Sophie Hatter’s life seems to be laid out for her: As the eldest daughter of three, she believes she is consigned to a mundane life with no opportunity for romance or improving her social circumstances by seeking her fortune. Though she is 18 at the start of the novel and wishes her life were different, Sophie has accepted her fate as an apprentice in her stepmother’s hat shop. When the Witch of the Waste curses her into appearing as an old woman, Sophie feels the old age she has acquired has given her license to take more risks in her life. However, Sophie’s moral and character growth do not correspond with her age, and she must confront the internal conflicts of love, self-confidence, and acceptance before returning to her true age again.

That it is the Witch of the Waste who curses Sophie is significant, as the Witch is over a century old. Her contract with her fire demon, appearing as Miss Angorian in the novel, has extended her life unnaturally. Despite the Witch’s extreme old age, she pursues evil actions. Her scheme to concoct a new King of Ingary from parts taken from the Wizard Suliman, Prince Justin, and Howl displays not only her role as the novel’s main evil

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