The Titan's Curse

Compare and contrast Annabeth’s dad with Percy’s mom. What challenges do each demigod’s mortal parent face in raising them? How does that affect their children?

Percy’s impulsiveness gets him into trouble with the manticore and with Thalia at the start of this novel. Does he grow over the course of The Titan’s Curse? Why or why not?

Discuss the theme of found family in this novel. How and where do heroes find a sense of belonging?

Zoë Nightshade and Ariadne both experience first-hand the consequence of heroes’ actions. How does learning about their stories affect Percy? Does he change his behavior? If so, how?

How does the notion of fate play into this novel? How does it affect the heroes’ decision-making process as they progress through their journey?

How does Riordan represent women in this novel? Does it do so in an empowering way? Why or why not?

How does Riordan make Greek mythology accessible to young readers in this novel? Discuss Percy as a narrator, the use of mythical gods and creatures, and the role of prophecy.

Throughout the novel, the heroes try to track down “the bane of Olympus,” a creature that has the power to destroy the Greek gods. How does Bessie fit in with and surprise the heroes once it is revealed that the Ophiotaurus is the monster for which they have been searching?