Companion

Character Role Analysis

George Cooper

Despite the fact that he has an inherently untrustworthy profession, George quickly becomes one of Alanna's most trusted friends. George helps Alanna find a good horse—key for a knight—and he also helps her learn some effective fighting techniques so she can take down Ralon. When Alanna freaks out at the arrival of her period, she turns to George for help in finding a discreet female healer.

George not only keeps Alanna's secret, but also continues to be her friend and go-to man. He encourages her to practice sorcery as well as fighting so that she'll be prepared to face various kinds of enemies in the future. Plus, they have fun when they hang out. Sounds very companionable, right?

Prince Jonathan

Jonathan, kind-hearted dude that he is, is quick to take the newest squire at the palace—Alanna—under his wing. Soon enough, Alanna is chilling with Jonathan and his buddies. Jonathan cares enough to not interfere when Ralon is beating up Alanna, as counter-intuitive as that sounds, because he knows that Alanna needs to take care of the bully on her own.

Alanna cares enough about Jonathan to take a risk by using magic to try to save his life during the Sweating Fever. She also introduces him to George, so that they can all hang out doing mildly illegal things in the lower city. When Jonathan decides to check out the Black City, he makes sure Alanna comes with him, and together they defeat those nasty Nameless Ones. In short, Alanna and Jonathan are good buddies, the kind you can get into trouble with and come out okay on the other end.