Colin Craven in The Secret Garden

Who is Colin Craven?

Colin Craven is the pale, bedridden son of Misselthwaite Manor’s master, long kept shut away and expected to die young. He wants above all to be noticed, to be believed well, and to be loved rather than pitied; his early life is dominated by fear of illness and by servants’ whispers. When Mary Lennox discovers him crying in the night, their furtive friendship awakens his curiosity and longing for the outside world. Guided by Mary’s vivid descriptions and later by visits from Dickon and the animals, Colin begins to imagine the secret garden as a real place where he might be healed. He moves from tantrums, self-pity, and rigid imperiousness to daring experiments in pretending, to trying exercises, to actually standing and walking in the garden. His physical recovery and growing confidence culminate in his public reunion with his father at the garden gate, where Colin appears transformed and laughing.

In the book: When we first meet him, Colin is the secret, bedridden boy hidden away in a room at Misselthwaite Manor—Mary Lennox’s cousin and the son of the manor’s gloomy master. He matters because his sudden appearance turns the house’s whispers into a living mystery and pulls Mary into a wary, electric friendship that begins to change both of them.

Personality

fragile

He is first found crying and confined to bed, described as pale, sickly, and expected not to live to grow up (Chapter 13).

imperious

Colin often commands servants and calls himself a rajah; he insists on being waited on and orders Roach about when preparing to go out (Chapters 14, 20).

imaginative

He responds with wonder to Mary’s verbal pictures of bulbs, birds, and the secret garden and later treats the garden’s effects as a kind of ‘Magic’ (Chapters 13, 23).

vulnerable

He has terrifying tantrums of screaming and sobbing that reveal deep fear about his health and future (Chapter 17).

resolute

After first visiting the garden he vows to keep improvement secret and practices exercises and rituals to grow stronger (Chapters 23–24).

Character arc

Colin’s arc begins with him hidden away and defined by illness, indulgence, and the despair that others expect him to die young. His first midnight meeting with Mary opens a channel: she soothes him, imagines the garden for him, and teases out his curiosity. Early scenes show him slipping between childish imperiousness and panic—demanding to be waited on, then breaking into screams when overwhelmed. As Mary, Dickon, and the animals introduce him to concrete images of spring and provide practical encouragement, Colin’s fears are replaced by a tangible hope: the locked garden that Mary promises becomes a goal. Small, secret experiments—pretending, exercises, tasting food outdoors—build his strength and courage. The pivotal moment arrives in the garden when he first feels the sun and color on his face and, subsequently, when he stands and walks with help, then marches the circuit supported by friends. By the end he has transformed from a secluded, derided invalid into a laughing, walking boy who can face his father and claim a place in the world.

Relationships

• Mary Lennox A wary, electric friend who soothes him, imagines the garden for him, and pushes him toward recovery.
• Dickon Sowerby An encouraging companion whose practical kindness, animals, and exercises help Colin gain strength and confidence.
• Archibald Craven Colin’s distant father, whose grief keeps him away until he finally witnesses Colin healthy in the garden.
• Dr. Craven A cautious physician who is puzzled and worried by Colin’s sudden excitement but observes his improving appetite and color.
• Ben Weatherstaff A gruff gardener who initially scolds the children but is won over and emotionally affected when Colin stands and walks.
• Martha Sowerby A servant who fears breaking orders by bringing Mary but who helps keep the children’s visits hidden and supports Colin’s secrecy.

Quotes by Colin Craven

““I am Colin.””

Chapter 13Colin abruptly names himself when Mary first questions who he is, marking the start of their intimate exchange.

““She is my mother,” said Colin complainingly. “I don’t see why she died. Sometimes I hate her for doing it.””

Chapter 13Colin reveals his raw grief and anger about his mother's death when Mary uncovers the portrait, exposing family pain behind his illness and isolation.

“I want to forget it," he said at last. "She makes me forget it. That is why I want her.”

Chapter 14Colin explains why Mary’s companionship matters: it distracts him from his illness and the whispers about his dying, revealing the therapeutic power of their connection.

“Charmers’ animals never bite.”

Chapter 19Colin asserts his confidence in Dickon’s ability to handle animals, showing growing trust and a playful, imperial tone transformed into warmth.

“I am going out in my chair this afternoon," said Colin.”

Chapter 20Colin gives Mr. Roach orders about when and where gardeners must not be so he can be taken secretly to the garden.

“You have my permission to go, Roach," he said.”

Chapter 20Colin imitates the phrasing Mary taught him, asserting his authority with childlike formality as he sends servants away.

Why Colin Craven matters

Colin embodies the novel’s themes of rejuvenation through nature, the power of companionship, and the influence of hopeful thought over despair. His physical and emotional healing demonstrates how attention, imaginative faith, and fresh air can overturn a life shaped by fear and isolation. Through Colin’s recovery the book argues that nurture, community, and purposeful play can restore both body and spirit, and his reunion with his father models reconciliation and the possibility of renewed family bonds.

Chapters with Colin Craven

• Chapter 13
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 15
• Chapter 16
• Chapter 17
• Chapter 18
• Chapter 19
• Chapter 20
• Chapter 21
• Chapter 22
• Chapter 23
• Chapter 24
• Chapter 25
• Chapter 26
• Chapter 27

More The Secret Garden characters

• Mary LennoxProtagonist
• Dickon SowerbyMajor character
• Mrs. MedlockMajor character
• Martha SowerbyMajor character
• The RobinMinor character
• Ben WeatherstaffMajor character
• Archibald CravenMajor character
• Lilias CravenMinor character