Good topic.

Schmedrick is my favorite character. My favorite line (both in the book and in the movie) is probably...

"She should have never have messed with a real harpy, or a real unicorn for that matter, because the truth melts her magic always."

The story is based around the theme of illusion and false apperances, and Schmendrick always seems to be commenting on things such as that.

As far as differences go...

In the book, he seems to have a little bit of a drinking problem. There are a few times when he gets flat out drunk, and almost gets himself into serious trouble because of it.

Then theres that whole immortality thing, which he doesn't have in the animation. In th book, his search for true magic isn't just because he wants to be a true magician, its to become mortal again.

I also noticed that the animation tends to show Schmendrick doing card tricks and juggling and the like. I don't believe the book mentions cards, and if it does, it's only once or twice. Schmendrick's tricks are different. He does do the juggling, but he also makes dolls dance and stuff.

In the end though, it's the same old Schmendrick. He has the same sense of humor. I like the line in the end of the book when he tells the princess, Oh I send all my princesses to Prince Lir.