"Infernal Devices" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Hester Shaw

Hester Shaw is one of the main protagonists in "Infernal Devices." She is a fierce and determined young woman who seeks revenge against Thaddeus Valentine for the murder of her parents. Hester is a key character in driving the plot forward and represents resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Tom Natsworthy

Tom Natsworthy is the other main protagonist in the story. He starts off as a Historian Apprentice in the traction city of London but becomes entangled in Hester's quest for revenge. Tom goes through a transformative character arc as he learns to question his loyalty and aligns himself with Hester's cause.

Thaddeus Valentine

Thaddeus Valentine serves as the primary antagonist in the book. He is a charismatic and influential figure within the traction city of London, but he hides a dark secret. Valentine's actions and motivations drive much of the conflict in the story and create tension between him and the other characters.

Anna Fang

Anna Fang is a supporting character in the book and plays a significant role in the resistance against Valentine's oppressive rule. She is a skilled pilot and leader of the Anti-Traction League. Anna's bravery and determination make her an essential ally to Hester and Tom.

Katherine Valentine

Katherine Valentine is Thaddeus Valentine's daughter and initially appears as a naive and sheltered character. However, as the story progresses, Katherine's character evolves, and she becomes instrumental in uncovering her father's secrets.

Bevis Pod

Bevis Pod is a supporting character and a historian colleague of Tom Natsworthy. He provides valuable information and guidance to Tom throughout the story. Bevis is known for his vast knowledge of history and is often a source of exposition.

Shrike

Shrike is a complex supporting character in the book. He is a resurrected Stalker, a type of cyborg predator. Shrike's presence adds a layer of mystery and danger to the story. He develops a unique relationship with Hester, blurring the line between ally and foe.

Magnus Crome

Magnus Crome is the Mayor of London and a powerful figure within the traction city. He is a puppet of Thaddeus Valentine, carrying out his orders without question. Crome's character embodies the corrupt and oppressive nature of the city's ruling class.

Character Descriptions

Hester Shaw

Hester Shaw is a young woman with a scarred face, which she typically hides beneath a scarf. She is described as having fiery red hair and a determined expression. Hester's appearance reflects the hardships she has endured and serves as a constant reminder of her quest for vengeance.

Tom Natsworthy

Tom Natsworthy is a young Historian Apprentice with curly brown hair and a boyish charm. Throughout the story, Tom's appearance changes as he becomes more hardened and experienced, mirroring his character growth.

Thaddeus Valentine

Thaddeus Valentine is an imposing figure with a charismatic presence. He is described as having a neatly trimmed beard and piercing blue eyes. Valentine's appearance reflects his ability to manipulate others and maintain a facade of respectability.

Anna Fang

Anna Fang is a skilled pilot with a striking appearance. She is often seen wearing a distinctive aviator's uniform, complete with goggles and a leather jacket. Anna's appearance reflects her rebellious nature and her role as a leader within the resistance.

Katherine Valentine

Katherine Valentine is initially portrayed as a delicate, sheltered young woman with fair hair and innocent features. However, as the story progresses, Katherine's appearance takes on more strength and determination, symbolizing her growth and transformation.

Bevis Pod

Bevis Pod is described as a middle-aged man with thinning hair and glasses. His appearance is unremarkable, but his extensive knowledge and passion for history make him an essential character in the story.

Shrike

Shrike is a menacing figure, described as a hulking creature with metal limbs and glowing red eyes. His appearance is both intimidating and tragic, reflecting his role as a resurrected Stalker and his complex relationship with Hester.

Magnus Crome

Magnus Crome is portrayed as an older man with thinning gray hair and a stern expression. His appearance reflects his position of power and his unwavering loyalty to Thaddeus Valentine.

Character Traits

Hester Shaw

Hester Shaw is determined, resilient, and fiercely independent. She is driven by her desire for revenge and has a strong sense of justice. Hester can be impulsive and hot-tempered but also exhibits loyalty and compassion towards those she cares about.

Tom Natsworthy

Tom Natsworthy is initially naive and idealistic but grows to become courageous, resourceful, and morally conflicted. He possesses a strong sense of empathy and gradually becomes more critical of the oppressive society in which he lives.

Thaddeus Valentine

Thaddeus Valentine is charismatic, manipulative, and power-hungry. He is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means sacrificing others. Valentine is intelligent and cunning, using his words and influence to maintain control.

Anna Fang

Anna Fang is brave, determined, and fiercely loyal to her cause. She is a skilled pilot and a natural leader. Anna's character embodies rebellion and resistance against the oppressive forces represented by Thaddeus Valentine and the traction cities.

Katherine Valentine

Katherine Valentine starts as a sheltered and naive character but grows to become intelligent, resourceful, and courageous. She questions her father's actions and becomes an active participant in uncovering his secrets.

Bevis Pod

Bevis Pod is knowledgeable, wise, and deeply passionate about history. He provides valuable insights and guidance to the other characters, often serving as a voice of reason and exposition.

Shrike

Shrike is both menacing and tragic. He is a conflicted character torn between his monstrous nature and his feelings for Hester. Shrike's character traits include loyalty, protectiveness, and a sense of longing for a lost humanity.

Magnus Crome

Magnus Crome is ambitious, ruthless, and blindly loyal to Thaddeus Valentine. He is willing to sacrifice the lives of others to maintain his position of power within the traction city of London.

Character Background

Hester Shaw

Hester Shaw's background is tragic and tumultuous. As a child, she witnessed the murder of her parents by Thaddeus Valentine, which left her scarred both physically and emotionally. Hester grew up in the Out-Country, surviving on her own and honing her skills for revenge.

Tom Natsworthy

Tom Natsworthy's background is relatively ordinary compared to the other characters. He was born and raised in London and educated as a Historian Apprentice. Tom's sheltered life is disrupted when he crosses paths with Hester and becomes involved in her quest for vengeance.

Thaddeus Valentine

Thaddeus Valentine's background is revealed throughout the story. He is a charismatic and influential figure within the traction city of London, but his true nature and motivations are shrouded in secrecy. Valentine's past actions and connections shape the events of the book.

Anna Fang

Anna Fang's background is rooted in her resistance against the traction cities. She is a skilled pilot and leader of the Anti-Traction League, fighting against the oppressive rule of Thaddeus Valentine and others like him.

Katherine Valentine

Katherine Valentine's background is initially sheltered and privileged. As the daughter of Thaddeus Valentine, she has access to resources and knowledge that prove instrumental in uncovering her father's secrets.

Bevis Pod

Bevis Pod's background is centered around his role as a historian and his extensive knowledge of the past. He provides historical context and explanations throughout the story, drawing on his background and expertise.

Shrike

Shrike's background is mysterious and tragic. Once a human, he was transformed into a Stalker, a type of cyborg predator. Shrike's memories of his past life and his relationship with Hester are slowly revealed, adding depth to his character.

Magnus Crome

Magnus Crome's background revolves around his rise to power within the traction city of London. He is depicted as a loyal follower of Thaddeus Valentine, carrying out his orders without question.

Character Arcs

Hester Shaw

Hester Shaw's character arc is one of personal growth and redemption. Initially driven solely by revenge, she gradually learns to trust and rely on others. Hester's arc is shaped by her evolving relationship with Tom Natsworthy and her internal struggle to let go of her past.

Tom Natsworthy

Tom Natsworthy's character arc is one of disillusionment and self-discovery. He starts as a loyal citizen of London but gradually questions the morality of the city's actions. Tom's arc is defined by his growing awareness of the injustices in his society and his transformation into a courageous rebel.

Thaddeus Valentine

Thaddeus Valentine's character arc is one of deception and revelation. His true nature and motivations are gradually uncovered, exposing him as a power-hungry and ruthless individual. Valentine's arc ultimately leads to his downfall and the exposure of his crimes.

Anna Fang

Anna Fang's character arc is one of leadership and sacrifice. She starts as a fearless pilot and leader of the Anti-Traction League, but her arc is defined by her willingness to put the cause above her own safety. Anna's ultimate sacrifice serves as a catalyst for change and inspires the other characters.

Katherine Valentine

Katherine Valentine's character arc is one of growth and empowerment. Initially sheltered and naive, she becomes an active participant in uncovering her father's secrets and takes a stand against his oppressive rule. Katherine's arc is marked by her transformation into a strong and independent young woman.

Bevis Pod

Bevis Pod's character arc is less prominent compared to the other characters. He serves as a consistent source of knowledge and guidance throughout the story, providing valuable insights to the other characters.

Shrike

Shrike's character arc is one of tragedy and redemption. He starts as a menacing and relentless Stalker but gradually develops complex emotions and a unique bond with Hester. Shrike's arc explores themes of humanity and sacrifice.

Magnus Crome

Magnus Crome's character arc is one of blind loyalty and downfall. He remains loyal to Thaddeus Valentine until the end, ultimately paying the price for his unquestioning obedience.

Relationships

Hester Shaw and Tom Natsworthy

Hester and Tom's relationship is central to the story. Initially, they have a complicated dynamic, driven by Hester's desire for revenge. However, as the story progresses, their relationship evolves into one of trust, friendship, and eventually, love.

Thaddeus Valentine and Hester Shaw

Thaddeus Valentine and Hester Shaw have a deeply adversarial relationship. Valentine's murder of Hester's parents fuels her quest for revenge and drives much of the conflict in the story.

Anna Fang and Hester Shaw

Anna Fang becomes a mentor and ally to Hester Shaw. She teaches Hester important skills and guides her in her quest for justice. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared goal to bring down Thaddeus Valentine.

Tom Natsworthy and Thaddeus Valentine

Tom Natsworthy's relationship with Thaddeus Valentine is initially one of admiration and loyalty. However, as Tom uncovers Valentine's true nature, their relationship becomes one of opposition and conflict.

Katherine Valentine and Hester Shaw

Katherine and Hester initially have a strained relationship due to their connection to Thaddeus Valentine. However, as the story progresses, they develop a mutual understanding and work together to uncover the truth about their father.

Bevis Pod and Tom Natsworthy

Bevis Pod serves as a mentor and friend to Tom Natsworthy. He provides guidance and knowledge that helps Tom navigate the challenges he faces throughout the story.

Hester Shaw and Shrike

Hester's relationship with Shrike is complicated. Initially, Shrike is a relentless enemy, but over time, their relationship evolves into one of understanding and even compassion.

Magnus Crome and Thaddeus Valentine

Magnus Crome is a loyal follower of Thaddeus Valentine. Their relationship is one of mutual benefit and shared goals, with Crome carrying out Valentine's orders without question.