Once Upon a Time: Meet the Residents of Storybrooke

The residents of Storybrooke, the small New England town that provides the setting for ABC’s new fantasy-drama series Once Upon a Time, are a peculiar lot, indeed. Victims of a long-ago curse put on them by the Evil Queen, Storybrooke’s most prominent citizens are actually fairy tale characters, frozen in time and placed in modern day America. Of course, they have no idea who they really are, but even in their Storybrooke personas, they share many a personality trait with their inner fantasy-selves. So, without further ado dear readers…er, viewers, allow me to introduce you to a few of Storybrook’s most noteworthy citizens, with a little insight from the actors who portray them (courtesy of ABC)!

Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison, House, Star Trek): Ten years ago, an 18-year old Emma Swan gave up her infant son Henry for adoption. When Henry suddenly appears on her doorstep one, he insists that Emmy accompany him to the town of Storybrooke, where she will meet her true destiny—to save the world! Emma is skeptical, but finds herself slowly drawn into the goings-on in Storybrooke.

Snow White/ Mary Margaret Blanchard (Ginnifer Goodwin, Walk the Line, Something Borrowed): In Storybrook, Sister Mary Margaret is Henry’s teacher. According to Henry, Emma is the long-missing daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, so that would make Mary Margaret Emma’s mother! Goodwin was most recently seen on Showtime’s Big Love.

Prince Charming/John Doe (Josh Dallas): As you may recall, Prince Charming woke Snow White from her curse. Here in Storybrooke, the prince is merely John Doe. Unfortunately, the charming and handsome John Doe has no idea who he is—even in the real world. He is afflicted with amnesia. Dallas recently played Fandral in the this summer’s blockbuster Thor.  

Evil Queen/Regina (Lana Parrilla):  We all know that the beautiful, but vain, Evil Queen cast a spell on Snow White. Her alter ego Regina is Henry’s foster mother—and the mayor of the town. Last year Parrilla starred opposite Jeremy Northam in the CBS series Miami Medical.

Once Upon a Time premieres on ABC October 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET.