James is a seven year old orphan living in England with his aunts Spiker and Sponge. He is a lonely little boy who lost his parents at the age of four and he is the brave protagonist of this story. Unlike his parents, who were gentle and kind, James’s aunts are cruel and abusive, and after three years of living with them, James’s life seems to be hopeless. Every day he is forced to work, do chores, and is never allowed to see other children or given time to be a seven year old boy. James has no toys or books, and he often spends his time “thinking about all the other children in the world,” (8). He reminisces about his carefree, fun-filled life before his parents died. He desperately misses his parents and friends, and his house by the sea where they lived.

Despite his trauma, James maintains hope that his life will improve. Just as this spark of hope is fading, he is confronted by an old man who gives him the magical mixture of crocodile tongues, reigniting hope and optimism. Moments later, upon spilling this potion, James hits his lowest point, believing that “all hope of a happier life had gone completely now” (16).