This refined list focuses on the characters introduced in book one, The Seven Stones.

Here I highlight the interconnectedness of these characters within the broader narrative landscape, setting the stage for the complex interplay of personal and political narratives that unfold throughout the trilogy.

Each character plays a pivotal role in the story’s world.

General Leona Almadzi

General Leona Almadzi is a profoundly intricate and compelling character, standing as a pillar of strength, leadership, and complexity within the trilogy.

One of the most compelling aspects of Leona’s character is her moral integrity. She operates within a strict ethical framework, guided by a sense of honor that often puts her at odds with the pragmatic and sometimes morally ambiguous decisions required of her position or other characters. Her dedication to her principles, even when they conflict with her duties, highlights the internal struggles she faces as a leader responsible for the lives of thousands.

Her position as General requires a façade of invulnerability, yet beneath this exterior lies a complex emotional landscape shaped by loss, love, and the heavy burdens of command. The sacrifices she has made for her duty—to her country, her soldiers, and her own personal happiness—are a recurring theme, offering glimpses into the personal cost of leadership and the loneliness that often accompanies it.

Leona’s actions and decisions are pivotal in the unfolding geopolitical drama. She embodies the struggles of Lamora, serving as a key figure in the conflict with Uvar and the broader tensions between tradition and progress. Her experiences on the battlefield and in diplomatic arenas provide a window into the larger forces at play, making her a linchpin in the trilogy’s exploration of power, loyalty, and the price of peace.

Master Leas Steele

Leas Steele is a character not only skilled in the art of thievery but also deeply embedded in a web of political, social, and personal intricacies. She is highly competent, with exceptional skills in lockpicking, stealth, and strategy. Her successful navigation of the high-stakes environment of thievery, especially within the politically charged landscape of Lamora and Uvar, speaks to her intelligence and adaptability. 

One of the most compelling aspects of Leas’s character is her moral ambiguity. While her primary occupation places her outside the conventional bounds of legality, her actions and decisions often reveal a complex moral code. She navigates the grey areas between right and wrong, guided by a personal set of ethics that sometimes aligns with, and at other times rebels against, the societal norms of the world.

Leas serves as a catalyst for much of the action within the series. Her decisions have far-reaching consequences, not only for herself but for the broader geopolitical landscape. She represents the intersection of personal ambition and the tumultuous currents of history and politics. Her journey is both a personal quest for identity and autonomy and a reflection of the larger themes of power, resistance, and change that permeate the trilogy.

Her journey encapsulates the essence of the trilogy’s exploration of power, identity, and the inextricable link between personal choices and the wider historical and social forces at play.

Jas Armante

Colonel Jas Armante is deeply strategic, capable of navigating complex political landscapes and making hard decisions to protect his interests and those under his care. Jas is often seen as socially inept by his peers and he often underestimates the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, which tends to pose personal challenges for him as the series progresses.

For this reason Jas maintains a level of privacy and guardedness even with those he deems as close friends, and especially regarding his past. 

His character demonstrates moral complexity, juggling the burdens of leadership, the welfare of Lamora, and personal convictions. Jas’s willingness to engage with difficult choices for the greater good underscores a nuanced understanding of the heavy mantle of responsibility he carries, especially later on in the series.

Jas encapsulates the essence of a leader navigating the treacherous waters of political intrigue, personal loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of security in a world fraught with unseen dangers and unforgiving power dynamics. His journey is a compelling exploration of leadership’s challenges and the personal costs of power.

Semara Naomi

Intellectual and curious, Semara is has a keen interest in learning, particularly about culture and language. This curiosity not only broadens her worldview but also deepens her connection with other characters, showcasing a capacity for empathy and understanding.

Semara navigates the political landscape with determination, aiming to influence change and make a difference for the good of all, despite the challenges and scrutiny that draw attention her naivety.

Like Jas, Semara is a strategic thinker, particularly in her role as a military advocate and assitant to the General. Her understanding of the political and military stakes, her ability to strategize, and her insight into the complex emotional dynamics of leadership play a crucial role in navigating the tumultuous landscape of the story.

Her struggle with her feelings versus her duties, her vulnerability, and her efforts to mend bridges highlight a character grappling with the intersections of personal desires and professional responsibilities. She carries herself with strength and grace, paired with a certain elegance that comes not from vanity but from confidence in her abilities and her role.

Semara’s character brings a rich layer of complexity and humanity to the narrative, her journey interwoven with themes of loyalty, ambition, and the quest for identity and purpose within a turbulent world. Through her, the story explores the nuances of power, the weight of responsibilities, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Farid Lu

Farid is a character that enriches the narrative by adding a touch of relative humanity to the story. As a commoner from the far edge (poorest area) of the city proper in Lamora, he acts as a conduit through which the conflicts and decisions of the senate are felt, making his and his families survival through warfare and hardship incredibly relatable.

The nature of Farid’s relationships with other key characters—whether adversarial, allied, or neutral—adds layers to his role in the story and works to promote humanity in other characters that may seem otherwise out of touch with reality. How he interacts with characters like Leas Steele and General Almadzi reveal much about his true intentions and loyalty.

While appearing to be a straightforward character, Farid exhibits a significant degree of moral ambiguity, making it difficult for other characters to discern his true intentions. This ambiguity adds to his mystery and makes him a more intriguing figure within the narrative. His decisions and actions likely prompt the audience to question whether he is a hero, a villain, or something in between. His actions might precipitate important events that drive the plot forward, contributing to both the challenges faced by the protagonists and the resolutions of major conflicts.

In essence, Farid is a character that enriches the narrative by including a perspective that is often overlooked by the other characters of higher status.

Empress Allanis Capolite

A key figure whom General Almadzi is tasked to protect. Empress Allanis is a complex character with a dark history, whose leadership is characterized by cultural sophistication and a questionable moral compass.

King Yasur

King Yasur is the ruler of Uvar, known for his strategic acumen and authoritative leadership. His reign is marked by his efforts to maintain power and stability in his kingdom amidst political tensions. King Yasur’s decisions significantly impact the broader geopolitical dynamics of the story, illustrating his pivotal role in the narrative.

Ditus

Ditus appears as a character involved in the administrative or political framework of the setting. His role involves governance, advising, or managing certain affairs that are pivotal to the guild. He is shown as being loyal and obedient without question to one person only: Leas Steele.

Senator Utara Vindichi

Utara is integral to the sociopolitical elements of the story. Being the advisor to the Emperor, his singular focus is the security of the Empire of Lamora. His character reflects the complexities of governance, diplomacy, or societal norms within Lamora.

Darius Lu

Darius is Farid’s father, and is characterized by his authoritative role within both Farid and Semara’s families. He embodies Farid’s insecurities and is the source of much of the family drama between the two of them.

Marica Lu

Marcia is Farid’s mother. She is deeply connected to her family and shows an unlimited capacity for empathy and understanding. She is often seen as the stabilizing factor between Farid and Darius, as well as a motherly role model for Semara.