A Royal Conundrum

Content Warning: This section of the guide features depictions of bullying.

Nothing is quite what it seems in The Royal Conundrum, and the deceptive nature of appearances plays a crucial role in both character development and plot progression. Throughout the novel, multiple characters reveal traits that contradict their initial presentation, demonstrating that outward appearances do not always reflect inner truths. Through a combination of Olive’s journey of self-discovery, the secret identities of those around her, and the myriad contrasts between illusion and reality, the novel continuously reinforces the idea that things are not always as they seem.

One of the most significant examples of this theme can be found in the protagonist, Olive Corbin Zang. On the surface, Olive appears to be an ordinary 12-year-old girl—clumsy, overlooked, and uncertain of her place in the world. She does not stand out in school and initially doubts her own abilities. However, Olive possesses extraordinary acrobatic skills, a sharp mind, and a resilience that allows her to succeed at RASCH. Her journey is one of self-realization as she learns that she is far more capable than she initially believed herself to be.