Which Narnia book introduces Prince Caspian as a central character?

Prince Caspian introduces Prince Caspian as a central character in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. Published in 1951, it is the fourth book in the series by publication order and the second by the internal chronological order used in many modern editions.

The story follows Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie after they return to Narnia. Although only a short time has passed for them, centuries have passed in Narnia. They meet Caspian, the rightful heir, who is resisting the rule of his uncle Miraz.

A common source of confusion is the series numbering. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published first, but some editions number The Magician’s Nephew as the first book because it occurs earliest in Narnian history. Prince Caspian remains second in that chronological scheme.

The novel’s title refers to Caspian X, who later becomes King of Narnia and appears again in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and The Silver Chair.