In C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Mr. Tumnus, the faun, begins to cry when he realizes the grave implications of his actions. After meeting Lucy Pevensie, he is initially torn between his intrigue for her and his loyalty to the White Witch.
When Mr. Tumnus learns that he has been ordered to betray Lucy to the Witch, he feels overwhelmed with remorse. He understands that by turning Lucy over to the Witch, he would be participating in an evil plan that would harm an innocent child. This realization causes him great distress, leading to his tears. His tears reflect his inner conflict and the struggle between doing what is right and following orders that go against his moral compass.
Ultimately, Mr. Tumnus’s emotional response serves to highlight the themes of choice, morality, and the battle between good and evil in the story. His character development throughout the book illustrates how the influence of friendship and the goodness of others can inspire one to choose the right path, even in the face of fear and pressure.