Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Faith Lehane | Protagonist | A Slayer with a complex past and strong will. |
| Giles | Mentor | Watcher and guide to Faith, wise and caring. |
| Robin Wood | Ally/Love Interest | School principal, skilled fighter, and partner. |
| Principal Wood | Authority Figure | Robin Wood’s father, with strict but fair views. |
| Giles’ Assistant | Supporting Character | Provides research and support to the team. |
Role Identification
Faith Lehane
Faith is the central figure of the novel, a Slayer struggling with her identity and purpose. She embodies strength, vulnerability, and moral complexity.
Giles
As Faith’s Watcher, Giles acts as a mentor and father figure. He provides guidance and wisdom essential for Faith’s growth.
Robin Wood
Robin Wood serves as a valuable ally and romantic interest. His background as a fighter complements Faith’s skills, and their relationship adds depth to the story.
Principal Wood
He represents authority and the challenges Faith faces in gaining acceptance within society.
Giles’ Assistant
A background character who supports the main cast through research and logistical help.
Character Descriptions
| Character | Physical Traits | Personality Traits | Motivations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faith Lehane | Athletic, strong, determined | Rebellious, empathetic, conflicted | Seeking redemption and belonging |
| Giles | Middle-aged, scholarly | Wise, patient, protective | Guiding Faith and fighting evil |
| Robin Wood | Tall, athletic | Loyal, brave, compassionate | Protecting his community and Faith |
| Principal Wood | Stern, authoritative | Disciplined, traditional | Maintaining order and discipline |
| Giles’ Assistant | Nondescript | Intelligent, supportive | Assisting the Slayer team |
Character Traits
Faith Lehane
- Resilient: Overcomes numerous challenges.
- Conflicted: Struggles with her dark past and morality.
- Courageous: Faces danger without hesitation.
- Impulsive: Sometimes acts without thinking.
- Compassionate: Cares deeply for others despite her tough exterior.
Giles
- Knowledgeable: Extensive understanding of supernatural lore.
- Patient: Offers calm support in crises.
- Protective: Prioritizes Faith’s safety.
Robin Wood
- Brave: Faces enemies head-on.
- Loyal: Devoted to his friends and cause.
- Thoughtful: Considers consequences carefully.
Principal Wood
- Strict: Enforces rules firmly.
- Fair: Balances discipline with justice.
Giles’ Assistant
- Resourceful: Finds information quickly.
- Reliable: Always supports the team’s needs.
Character Background
| Character | Key Background Information |
|---|---|
| Faith Lehane | Former rogue Slayer seeking redemption and purpose. |
| Giles | Experienced Watcher guiding Slayers for years. |
| Robin Wood | Son of a Watcher, with a personal mission against evil. |
| Principal Wood | Longtime school principal, upholds traditional values. |
| Giles’ Assistant | Background in research and occult knowledge. |
Character Arcs
Faith Lehane
Faith’s arc is central and dynamic. She moves from a troubled outsider to a more self-aware and responsible Slayer. Throughout the story, she confronts her past mistakes and learns to trust others, especially Giles and Robin. Her growth involves embracing her role and reconciling her inner conflicts.
Giles
Giles’ arc is more subtle. He shifts from a strictly professional Watcher to someone who cares deeply about Faith’s wellbeing on a personal level. His mentorship becomes more emotionally invested as he helps Faith mature.
Robin Wood
Robin’s arc involves moving from a solitary fighter to a partner invested in a larger cause. His relationship with Faith softens his previously lone-wolf attitude and opens him to trust and cooperation.
Principal Wood
Principal Wood’s arc centers on his evolving understanding of Faith. Initially skeptical, he gradually acknowledges her strength and role, reflecting a broader acceptance of change.
Giles’ Assistant
While not heavily focused on, this character shows growth in confidence and competence, becoming an indispensable part of the team.
Relationships
| Characters | Relationship Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Faith & Giles | Mentor/Mentee | Deep, complex bond based on trust and guidance. |
| Faith & Robin Wood | Romantic/Allies | Partners in battle and love, sharing mutual respect. |
| Faith & Principal Wood | Authority/Student | Initially tense but evolves toward respect. |
| Giles & Giles’ Assistant | Professional | Collaborative and supportive working relationship. |
| Robin Wood & Principal Wood | Father/Son | Familial relationship influencing motivations. |
Faith and Giles
Their relationship is foundational. Giles provides wisdom and emotional support, helping Faith navigate her responsibilities as a Slayer.
Faith and Robin Wood
Their partnership is both strategic and personal. They rely on each other in combat and develop a romantic bond that humanizes Faith.
Faith and Principal Wood
Faith faces challenges gaining Principal Wood’s approval, symbolizing her struggle to fit into societal structures.
Giles and Giles’ Assistant
This relationship highlights the importance of teamwork behind the scenes in combating evil.
Robin Wood and Principal Wood
Their father-son dynamic adds depth to Robin’s motivations and explains some of his values.
This detailed character analysis of Nancy Holder’s Crusade provides insights into the characters’ roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships. The complexity of Faith Lehane’s journey stands at the core, supported by rich interactions with Giles, Robin Wood, and other key figures, making Crusade a compelling narrative of growth, redemption, and strength.
