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Skyward
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"Skyward" Characters Analysis

Brandon SandersonBrandon Sanderson

A determined young pilot defies expectations and fights against alien invaders in a post-apocalyptic world.

science fiction | 513 pages | Published in 2018

science fictionyoung adultfantasyfictionaudiobookspacedystopiaaliensadventurescience fiction fantasy
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Estimated read time: 7 min read

Table of Contents

  1. List of Characters

List of Characters

Character NameRole
Spensa NightshadeProtagonist
Jorgen WeightSpensa's Flightmate
KimmalynSpensa's Friend
M-BotAI Spaceship
JerkfaceFlight Instructor
IronsidesFlight Leader
Gran-GranSpensa's Grandmother
FMSpensa's Father

Role Identification

In "Skyward" by Brandon Sanderson, the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story. The protagonist, Spensa Nightshade, is a young pilot determined to prove herself and fight against the alien threat. Other significant characters include Jorgen Weight, Spensa's flightmate, Kimmalyn, her loyal friend, M-Bot, an AI spaceship, Jerkface, the flight instructor, Ironsides, the flight leader, Gran-Gran, Spensa's grandmother, and FM, Spensa's father.

Character Descriptions

  1. Spensa Nightshade: Spensa is a bold and determined young woman with a fiery spirit. She has dark hair and a strong physical presence.
  2. Jorgen Weight: Jorgen is a talented pilot with a muscular build and a serious demeanor. He often acts as a foil to Spensa.
  3. Kimmalyn: Kimmalyn is Spensa's loyal friend, known for her quick thinking and resourcefulness.
  4. M-Bot: M-Bot is an AI spaceship with a sarcastic and witty personality. It possesses advanced technology and becomes a trusted ally to Spensa.
  5. Jerkface: Jerkface, known by this derogatory nickname, is Spensa's flight instructor. He initially antagonizes her but eventually becomes an important mentor.
  6. Ironsides: Ironsides is the strict and disciplined flight leader who pushes Spensa to her limits.
  7. Gran-Gran: Gran-Gran is Spensa's wise and supportive grandmother who instills in her a love for flying and a desire to prove herself.
  8. FM: FM is Spensa's father whose mysterious past and disappearance drive much of the story's conflict.

Character Traits

  1. Spensa Nightshade: Spensa is determined, courageous, and fiercely independent. She is also impulsive and stubborn, often acting before thinking.
  2. Jorgen Weight: Jorgen is disciplined, loyal, and skilled. He is initially skeptical of Spensa but eventually comes to respect her abilities.
  3. Kimmalyn: Kimmalyn is resourceful, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to Spensa. She is often the voice of reason in their group.
  4. M-Bot: M-Bot is sarcastic, witty, and highly intelligent. It possesses advanced technology and often provides comic relief in tense situations.
  5. Jerkface: Jerkface is initially cold and critical towards Spensa. However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that he has a deeper understanding of her struggles and becomes a mentor figure.
  6. Ironsides: Ironsides is strict, disciplined, and dedicated to the safety of her flight team. She pushes Spensa to her limits to prepare her for the dangers they face.
  7. Gran-Gran: Gran-Gran is wise, supportive, and nurturing. She encourages Spensa's dreams despite the challenges they face.
  8. FM: FM is charismatic, secretive, and haunted by his past. His disappearance motivates Spensa to uncover the truth about her family's history.

Character Background

  1. Spensa Nightshade: Spensa comes from a family with a tarnished reputation due to her father's alleged cowardice. She is determined to prove herself and redeem her family name.
  2. Jorgen Weight: Jorgen comes from a respected family of pilots and carries the weight of their legacy. He struggles to balance his loyalty to his family with his growing friendship with Spensa.
  3. Kimmalyn: Kimmalyn has a background similar to Spensa, with a family history marred by accusations of cowardice. She is fiercely loyal to Spensa and supports her in her quest to become a pilot.
  4. M-Bot: M-Bot is an advanced AI spaceship with a mysterious past. It forms a unique bond with Spensa and assists her in her mission to fight the alien threat.
  5. Jerkface: Jerkface is a skilled pilot with a troubled past. He initially resents Spensa but gradually reveals a deeper understanding of her struggles and becomes a mentor figure.
  6. Ironsides: Ironsides is a respected and experienced flight leader who has faced the alien threat firsthand. She takes Spensa under her wing and pushes her to excel.
  7. Gran-Gran: Gran-Gran is Spensa's loving and supportive grandmother who taught her to love flying. She possesses a deep knowledge of the past and encourages Spensa to uncover the truth.
  8. FM: FM, Spensa's father, disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a legacy of cowardice. Spensa is determined to uncover the truth about his actions and clear his name.

Character Arcs

  1. Spensa Nightshade: Spensa's character arc revolves around her journey from a young pilot filled with self-doubt to a confident leader who embraces her true potential. She confronts her family's legacy, overcomes prejudice, and becomes a symbol of hope for her people.
  2. Jorgen Weight: Jorgen's arc involves his transformation from a skeptical and cautious individual to a loyal friend and ally to Spensa. He learns to challenge his preconceptions and find his own path.
  3. Kimmalyn: Kimmalyn's arc focuses on her growth from a supportive friend to a capable and independent pilot. She gains confidence in her abilities and proves herself alongside Spensa.
  4. M-Bot: Though an AI, M-Bot experiences its own arc as it develops a deeper understanding of humanity and forms a unique bond with Spensa. It learns to value friendship and sacrifice for the greater good.
  5. Jerkface: Jerkface's arc involves a change in perception towards Spensa as he starts to understand her struggles and motivations. He becomes a mentor figure and ally to her.
  6. Ironsides: Ironsides' arc centers around her role as a mentor and leader. She pushes Spensa to her limits while also recognizing her potential and growth.
  7. Gran-Gran: Gran-Gran's arc is one of unwavering support and guidance for Spensa. She serves as a moral compass and encourages Spensa to seek the truth about her family's past.
  8. FM: FM's arc is intertwined with Spensa's journey to uncover the truth about her father's disappearance. His actions and motivations are gradually revealed, impacting Spensa's understanding of her family's history.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "Skyward" are crucial to the development of the story and the growth of the individual characters. Spensa and Jorgen start off as rivals but develop a deep bond of friendship and mutual respect. Kimmalyn serves as Spensa's loyal and supportive friend, always ready to back her up. M-Bot provides comic relief and becomes Spensa's trusted ally and confidant. Jerkface undergoes a transformation from a dismissive instructor to a mentor figure for Spensa. Ironsides challenges and guides Spensa as her flight leader. Gran-Gran acts as Spensa's guiding light, offering wisdom and encouragement. FM's relationship with Spensa is explored through her quest to uncover the truth about his actions and disappearance.

In conclusion, the characters in "Skyward" play diverse roles and undergo significant character arcs. Each character contributes to the development of the story and the growth of the protagonist, Spensa Nightshade. The relationships between the characters add depth and complexity to the narrative, making "Skyward" a compelling and engaging read.