Gardens of the Moon

Paran is one of the primary characters in Gardens of the Moon whom the limited omniscient narrator follows closely. The reader has access to Paran’s inner thoughts during the chapter sections that are dedicated to him.

Though he is described as “dour,” Paran is a charismatic leader. The author uses characterization devices like Paran’s position as captain and his masculine good looks to establish Paran as a trustworthy leader whose opinion is respected.

Paran is a dynamic character who begins the novel as an outspoken, brave young man. Though he is noble-born and thus has access to a safe, luxurious life, Paran decides to become a soldier. Adjunct Lorn recruits him into her service because she likes his frank, unapologetic way of speaking. As Paran experiences the stress and violence that accompany military life—especially life as a secretive agent for Adjunct Lorn—he becomes more jaded and guarded than he was in his early years. The author uses Paran’s internal thoughts to reflect that change: “When he thought of himself, of that young noble-born man with the overblown faith in honesty and integrity, the vision that came to him now was of something cold, hard, and dark” (98).