Arthur Penhaligon

Arthur Penhaligon is the protagonist of the Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix. Although initially an ordinary asthmatic seventh-grader, Arthur is named the Rightful Heir to the House at the center of the universe, and the series follows his many adventures in obtaining the seven Keys to the sections of the House.

History
Arthur's birth parents died in a flu epidemic when he was an infant. His parents worked closely with a doctor called Emily Penhaligon, who adopted the infant Arthur. He grew up with his adoptive family as one of seven siblings and half-siblings. At the start of the series, he has just moved to a new town and is starting at a new school.

Physical Traits
Arthur's appearance is never clearly specified in the books. Neither his race nor his adoptive parents' race is ever specified, although the first book notes that his place in the family has never been questioned despite differences in physical attributes like skin colour, so it is likely that Arthur has a different race from his adoptive family.

Arthur also has severe asthma; barring interference from the Will of the Architect, Arthur was due to die of an asthma attack on his first day at the new school.

Relationships

 * Leaf, best friend
 * The Will, mentor, helper, and temporary Regent
 * Ed/Branch, friend
 * Suzy Turquoise Blue, best friend
 * Emily Penhaligon, adoptive mother
 * Robert (Bob) Penhaligon, adoptive father