Character Relationship Map: Shadow and Bone

Characters

• Alina Starkov (played by Jessie Mei Li) — protagonist

  An orphan and cartographer who discovers she is a Grisha with magical abilities. She serves as the central protagonist and the key to saving her war-torn world.

• Malyen 'Mal' Oretsev (played by Archie Renaux) — protagonist
• Kaz Brekker (played by Freddy Carter) — supporting

  A prominent member of the Crows, a criminal gang whose original storyline is integrated into the series alongside the main adaptation.

• Inej Ghafa (played by Amita Suman) — supporting

  A prominent member of the Crows, a criminal gang whose original storyline is integrated into the series alongside the main adaptation.

• Wylan Hendricks (played by Jack Wolfe) — supporting
• Jesper Fahey (played by Kit Young) — supporting

  A prominent member of the Crows, a criminal gang whose original storyline is integrated into the series alongside the main adaptation.

• Baghra (played by Zoë Wanamaker) — minor
• General Aleksander Kirigan / The Darkling (played by Ben Barnes) — minor
• Sturmhond / Nikolai Lantsov (played by Patrick Gibson) — supporting
• Tamar Kir-Bataar (played by Anna Leong Brophy) — minor
• Genya Safin (played by Daisy Head) — supporting
• Nina Zenik (played by Danielle Galligan) — supporting
• Matthias Helvar (played by Calahan Skogman) — minor
• Tolya Yul-Bataar (played by Lewis Tan) — minor

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Alina Starkov → General Aleksander Kirigan / The Darkling (Manipulator and Target) — A toxic mentor-mentee dynamic that shifts into a direct ideological and magical conflict.

  "Alina's bond with Kirigan grows as royal guests gather for her unveiling. Alina's connection to Kirigan grows increasingly unstable after his latest...

• Alina Starkov → Malyen 'Mal' Oretsev (Lovers) — Deep romantic bond tested by separation and magical burdens, evolving into a resilient partnership.

  "Unwilling to be separated from Mal, Alina hatches a plan to join him on a perilous expedition through the Fold. On the run and plagued by nightmares,...

• Alina Starkov → Baghra (Mentor and Student) — A structured mentorship focused on magical development and survival skills.

  "Ensconced in the lap of luxury among the Grisha, Alina begins her training."

• Nina Zenik → Matthias Helvar (Developing Romance) — An emerging romantic connection forged through shared danger and mutual understanding.

  "Nina warms to a Grisha hunter."

• Kaz Brekker → Wylan Hendricks (Crew Members) — A crew-based professional relationship focused on specialized skills and mission execution.

  "The Crows plot a heist to get into the Little Palace."

• General Aleksander Kirigan / The Darkling → Tolya Yul-Bataar (Commander and Subordinate) — A hierarchical professional relationship within the Grisha military structure.

  "Among the Grisha, Alina begins her training."

• Alina Starkov → Genya Safin (Court Allies) — A court-based professional relationship centered on political and magical support.

  "Royal guests gather for her unveiling."

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Kaz Brekker → Inej Ghafa (Partners) — Unwavering operational partnership within the Crows, built on trust and shared survival.

  "The Crows \u2014 Kaz, Inej and Jesper \u2014 prepare for their risky journey. Kaz, Inej and Jesper upon their return to Ketterdam."

• Kaz Brekker → Jesper Fahey (Partners) — Loyal crewmate relationship focused on mutual protection and shared objectives.

  "The Crows \u2014 Kaz, Inej and Jesper \u2014 prepare for their risky journey. Kaz, Inej and Jesper upon their return to Ketterdam."

• Inej Ghafa → Jesper Fahey (Partners) — Steadfast crew alliance characterized by mutual support and synchronized mission execution.

  "The Crows \u2014 Kaz, Inej and Jesper \u2014 prepare for their risky journey. Kaz, Inej and Jesper upon their return to Ketterdam."

• Malyen 'Mal' Oretsev → General Aleksander Kirigan / The Darkling (Opponents) — Direct antagonism driven by Kirigan's obsession with Alina and Mal's protective stance.

  "Furious over the Sun Summoner, Kirigan hunts for information. Kirigan readies his army for a ferocious battle pitting Grisha against Grisha."

• Kaz Brekker → Alina Starkov (Transactional Allies) — A pragmatic, goal-oriented alliance where mutual benefit drives cooperation.

  "Kaz chases a lead on a lucrative job. Alina considers a proposed partnership that could help unite Ravka."

• Kaz Brekker → Sturmhond / Nikolai Lantsov (Rivals) — A contentious rivalry marked by strategic maneuvering and opposing interests.

  "Kaz hatches a scheme to lay waste to his nemesis."

• Alina Starkov → Tamar Kir-Bataar (Court Allies) — A formal alliance within the Grisha court structure.

  "Royal guests gather for her unveiling."

• Jesper Fahey → Nina Zenik (Crew Allies) — A social alliance within the crew framework, characterized by camaraderie and shared objectives.

  "The Crows prepare for their risky journey."

Story Analysis

Overall narrative architecture across all 2 seasons

Plot Progression

1. Season 1: Fold Expedition & Palace Infiltration — Alina defies separation to join Mal through the Fold, while Kaz and the Crows execute a high-stakes heist. Kirigan's manipulation of Alina deepens as royal ceremonies unfold and hidden truths about th...
2. Season 1: Grisha Training & Fold Revelations — Alina undergoes formal training under Baghra while her bond with Kirigan intensifies. The Crows navigate dangerous crossings and stowaway encounters, culminating in Kirigan's true connection to the Fo...
3. Season 1: Power Demonstration & Aftermath — Kirigan demonstrates Alina's full power in the Fold's depths while the Crows face life-or-death trials. The stag's fate forces Alina into an impossible position, setting the stage for future conflicts...
4. Season 2: Runaways & Ketterdam Return — Alina and Mal flee together, battling nightmares and seeking the second amplifier. The Crows return to Ketterdam to face new troubles while Kaz plots against his nemesis and Kirigan searches for a cur...
5. Season 2: Alliances & Past Reckonings — A powerful ally emerges as Alina pushes to tear down the Fold. Kaz confronts his past while Kirigan expands his power mercilessly. The Crows prepare for a dangerous mission to Shu Han.
6. Season 2: Amplifier Quest & Final Confrontation — Alina and Mal uncover shocking truths about the third amplifier while Kaz executes his final vengeance plan. The cost of Firebird power becomes clear, leading to a massive Grisha vs Grisha battle and...