story became a reflection of what it feels like to be trapped—not by magical thorns, but by fear, shame, and the weight of responsibility.

How It All Began

Liora wasn’t always a heroine. She was a thief, living on the fringes of society, burdened by a curse that marked her as dangerous. She’s someone who’s learned to survive through wit and cunning, but underneath her sharp exterior, she carries a quiet longing to be seen and valued for more than her past mistakes.

Prince Kael emerged as her unlikely counterpart—a prince cursed to bear the kingdom’s pain, transformed into a monster by night. His struggle to reconcile duty with his fractured identity mirrored themes I wanted to explore: self-worth, sacrifice, and finding beauty in the broken.

Names with Meaning

The names in this story were carefully chosen to reflect the characters’ identities and arcs.

• Liora means “light,” representing her ability to find hope even in the darkest moments of her journey.
• Kael has a sharp, evocative sound, reflecting both the strength of his royal lineage and the torment of his curse.
• Callia has an air of mystery and grace, suiting her role as the wise but enigmatic mage who guides them.

Even the Shadowthorn was named to symbolize both danger and connection—the idea that the thing we fear most is often what binds us most closely to others.

The Joy of Writing

What I loved most about writing this story was the relationship between Liora and Kael. Their bond isn’t perfect—it’s full of jagged edges and hesitant trust. But as they navigate the thorns of their curses, they find strength in each other. Watching them grow together—learning to fight for themselves and each other—was a joy to write.

Liora’s resilience and Kael’s vulnerability made them feel so real to me, and I hope readers connect with them just as deeply.

Meet the Characters

Liora Thornhand: A thief with a sharp tongue and a wounded heart, Liora hides her pain behind her cunning. But beneath her prickly exterior is someone longing to prove she’s more than her curse.

Prince Kael: Cursed to become a monster by night, Kael struggles to accept himself as more than his kingdom’s scapegoat. His loyalty and quiet kindness make him Liora’s perfect foil.

Callia: The wise mage who understands the kingdom’s history better than anyone. She guides Liora and Kael with wisdom and a sharp wit.

The Shadowthorn: Both a curse and a symbol of connection, the Shadowthorn binds Kael to his past and the kingdom’s fate, forcing him to confront his deepest fears.

 

Dream Casting

Liora Thornhand – Played by Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh would bring the perfect balance of toughness and vulnerability to Liora. Her ability to portray characters with layered emotional journeys makes her ideal for the resourceful thief with a sharp wit and a guarded heart.

Prince Kael – Played by Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet’s natural intensity and emotional depth make him an excellent choice for Kael. He could capture the tortured prince’s inner conflict while also showing the warmth and loyalty hidden beneath his exterior.

Callia – Played by Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo’s commanding presence and resonant voice are perfect for the enigmatic mage. She would embody Callia’s wisdom and authority, adding a sense of gravitas to the character.

Queen Illiana – Played by Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz’s elegance and quiet strength make her an excellent choice for Queen Illiana. She could convey the character’s love for Kael and her steely resolve to protect her kingdom, even as she grapples with the curse’s toll on her family.

King Malric (Kael’s Father) – Played by Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes would bring a chilling, authoritative presence to King Malric. His ability to balance menace and complexity would perfectly suit the man responsible for Kael’s curse and the kingdom’s fractured state.

The Shadowthorn – Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch’s deep, resonant voice would give the Shadowthorn a haunting and menacing presence. His vocal range would allow the creature to shift between terrifying and tragic, highlighting its connection to the curse.

Writing this story was a journey of healing and hope, and I hope readers see a little of their own strength reflected in Liora’s.