The first thing that I feel I learned is the ability to create such vastly different characters while still maintaining a level of similarly. Bardugo presents this “ragtag” group of outcasts who are all vastly different in their specialties and backgrounds but are all brought together by the common theme of crime. Bardugo introduces this specifically on page 126 when she shows a conversation between members of the group saying, “ Kaz leaned back. ‘What’s the easiest way to steal a man’s wallet?’ ‘Knife ot the throat?’ asked Inej. ‘Gun to the back?’ said Jesper. ‘Poison in his cup?’ suggested Nina.’” In this conversation the specialties of each character are introduced and despite the diversity in their response, there is still a common theme of illegal activity/crime. This not only ties her “protagonists” together it also emphasizes their unique qualities. A majority of other characters view them as simply a group of criminals, which Bardugo does present but she also disproves that ‘surface-level’ criminal archetype by developing each character into a unique persona with specific tells and nuances.
The next thing I noticed was the strengthening of character relationships over the course of Six of Crows and it’s sequel, Crooked Kingdom. She introduces a distinct dynamic between different characters and hints at an elaboration to their relationship in a way that allows the development of the relationship to occur over a more dragged out plot that spans two books rather than one. Specifically, this can be seen between the characters Inej and Kaz. Bardugo first introduces their relationship dynamic on page 15 in saying, “Kaz always had his reasons. Inej could just never be sure they were good ones.” This establishes a sense of familiarity between the characters, something Bardugo later shows is unique between the two characters. There is a strange level of trust that is hinted to be more than just a business partnership but isn’t truly revealed until the second book, where both Kaz and Inej internally explore the possibility of romantic feelings towards one another. By building the foundation of Kaz and Inej’s relationship in the first book, Bardugo allows herself time to draw out the relationship and reveal all of it’s complexities as it develops and changes. The meeting between Kaz and Inej isn’t fully explored until well into the first book and Bardugo continues to clarify it into the second book. In doing this, she creates distinct and well developed relationships that lend to the plot and characterization rather than acting as surface level action to move the plot forward.
The final thing I focused on was the strong sense of personal motivations Bardugo capitalizes on. Specifically with her main character Kaz, whom she roots a majority of his actions in a large-scale revenge plan. The revenge plan stems from the death of his brother Jordan, show on page 276 where it says, “He’d simply let himself drown, and that wasn’t possible anymore. He had to live. Someone had to pay”. Kaz’s dedication to the revenge plan demonstrates his connection with his brother Jordan as well as his warped definition of justice which mainly consists of completely destroying the people who have caused his family and “friends” pain. Furthermore, these motivations not only characterize Kaz as a person willing to anything to get back at someone who has hurt him, but they also allow for moments where his personal character motivations can be shifted aside to benefit another person in his team. In the second book, Kaz is seen diverting from his revenge plan in order to save Inej’s live, another aspect that cements the strength and complexity of their relationship. While I’ve known that character motivations can be a clear tell for all types of characters, Bardugo’s strong emphasis on these motivations emphasis Kaz’s otherwise complex character and allow for a highlighted character growth when he strays from those motivations
The next thing I noticed was the strengthening of character relationships over the course of Six of Crows and it’s sequel, Crooked Kingdom. She introduces a distinct dynamic between different characters and hints at an elaboration to their relationship in a way that allows the development of the relationship to occur over a more dragged out plot that spans two books rather than one. Specifically, this can be seen between the characters Inej and Kaz. Bardugo first introduces their relationship dynamic on page 15 in saying, “Kaz always had his reasons. Inej could just never be sure they were good ones.” This establishes a sense of familiarity between the characters, something Bardugo later shows is unique between the two characters. There is a strange level of trust that is hinted to be more than just a business partnership but isn’t truly revealed until the second book, where both Kaz and Inej internally explore the possibility of romantic feelings towards one another. By building the foundation of Kaz and Inej’s relationship in the first book, Bardugo allows herself time to draw out the relationship and reveal all of it’s complexities as it develops and changes. The meeting between Kaz and Inej isn’t fully explored until well into the first book and Bardugo continues to clarify it into the second book. In doing this, she creates distinct and well developed relationships that lend to the plot and characterization rather than acting as surface level action to move the plot forward.
The final thing I focused on was the strong sense of personal motivations Bardugo capitalizes on. Specifically with her main character Kaz, whom she roots a majority of his actions in a large-scale revenge plan. The revenge plan stems from the death of his brother Jordan, show on page 276 where it says, “He’d simply let himself drown, and that wasn’t possible anymore. He had to live. Someone had to pay”. Kaz’s dedication to the revenge plan demonstrates his connection with his brother Jordan as well as his warped definition of justice which mainly consists of completely destroying the people who have caused his family and “friends” pain. Furthermore, these motivations not only characterize Kaz as a person willing to anything to get back at someone who has hurt him, but they also allow for moments where his personal character motivations can be shifted aside to benefit another person in his team. In the second book, Kaz is seen diverting from his revenge plan in order to save Inej’s live, another aspect that cements the strength and complexity of their relationship. While I’ve known that character motivations can be a clear tell for all types of characters, Bardugo’s strong emphasis on these motivations emphasis Kaz’s otherwise complex character and allow for a highlighted character growth when he strays from those motivations