Does Galen Deserve to Be the Main Character?

naomilupton_98 · Post by **naomilupton_98** » 11 Oct 2020, 13:46

I think Galen is used as a vessel to explore the Kingdom of Voulhire. Like Galen, the reader does not know the kingdom or its people, so it seems that a non-informed character such as Galen gets the spotlight as the vessel. It is a very effective way to tell the story of Voulhire. (Also, the kingdom and its challenges are seen through the eyes of many characters, not just Galen, so it does relieve the focus on Galen.)

Iva Stoyanova · Post by **Iva Stoyanova** » 11 Oct 2020, 14:22

Ellylion wrote: ↑01 Oct 2020, 10:13 I believe that Galen is righteously the main character, because he's a newcomer to Voulhire, and so are we, the readers. We follow the main events through his eyes, and we see the kingdom for the first time from his perspective as well. In this case, his experience is quite priceless to get to know Voulhire better.

I agree with you. Thanks to Galen, we explore Voulhire and experience it as newcomers. The kingdom is a whole new world both to Galen and to us, and following his adventures, feelings and thoughts, we can actually feel like a part of Voulhire.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 11 Oct 2020, 17:18

I think he deserves the main role. His almost childlike naivety and eagerness is endearing. Besides, I consider his character growth the most intriguing. Watching him lose the mindset of eat or be eaten way of life in the Land of the Princes, and adapt to the complex, diplomatic and manipulative lifestyle of the people of Voulhire makes for a charming read.

SweetEchoJenn · Post by **SweetEchoJenn** » 11 Oct 2020, 19:20

I think Galen is a great main character. He is new to Voulhire so therefore he is learning and exploring without bias. His adventures are taking him on an indepth journey throughout Voulhire. I am biased because he is my favourite character.

Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 12 Oct 2020, 05:40

Frankly, Galen does not seem like the main character to me. Looks like he hardly does anything on his own. Rowen and Demetrius is always by his side. But somewhere I do see Galen as the main protagonist. I think he deserves it. I’m currently reading the sixth book and eagerly waiting to know what’s going to happen with the trio and looking forward to see Galen as the lead.

Wesley Friday · Post by **Wesley Friday** » 12 Oct 2020, 06:30

With Galen's background of being an immigrant and enduring the horrors of war in in his home country, initially it was possible to view him as a main character. However, after reading a few books into the series, Galen's background of being a survivor does not seem to fit his personality traits of being extremely naive, humble and ready to learn. There was no exhibition of skepticism or reactionary attitude as a result of the trauma. He does not seem fit for the obstacles that the trio of main characters face despite his experiences. On the other hand, maybe this could be justified by the fact that the author seeks to promote the rather mundane human attributes possessed by Galen as opposed to the supernatural attributes. In my opinion, Galen does not fit into the character of the all capable and powerful main character.

Aan Granados · Post by **Aan Granados** » 12 Oct 2020, 09:43

The main character doesn't have to be always the alpla type of guy. Frodo in Lord of the rings is weak too, compared to the others. Galen might be naive and too kind, but I think his character will grow.

Alya17 · Post by **Alya17** » 12 Oct 2020, 11:58

I really liked Galen as a protagonist. There was a sweetness and naivety to him, that I think makes it easier to relate to as a reader. I'm not sure, I consider him to be the main character because there are others like Rowan that are so essential to the plot. I do think to get a better sense of Voulhire itself, that Galen was the better character. I haven't read any other books in the series. It will be interesting to see what the author does with Galen and these other characters as well.

Kenzy Lilly Pulitzer · Post by **Kenzy Lilly Pulitzer** » 12 Oct 2020, 19:17

I've only read the first book so far, so my opinion is based on it. Galen's role in the first book as a protagonist doesn't impact the story in any way as he is hardly given spotlight. His characterization is unbelievably bleak and child-like considering his past. He doesn't even feature in the main events of the story, so I think the author's choice of Galen as a protagonist was a poor fit.

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 12 Oct 2020, 21:51

I think Galen does well in fitting in as the main character. His personality (a bit naive, for example) suits his (and our) newness to the world he is helping us to explore. I do think that if his characterization changed it would, of course, follow that the author's tone would change. The two are inexorably linked.

Awesomeliker · Post by **Awesomeliker** » 13 Oct 2020, 01:40

In this book he was more of an exposition tool. There were a lot of main characters but the author convinced me that Galen is the main one. I believe he is going to be the main character in the rest of the series though. He has the potential.

Drianie · Post by **Drianie** » 13 Oct 2020, 02:44

naomilupton_98 wrote: ↑11 Oct 2020, 13:46 I think Galen is used as a vessel to explore the Kingdom of Voulhire. Like Galen, the reader does not know the kingdom or its people, so it seems that a non-informed character such as Galen gets the spotlight as the vessel. It is a very effective way to tell the story of Voulhire. (Also, the kingdom and its challenges are seen through the eyes of many characters, not just Galen, so it does relieve the focus on Galen.)

I agree with you in that I enjoyed experiencing Voulhire through Galen’s eyes, seeing as we are both non-informed newcomers. I liked that the author switched between characters and perspectives as the plot advanced. That being said, I’m still curious to see how Galen will develop as our main character and what his influence will be in Voulhire in the subsequent installments.

honesty_pays · Post by **honesty_pays** » 13 Oct 2020, 04:55

This book in the series shows readers Voulhire through Galen eyes. This makes it fit to say he is the main character, although things could change in other sequels.

Budhal · Post by **Budhal** » 13 Oct 2020, 09:45

I think the author must have thought something before making Galen, the main character of the story. Because if we consider only the first book then I don't think one can say that Galen is the main character. Talking about his traits then the author must have polished or improved them in the next installment of the story.

Arite Seki · Post by **Arite Seki** » 14 Oct 2020, 14:01

Galen works well as the main character since his eyes provide a fresh perspective. He is new to the place and so he provides an alternative view of Voulhire from the eyes of a refugee.