Thad is the youngest son of the Duke of Podrar. His father is the king’s chief adviser. I picture him as a few years older than Vane, the main character.

Thad doesn’t have a huge role in the book, and you could certainly call him a comic relief character and not be incorrect. But I think he’s a lot more.

He’s an easy-going, light-heated, joker of a sanguine (in terms of temperament). When you meet him, he’s engaged to marry Carlina, daughter of the Count of Fontferry.

Thad has a real gift for moderating tension and helping others feel comfortable. From the moment he meets Vane, he takes Vane under his wing and tries to help him adapt to life at court, easing his transition into public life.

As the plot progresses, Thad finds himself challenged in some very real ways to become a man of deep-rooted integrity. In a way, he finds himself forced to “make the choice between what is right and what is easy,” to quote Albus Dumbledore.

He has an opportunity to mature and to develop real virtue. Will he take it?

Find out on May 30!