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Main CharactersRudolf Rassendyll

Rich young English gentleman looking for adventure. Bored with his life London he travels to Ruritania for the Coronation of his distant cousin the new King Rudolf..

King Rudolf At the start of the story, Prince Rudolf Elpberg is about to become the new King of Ruritania. He likes to eat, drink and enjoy himelf.

Antoinettede Mauban

A rich, beautiful widow in love with Duke Michael

Duke Michael Half brother of King Rudolf. Michael has a castle and hunting lodge in Zenda. He will do anything to become King.

Rupert Henztau

Famous adventurer working for Duke Michael. Rupert is clever and brave and a brilliant fighter. He is in love with Antoinette.

Fritz & Sapt Loyal friends of King Rudolf. They know the danger from Duke Michael but cannot stop the King

Famous Six Six of the best fighters and worst men in Europe. They work for Duke Michael of the includes Detchard, De Gautet & Bersonin

Princess Flavia The people want Princess Flavia to marry King Rudolf and become Queen of Ruritania. But which ‘King’ does Flavia love?

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Places in the StoryThe writer Anthony Hope invented the country of Ruritania. It is somewhere in central Europe (see map for possible locations)

London - where Rudolf Rassendyll lives

Paris - where Rudolf Rassendyll first sees Antoinette

Ruritania –country in central Europe

Dresden - city in Eastern Germany

Strelsau – capital of Ruritania

Zenda - town in Ruritania with famous castle

When  does  the  story  take  place?In the early 1890s. Rudolf travels to Ruritania at a time when there were railways and guns but people still used horses and swords. In Europe at that time you did not need a passport to travel between countries.

Activity:

Look for images of the following from the 1890s a) Paris b) Dresden.c) London d) Budapest e) your home town/city. Write down a) three ways all the cities are different to today b) three differences between London and Budapest or Dresden.