Philip Pullman’s critically acclaimed 1995 fantasy novel Northern Lights examines the validity of religion and social constructs through employing a combination of strong characterization and eclectic literary techniques in exemplifying the belief that ‘a successful novel always has characters with whom we engage’. Lyra is the main protagonist of the novel; developing her character and maturity as a human being. Lyra makes this novel successful through her engagement of the audience in the journey she undertakes. The novel explores the forces of love and betrayal which are implied to revolve around power.

In Northern Lights, the main antagonists are the ‘Magesterium’, a religious entity that controls the world. T...

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