Twilight' A-Z
A Guide to All Things 'Twilight'
You've seen the books, with their distinctive and eerie covers.
By now, you've seen the cast, the trailers and the TV ads too. But many people continue to resist the phenomena that is 'Twilight.' If you're reading this, you may be one of them, but now it's high time you entered the 'Twilight' zone.
That's why we've designed the A-Z guide to the hit saga -- so you'll finally have an answer to that age-old question: Team Edward or Team Jacob? -- By Elisabeth Rappe
Summit Entertainment
A Is for Arizona
The story begins when a teenage girl, Isabella "Bella" Swan (Kristen Stewart, left), moves from her mother's home in Phoenix, Az., to live with her father so her remarried mother can travel with her hubby. She was an outcast at her old school, clumsy and pale where her classmates were athletic and tanned. She wasn't meant for desert living.
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B Is for Bella Swan
The central character of the 'Twilight' series, Bella causes a stir in her new school, with several boys vying for her attention. She only has eyes for one: the pale and brooding Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson, near left). Initially, she's convinced he hates her -- but after he saves her life, she realizes that he's quite fond of her ... and that he's something very unnatural. Bella's mere presence drives Edward wild, as her blood sings to him in a way no other human's does, and her thoughts are closed to his psychic talents. Though he warns her to steer clear of him for her own safety, Bella's love and faith in him overcomes the danger of their relationship.
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C Is for Cullen family
The Cullens are led by adoptive father Dr. Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli, far left) and his wife Esme (Elizabeth Reaser, near left). Edward has two siblings -- Alice and Rosalie, and two brothers-in-law, Alice's husband Jasper and Rosalie's husband Emmett. Dr. Cullen turned his wife, son and daughter Rosalie into vampires to save their lives. In Edward's case, it was during the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1901 when Carlisle met a dying mother who made him promise to save her boy.
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D Is for Dream
The story behind the series is almost as interesting as the books themselves -- author Stephenie Meyer had a vivid dream one night of a human girl and a vampire who was in love with her, and struggling not to drink her blood. Possessed by these two mysterious characters, Meyer began writing the first chapters in what would become a worldwide tween sensation.
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Albert Ortega, WireImage
E Is for Edward Cullen
To 'Twilight' fans, he's the perfect guy. And how can he not be? Meyer based him on the hottest hunks of English literature, like 'Pride and Prejudice''s Mr. Darcy and 'Jane Eyre''s Edward Rochester. He's flawlessly handsome, unfailingly kind and courteous. There's just one small problem -- Edward Cullen is a vampire, with icy skin, razor sharp teeth and the taste for blood typical of his kind.
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F Is for Forks, Wash.
The town where the action takes place. What is it about the gloomy, rainy Northwest that makes it an ideal setting for occult action? Perhaps the fact that it's as gloomy as Southern California is sunny. Forks is a real town, incidentally, that's experienced a tourist boom due to its association with hot vampires and werewolves. No word on whether fans have found undead boyfriends there, but you can't blame anyone for trying.
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Ted S. Warren, AP
G Is for Gigandet, Cam
Best known for playing 'O.C.' heavy Volchok, Gigandet (left) is set to hit the big time as another baddie -- James, the leader of the nomadic "tracker" vampires who come to town. He wants nothing more than to drink Bella's blood, which sets him in direct odds with Edward, who'll do anything to protect the beautiful object of his affection.
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H Is for Heavy makeout sessions
The 'Twilight' series has been praised by many fans and critics for having its romantic leads, Edward and Bella, abstain from sex before marriage. But that doesn't mean they aren't sexy -- erotic tension builds up throughout the books; each make-out session or touch of a hand is an explosive experience for fans. Reportedly, babies have been conceived thanks to the novels -- author Stephanie Meyer has told reporters that she meets many babies named Bella who owe their existence (and their name!) to her series.
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I Is for Insanity
When the 'Twilight' cast was brought onstage at San Diego's Comic-Con in summer 2008, the deafening screams of the some 6,000 fans assembled made it clear that this 'Twilight' thing won't be going away any time soon. Pattinson has reportedly been asked by fans to bite them. If that's not insane fanaticism, we don't know what is.
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Albert Ortega, WireImage
Reader Comments (167)
B at 6:45PM on Nov 18th 2008
This isn't entirely accurate FYI. Carlisle did not change Alice OR Jasper. Jasper was changed by Maria decades before Alice was changed.
spiderbass0 at 8:52PM on Nov 18th 2008
edward wasnt changed in 1901, he was changed in 1918.
Michelle at 9:33AM on Nov 19th 2008
Um, you really really should do some research before you write love. Rosalie and Jasper are Hale's, Emmet & Alice are Cullen's. Carlisle did not turn Jasper or Alice.
Rachel at 2:48PM on Nov 19th 2008
Just a few small errors. First Carlisle didn't turn Jasper either. He and Alice met each other and then joined the Cullen family. Second, according the Stephenie Meyer, in the Carlisle/Esme backstory, they met when Esme was 16 and Carlisle treated her for a broken leg. They were drawn to each other then, but nothing could come of it because of their circumstances. They were just fated to be togheter. Finally, Carlisle does not "insist" that his family lead a "vegetarian" lifestyle. Carlisle is big on choice. They live together as a family because they all choose not to feed on humans.
Melissa Rachel at 9:26PM on Mar 19th 2009
i love twilight movie. the next one will be better
T Codispodi at 3:26PM on Nov 22nd 2008
Looking for other primers to help you understand the Twilight universe?
Check out the one on TribecaFilm.com:
http://www.tribecafilm.com/news-features/blog/Twilight_A_Primer.html
JJ at 11:35PM on Nov 19th 2008
Dude, you didn't even get half your facts right!!!!
lis at 7:50PM on Dec 20th 2008
You should make a for alice.
Nikki at 8:00AM on Nov 20th 2008
Twilight is the worst book in the history of literature and no one should read it. This article will not change my mind. This movie will not change my mind.
Tekeyu at 8:20AM on Nov 20th 2008
Hmm, I didn't think that Twilight was that amazing that people should flock to the movie theatre or bookstore at midnight to see/watch it... Although, I'm probably an exception, seeing as I am surrounded by peers obsessing over the series and movie.
Erin at 9:26AM on Nov 20th 2008
I think that calling it the worst book in the history of literature is a little silly. So you do not like the book, others do. I think the point is that it gets people reading.
momofteens&atween at 9:44AM on Nov 20th 2008
I'm a mom and I was interested in seeing what my daughter was so excited about when she was reading these books. After the first few pages of Twilight I was engrossed and read the book in 2 days. I think it's an awesome book in so many ways. And, yes, I plan on seeing the movie. But not with my oldest daughter, my son and his girlfriend. I just hope it's as good as the book!
Matt at 5:07PM on Nov 20th 2008
This is a fun read! Stephenie Meyer obviously had fun creating this story and people are enjoying the book because the story is interesting and fresh. Female teenagers are reading it because its offers a new spin on forbidden love and its a thriller that any teenage boy would enjoy reading. My only reservation is about character development - a main character, Edward Cullen, should still be waiting for profound love to manifest because Isabella Swan is not dynamic or exciting or worth throwing away 90 years of longing. I find NOTHING about her to be unique. Edward Cullen and Alice - they are unique characters.
Aly at 11:20AM on Nov 20th 2008
Isabella may not be exciting or dynamic but she is interesting to Edward because of her powerful scent. Her scent is very different from the rest. He also cant read her mind like he could to others. In New Moon it was discovered that other vampire abilities didnt (New Moon is the farthest I've gone...read it in like 3 days...still need Eclipse) affect her either. Another factor is that she did not react in a way he expected her to react when she found out that he was a vampire. She accepted him for what he is.
Aly at 5:25PM on Nov 22nd 2008
In addition.......THE TWILIGHT SAGA IS AWESOME!!!!! and yes the movie looks quite disappointing and corny but i still want to see it. Im afraid that the movie will discourage people in reading the actual book. =/
tracey at 11:45AM on Nov 20th 2008
Hahahaha it's a book people. Cute, childlike romantic, fantasy book. Love it or loathe it, it has people reading. I for one read it because my teenage daughters never reads and it got her hooked, so there is something there even if it's nothing but curiosity and a fun escape from reality. It gave her and I another subject to bond over...especially during her dramatic, teenage mood swings. It's a topic for commical discussion and debate. It's that escape from reality and the dream of the prince finding and kissing the "frog". It's the Cinderella, of current and because of it, for the first time in 8 years of school my daughter brought home straight A's all because I promised her we'd go at midnite to Twilight opening night. So I (Thank You Stephanie Meyer) for that alone it's worth all the hype.
Mercedies at 11:56AM on Nov 20th 2008
Some of the comments need to be researched. To that guy that is on page one Edward was turned in 1901. Read the book please before you comment. This book os like Pride and Prejudice modernized with mythical creatures. It's a love story. I'm not impressed with some of the characters they picked. I think the only one that captured me right away was Alice because that's how I pictured her. I will still be in line to see the movie on Sunday (my only day off). This isn't the worst book in the world it's a book. Sure it's a very very popular one, but what does that say about us? Has the notebook wore off? Was it too lame? Are we in desperate need for a good love story?
Sharon at 1:31PM on Nov 20th 2008
I can imagine many people going to see this movie, especially those who live in Kalama WA.
NCN8ive at 3:32PM on Nov 20th 2008
Sounds like Vampire Chronicle wannabes. Anne Rice wrote about vampires with human emotions and perfect bodies and even the struggle of having human loves they try not to kill yeaaaars ago. I don't know why these books are so original. AND as a Native person I'm pissed about the fact the Native character is A)magical shapeshifter ..as though we didn't have enough stupid nature stereotypes already and B) being played by a non-Native Actor!!!!! COME ON. And OF COURSE Bella won't end up with the brown guy, she'll end up with the pretty white boy as usual. I also am appalled that the female character is so "obsessed" w/ some god-like male figure that she can't function without him. What sort of message is that sending to teenage girls? This all sounds like trash.
That said, I'll definitely see the movie so I can review it thoroughly and trash it properly. And the Actor playing Edward is pretty cute I have to admit so at least there will be eye candy.
anony at 3:35PM on Nov 20th 2008
Honestly, I know of many people who absolutely LOVED the book series, but were totally turned off by the movie casting. Kristin Stewart as Bella was the biggest gripe. I for one, cannot understand why such a deadpan actress would be cast in such a passionate and coveted role! In USA Today, Stewart was panned " as having two expressions: blank and slightly less blank." Ouch. I concur. I can understand Edward as being brooding, aloof and quiet, but Kristin Stewart is downright boring! Summit missed the boat big time on casting this one! I'll pass with the movies and stick with the books.