Does Galen Deserve to Be the Main Character?

Abi_kanda · Post by **Abi_kanda** » 18 Oct 2020, 11:36

In the sixth book of the series, I felt like Galen did almost all the work. He went looking for Meldorath and Javikun in order to save Vouhire from the emperor's invasion. Although he indirectly saved Voulhire, I think he should be the main character.

engarl · Post by **engarl** » 19 Oct 2020, 21:43

I have only read the first book, so I can't speak to what occurs in the others, but I do think that there is some value to having multiple protagonists in a series like this rather than just one. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson has multiple protagonists and main characters and while he visits each perspective multiple times in his books, it seems that each book is dedicated primarily to one of the characters. From reading the first book in the "We Are Voulhire" series, I feel that a similar method could have improved the storyline.

Thoto · Post by **Thoto** » 20 Oct 2020, 00:07

Yes. Galen was used to explore the new land and introducing us to many aspects of Voulhire. In this way, I think he was fitting as the main character

deborahveader · Post by **deborahveader** » 20 Oct 2020, 15:28

Galen was my favorite character, and I was a little disappointed that the story did not revolve around him enough in the first book. I have not read the rest of the series yet, but am hoping it concentrates more on Galen. He was so innocent and pure, and really a delight.

Wy_Bertram · Post by **Wy_Bertram** » 20 Oct 2020, 16:48

I felt Galen was more of a supporting character than anything else. In fact, if there was a main character it would be Galen's group as a whole. I don't think Galen would be able to hold any interest if he stood alone in the story.

joynob24365 · Post by **joynob24365** » 20 Oct 2020, 20:41

I think he does. He is new to Voulhire. Him being the main character makes us learn with him about this place.

austenfan · Post by **austenfan** » 21 Oct 2020, 00:14

NetMassimo wrote: ↑01 Oct 2020, 10:43 In this first book of the series he seems indeed the one picked for us to explore Voulhire. I haven't read the sequels yet, so I don't know if the author's choice changed, but at least for this introduction I think it works.

Agreed! I rather like his characterization as a simpleton and naive young boy. Nowadays some storytellers draw all youngsters as brooding and moody. Galen is just a nice guy.

Hester3 · Post by **Hester3** » 21 Oct 2020, 01:56

When learning about a new world from someone who grew up in it, you see the world from their pre-conceived prejudice. So I think it was excellently done to introduce the world through the eyes of someone experiencing it for the first time.

Lila Randhawa · Post by **Lila Randhawa** » 21 Oct 2020, 13:10

I don't think the first book should judge whether Galen deserves to be the main character. He is still new to the place. It is probably for the first time in his life that survival is not his primary and only concern. His character is work in progress. I hope he has hidden magical power to stand up to Meldorath eventually, if he is indeed the main character.

LiannaPrudz · Post by **LiannaPrudz** » 21 Oct 2020, 17:11

To be honest, I hadn't actually taken this into account until you mentioned it. In the first book, Galen isn't really portrayed as the main character. His character does not affect the story so, in my opinion, if the author were to change his character in any way, it would not have affected the tone.

Tayejim1 · Post by **Tayejim1** » 22 Oct 2020, 00:52

Yes, I think Galen performed well as the main character. He is the link between Voulhire and the land of the princes. Moreover, he has a good personality (for instance, he is generous) that can be emulated.

plnjimenez · Post by **plnjimenez** » 22 Oct 2020, 02:05

Joseph_ngaruiya wrote: ↑01 Oct 2020, 00:28 Is Galen fit for the position of the main character? Does the author use him to explore Voulhire to its depth? Can you attribute his character traits to the overall rating of the story, or does he tamper with its flow? Could a change in his characterization have caused a switch of the author's tone?

Initially, I was irked at Galen's character. He seems weak and too naive. However, during the course of the books, I think it is the author's intention for Galen to start out this way. It seems that there's something deeper into his role.

Echezonachukwu · Post by **Echezonachukwu** » 22 Oct 2020, 02:35

Honestly, I don't think Galen wasn't strong enough to be the main character. At some point, he seemed really vulnerable. Still, I still appreciated his charater to some extent. Atleast, he didn't end up with bad company like Rowan

Jennifer Aldo · Post by **Jennifer Aldo** » 25 Oct 2020, 20:31

I felt that Galen's role as the protagonist wasn't fully explored. I think there are
more interesting characters that would fit the role better. But in doing that, we should bear in mind that we may be changing the entire story, and I've come to love it just as it is. So, I think having him as the main character is best.

25 Oct 2020, 21:11

I think Galen is fit and interesting. He and Rowan also led us to other parts of Voulhire. However, in comparison to the other main characters, I feel that his character did not mature and reach its full potential, making it look like his contribution to the storyline could have been excluded.