"Last Argument of Kings" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Last Argument of Kings," the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story. The protagonists include Logen Ninefingers, a renowned warrior seeking redemption, Jezal dan Luthar, a nobleman who yearns for glory, and Glokta, a former swordsman turned torturer due to his disability. These characters navigate a world filled with political intrigue, war, and magic, each with their own intentions and motivations. Additionally, the story features other significant characters such as Bayaz, the powerful Magus, Ferro Maljinn, an anti-heroine fighting for revenge, Colonel West, an honorable military leader, the Arch Lector, a religious figure, and Black Dow, the antagonist and leader of the Northmen.

Character Descriptions

• Logen Ninefingers: Logen Ninefingers is a physically imposing and battle-hardened warrior. He is described as having a rugged appearance, with scars and missing fingers. Despite his reputation as a feared fighter, he is haunted by his violent past and seeks a chance at redemption.
• Jezal dan Luthar: Jezal dan Luthar is a nobleman and officer in the King's army. He is depicted as handsome and vain, with a privileged upbringing. However, throughout the story, he undergoes personal growth and begins to question his privileged lifestyle.
• Glokta: Glokta is a complex character who serves as an Inquisitor for the Inquisition. He is physically disabled, walking with a cane, and experiences constant pain. His appearance is described as gaunt and haggard, reflecting the toll his torturous past has taken on him.
• Bayaz: Bayaz is the First of the Magi, a powerful wizard with immense magical abilities. He is described as an old man with a long white beard, exuding an aura of wisdom and authority.
• Ferro Maljinn: Ferro Maljinn is a fierce and determined slave seeking vengeance against those who enslaved her people. She is described as a strong-willed woman with a scarred face and a relentless drive for justice.
• Colonel West: Colonel West is an honorable military leader and childhood friend of Jezal dan Luthar. He is described as a skilled strategist and a noble character with a strong sense of duty.
• Arch Lector: The Arch Lector is a religious figure and head of the Inquisition. He is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative individual, using his power and influence to further his own agenda.
• Black Dow: Black Dow is the leader of the Northmen, a barbarian tribe. He is depicted as a ruthless and cunning antagonist, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve power and control.

Character Traits

• Logen Ninefingers: Brave, tormented, loyal, introspective
• Jezal dan Luthar: Vain, ambitious, naive, compassionate
• Glokta: Cynical, intelligent, ruthless, self-loathing
• Bayaz: Wise, powerful, enigmatic, manipulative
• Ferro Maljinn: Determined, vengeful, resilient, impulsive
• Colonel West: Honorable, strategic, loyal, selfless
• Arch Lector: Manipulative, cunning, fanatical, ambitious
• Black Dow: Ruthless, cunning, power-hungry, charismatic

Character Background

• Logen Ninefingers: Logen Ninefingers is a legendary warrior known for his ferocity in battle. He hails from the North, a harsh and unforgiving land. Throughout the series, it is revealed that Logen has a dark past filled with violence and bloodshed, leading him to seek redemption and a chance to break away from his violent nature.
• Jezal dan Luthar: Jezal dan Luthar is a nobleman born into privilege. He is a skilled swordsman and officer in the King's army. Initially, Jezal is portrayed as arrogant and self-centered, driven by his desire for glory. However, as the story progresses, he experiences personal growth and begins to question his own values and the corrupt society he is a part of.
• Glokta: Glokta was once a skilled swordsman, but after being captured and tortured, he became a torturer himself due to his crippling physical injuries. He is bitter and resentful towards the world, using his intelligence and cunning to navigate the political landscape. Despite his morally grey actions, Glokta also possesses a twisted sense of justice.
• Bayaz: Bayaz is the First of the Magi, a powerful sorcerer who has lived for centuries. He is a key figure in the politics of the realm and has a deep understanding of the world's history and secrets. Bayaz wields immense power and influence, but his true motivations and intentions remain shrouded in mystery.
• Ferro Maljinn: Ferro Maljinn is a former slave from Gurkhul, a land controlled by a ruthless empire. Her people were enslaved, and she seeks revenge against those responsible. Ferro is driven by her desire to free her people and is consumed by her quest for justice.
• Colonel West: Colonel West is a skilled military leader who serves the Union, the dominant power in the realm. He is a loyal and honorable man, dedicated to protecting his comrades and upholding his duty. Despite his military prowess, West often finds himself torn between his loyalty to the Union and his personal beliefs.
• Arch Lector: The Arch Lector is the head of the Inquisition, a religious organization with immense influence. He is a cunning and manipulative figure, using his position to further his own agenda and consolidate his power. The Arch Lector is driven by fanaticism and a desire to maintain control over the realm.
• Black Dow: Black Dow is the leader of the Northmen, a fierce and independent barbarian tribe. He is a cunning and charismatic figure, willing to go to great lengths to secure power and control over the North. Black Dow is known for his ruthlessness and strategic mind.

Character Arcs

• Logen Ninefingers: Throughout the book, Logen Ninefingers embarks on a journey of redemption, seeking to escape his violent past and find a sense of peace. He grapples with his inner demons and struggles to control his violent nature. By the end, Logen's character arc sees him confront his past and make choices that will shape his future.
• Jezal dan Luthar: Jezal's character arc revolves around his transformation from a vain and self-centered nobleman to a more compassionate and self-aware individual. He begins to question the corrupt society he belongs to and reevaluates his values. Jezal's growth is driven by his experiences and the relationships he forms throughout the story.
• Glokta: Glokta's character arc explores his internal struggle with his past, disabilities, and the morally ambiguous actions he takes as an Inquisitor. Despite his cynical and ruthless nature, Glokta's arc delves into his complex motivations and his journey towards self-acceptance.
• Ferro Maljinn: Ferro's character arc centers around her quest for revenge and justice. As the story progresses, she confronts her inner demons and learns to channel her anger and pain towards a greater cause. Ferro's arc explores her transformation from a vengeful individual to a determined and resilient fighter for the greater good.
• Colonel West: Colonel West's character arc focuses on his loyalty to the Union and his struggle to reconcile his personal beliefs with the actions of the organization he serves. He faces ethical dilemmas and grapples with the consequences of his choices. West's arc highlights his internal conflict and his efforts to navigate a morally complex world.

Relationships

• Logen Ninefingers and Ferro Maljinn: Logen and Ferro develop a complex relationship throughout the story. Initially, their interactions are marked by mistrust and tension. However, as they face numerous challenges together, they begin to form a bond based on mutual respect and understanding.
• Jezal dan Luthar and Ardee West: Jezal forms a romantic relationship with Ardee West, the sister of Colonel West. Their relationship evolves from a superficial and one-sided attraction to a deeper connection based on shared experiences and personal growth.
• Glokta and Superior Davoust: Glokta forms a complicated relationship with Superior Davoust, his immediate superior in the Inquisition. Davoust is both a mentor and a source of frustration for Glokta, pushing him to his limits while also recognizing his abilities.
• Bayaz and his apprentices: Bayaz mentors a group of apprentices who assist him in his magical endeavors. Their relationship is characterized by a power dynamic and a sense of awe towards Bayaz's knowledge and abilities.
• Colonel West and Ardee West: Colonel West and his sister, Ardee, share a close bond. Ardee serves as a source of support and guidance for West, challenging his beliefs and offering a different perspective on the world they inhabit.

In conclusion, "Last Argument of Kings" by Joe Abercrombie features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and arcs. Through their interactions and relationships, the story explores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the complexities of power and politics. The character analysis provides insights into the roles, descriptions, traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships of the key characters, shedding light on their contributions to the narrative.