Character Clues

Character Analysis

Names

What's the deal with everyone going by vague and mysterious names like the Walker or the Rider? Well, we'll let Merriman tell you: "The only way to disarm one of the creatures of the Dark is to call him or her by his real name: names that they keep very secret" (4.73). It's not that everyone loves their jobs so much, then; it's that names hold the key to defeating someone. No wonder everyone chooses a stage name.

Even though we don't learn the first names of many characters, names are a big deal in the book. They allow Will and his friends to defeat the Dark (like when Merriman busts out Maggie's real name, for instance), plus they tell us a lot about what someone does or what role they play in the quest. Everyone tries to keep their real names secret to maintain power, though, so we'll do Will a solid and keep his name between us.

Types of Beings

Most of the characterization in the book boils down to what kind of being someone is. And folks fall into three basic categories—non-magical, Old Ones, and the Dark.

Will's family is non-magical, so while the Dark can come for them, they're generally pretty oblivious to what's going on, especially since they get frozen in time while Will gallivants through time and space.

Will, Merriman, the Lady and others are all Old Ones, or the Light. These are the good guys, using their magical powers for good. As for the Dark, this evil group includes people like the Rider and others working for all things terrible. To really explore this whole Old Ones/Dark split, though, swing by the "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" section.