Cinder Summary

A gifted cyborg mechanic with a mysterious past, secretly the lost Lunar princess.

Cinder is a sixteen-year-old cyborg, a skilled mechanic, and the adopted daughter of Linh Garan. She is constantly mistreated by her stepmother, Adri, and stepsister, Pearl, but cherished by her younger stepsister, Peony, and her android, Iko. Despite her societal status as a second-class citizen due to her cybernetic limbs and brain interface, Cinder is resilient, resourceful, and possesses a strong moral compass. She is haunted by fragmented memories and a sense of being different, which is later explained by her true identity as Princess Selene, the rightful heir to the Lunar throne. Her journey is one of self-discovery, embracing her heritage, and overcoming adversity to protect both Earth and Luna.

Relationships: Prince Kai (Developing romantic interest, complicated by secrets and political conflict); Adri (Cruel and abusive stepmother); Peony (Kind and beloved stepsister); Pearl (Cruel and envious stepsister); Dr. Erland (Mentor and guardian, revealing her past); Iko (Loyal and supportive android companion)

The compassionate and burdened heir to the Eastern Commonwealth, soon-to-be Emperor.

Prince Kai is the kind and responsible heir to the Eastern Commonwealth, thrust into the role of Emperor after his father's death from letumosis. He is burdened by the pressures of leadership, the threat of the plague, and the manipulative advances of Queen Levana. Despite his royal status, Kai is approachable and genuinely cares for his people, showing compassion even towards cyborgs like Cinder. He is intelligent and perceptive, though initially unaware of Cinder's true identity. His struggles revolve around making difficult political decisions while navigating his growing feelings for Cinder and the looming threat from Luna.

Relationships: Cinder (Developing romantic interest, complicated by secrets and political conflict); Emperor Rikan (Father, whom he deeply respects and grieves); Queen Levana (Antagonistic political suitor, whom he distrusts)

The ruthless and manipulative ruler of Luna, seeking to control Earth through political marriage.

Queen Levana is the beautiful and terrifying ruler of Luna. She possesses powerful Lunar glamour, allowing her to manipulate perceptions and control minds, making her subjects see her as flawless. She is ruthless, ambitious, and utterly self-serving, driven by a desire for absolute power. Levana orchestrated the attempted murder of her niece, Princess Selene, and now seeks to marry Emperor Kai to gain control over Earth, under the guise of offering a cure for letumosis. She is a master manipulator, using fear and coercion to achieve her goals, and views cyborgs and 'shells' (Lunars without glamour) with disdain.

Relationships: Cinder (Princess Selene) (Mortal enemy, whom she believes is dead); Prince Kai (Unwilling political target for marriage)

A compassionate letumosis researcher with a secret connection to Cinder's past.

Dr. Erland is the head of letumosis research at the palace and a brilliant scientist. He initially experiments on Cinder due to her cyborg status but quickly discovers her unique immunity and Lunar heritage. He is revealed to be a Lunar himself, a 'shell' (without glamour), who helped save Princess Selene's life and brought her to Earth. Dr. Erland acts as a mentor and protector for Cinder, guiding her through the revelations of her past and ultimately helping her escape. He is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to see Levana overthrown.

Relationships: Cinder (Mentor and guardian, revealing her past); Prince Kai (Works for him, but secretly harbors deeper loyalties)

Cinder's cruel and abusive stepmother, consumed by greed and resentment.

Adri is Cinder's adoptive stepmother and a deeply resentful, avaricious woman. She constantly blames Cinder for her misfortunes, particularly the death of her husband, Linh Garan, and views Cinder as little more than property. Adri forces Cinder to work tirelessly as a mechanic, seizing all her earnings, and subjects her to emotional and physical abuse. She is obsessed with social standing and money, willing to sacrifice Cinder for her own gain, as evidenced by her volunteering Cinder for letumosis research and destroying Iko. Her cruelty is a driving force behind Cinder's desire for independence.

Relationships: Cinder (Abusive stepmother); Peony (Daughter, whom she loves); Pearl (Daughter, whom she favors)

Cinder's kind and compassionate stepsister, who falls victim to letumosis.

Peony is Cinder's younger stepsister and the only member of her adoptive family who treats Cinder with kindness and affection. She is sweet-natured and caring, often defending Cinder from Adri and Pearl's cruelty. Peony contracts letumosis after accompanying Cinder to the junkyard, a tragic event that deeply affects Cinder and fuels her determination. Her death is a significant emotional blow to Cinder and a catalyst for several plot developments, including Cinder's mandatory participation in letumosis research.

Relationships: Cinder (Beloved stepsister and friend); Adri (Daughter, whom she loves)

Cinder's loyal and quirky android companion, often providing emotional support.

Iko is Cinder's personal android, programmed with a 'personality chip' that gives her a distinctly human-like and often humorous demeanor. She is Cinder's most loyal friend and confidante, offering emotional support, practical advice, and comic relief. Iko is fiercely protective of Cinder and her well-being. Her body is eventually salvaged for parts by Adri, but Cinder manages to save her personality chip, allowing her to be re-activated in a new form later. Iko represents the potential for humanity and loyalty even in artificial intelligence.

Relationships: Cinder (Loyal android companion and best friend)

The previous Emperor of the Eastern Commonwealth, father of Prince Kai, who succumbs to letumosis.

Emperor Rikan is Prince Kai's father and the former ruler of the Eastern Commonwealth. He is gravely ill with letumosis throughout much of the story and eventually succumbs to the plague. His death elevates Kai to the throne and intensifies the political pressure from Queen Levana. Rikan is remembered by Kai as a wise and just ruler, and his illness and death serve to highlight the devastating impact of the plague and the precarious state of Earth's political landscape.

Relationships: Prince Kai (Father, whom he deeply loves and respects)

Cinder's cruel and envious stepsister, who mirrors her mother's disdain.

Pearl is Cinder's older stepsister and Adri's favored daughter. She is as cruel and self-absorbed as her mother, often joining Adri in belittling and abusing Cinder. Pearl is envious of any attention Cinder receives, particularly from Prince Kai, and actively participates in Cinder's torment. She represents the societal prejudice against cyborgs and the petty cruelties that Cinder endures daily. Her character serves to highlight Cinder's resilience and the injustice of her living situation.

Relationships: Cinder (Cruel stepsister); Adri (Daughter, whom she is favored by)