Charlotte A. Cavatica is a common large grey spider.  She is kindhearted and witty and has a knack for words.  Charlotte is adept at both spelling and writing. Charlotte lives in the barn yard with the other animals.  She befriends Wilber and decides that she will try to save Wilber who is fated to become a meal like every pig that has lived on the farm in the past. 

 

Charlotte has many redeeming qualities that you would not normally associate with a spider.  She is a loyal friend to Wilber.  In an epitaph to Charlotte, Wilber tells her children:

 

Welcome to the barn cellar.  You have chosen a hallowed doorway from which to string your webs.  I think it is only fair to tell you that I was devoted to your mother.  I owe my very life to her.  She was brilliant, beautiful, and loyal to the end.  I shall always treasure her memory.  To you, her daughters, I pledge my friendship, forever and ever (White, 1952, p. 182).