The Alchemyst

This first section introduces the protagonists and antagonists and establishes several key plot points. Scott’s world-building strategies create a credible background for the characters’ adventures, as he draws on techniques typical of the fantasy genre but also adds more unexpected elements.

The novel starts in San Francisco, in a seemingly unremarkable setting, with the two protagonists working at a bookstore and a café over the summer. Josh and Sophie are typical teenagers who use 21st-century technology like cellphones, iPod and laptops. They are described as “normal high school [sophomores]” (35), and even Josh’s boss Nick Fleming initially appears innocuous: “He was a rather ordinary-looking man. Average height and build, with no real distinguishing features” (9). The introduction creates a sense of familiarity and ordinariness, which leads up to a shift in tone after magic is introduced into the narrative. This is evidenced by Josh’s comment that “of course, everyone knew that magic simply did not and could not exist” (14) after he witnesses Dee and Flamel’s fight. The young boy’s statement depicts his confusion when his worldview is suddenly challenged, and it is done so in a way that anticipates the reader’s understanding of their own unmagical world.

In terms of world-building, the disruption of the familiar setting of San Francisco by supernatural elements creates wonder and anticipation. Scott’s use of fantastical elements is characterized by his allusions to existing folklore and mythologies from around the world, which contributes to the theme of Truth Versus Fiction. John Dee, for instance, first appears accompanied by Golems. In Jewish folktales, Golems are humanoid creatures made of clay. They are effigies brought to life and robotically fulfill their master’s wishes. In Scott’s story they act as mindless, brutal minions for the antagonist. The use of magical creatures is typical of the fantasy genre, but Scott’s reliance on real-life inspirations subverts expectations. This is also true of some of the main characters, Flamel, Perenelle, and Dee, who are based on historical figures. Most of the biographical facts mentioned in the narrative are true, which adds to the credibility of those characters. Flamel’s documented interest in alchemy during his lifetime, although arguable, gave rise to rumors about his immortality in the 17th century. In The Alchemyst, the author imagines a version of Flamel who faked his death in 1418 and from then on has been fighting against dark supernatural forces.

Scott’s Flamel is a mysterious, ambivalent character who initially appears friendly and harmless. Indeed, there is a stark contrast between the immortal, powerful, and determined Nicholas Flamel from the prologue and the innocuous bookstore owner Nick Fleming in the first few chapters. The introduction therefore creates dramatic irony, as the reader knows something about Flamel that the protagonists do not yet realize. This emphasizes Josh and Sophie’s confusion when Flamel’s true nature is revealed, which then grows ambivalence about Flamel’s intentions.

As for Josh and Sophie, the protagonists, they are introduced in the first chapter, which is divided into two parts depicting each of their points of view alternatively. First, Sophie notices the strange details of Dee’s arrival from the coffee shop, setting up her observational skills and inquisitiveness. Then, Josh’s logical mindset is evidenced as he is sorting through books and investigating the source of a bad smell. The twins are introduced as regular teenagers, but they are already characterized by their Critical Thinking. Additionally, they each work with one of the Flamels, which symbolizes their connections to the immortal beings. On the one hand, Sophie and Perenelle’s relationship hints at the closeness that allows Perry to later use Sophie as a vessel during the battle in Hekate’s Shadowrealm. On the other hand, Josh is puzzled by Flamel but immediately trusts him when the alchemyst leads him away from Dee. The twins’ Duality parallels Flamel and Perenelle’s, and foreshadows their respective character development.

Dee is introduced as the villain in the very first chapter. His ominous arrival alongside threatening Golems, Sophie’s feeling of dread when she first sees him, and his meticulous appearance characterize him as a dangerous, calculating foil for Flamel. He then calls the Morrigan, telling Perenelle: “You know what that means” (50) to create suspense and a sense of dread. The rats and crows he uses as spies reinforce the latter, since they are often associated with dark magic in popular culture.

Finally, Scathach is introduced as the last of the protagonists. Just like the other characters, her appearance and her true nature are at odds. This further develops the theme of Truth Versus Fiction and makes it clear to Sophie and Josh that they cannot rely on appearances in this new, confusing reality.