Alina Starkov (played by Jessie Mei Li) is a protagonist in Shadow and Bone.
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) is a protagonist in Shadow and Bone.
Kaz Brekker (played by Freddy Carter) appears in Shadow and Bone.
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) appears in Shadow and Bone.
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) appears in Shadow and Bone.
Jesper Fahey (played by Kit Young) appears in Shadow and Bone.
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) appears in Shadow and Bone.
General Aleksander Kirigan / The Darkling (played by Ben Barnes) appears in Shadow and Bone.
Shadow and Bone (2021) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
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)
"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)
"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)
"Ensconced in the lap of luxury among the Grisha, Alina begins her training."
Nina Zenik → Matthias Helvar
(Developing Romance)
"Nina warms to a Grisha hunter."
Kaz Brekker → Wylan Hendricks
(Crew Members)
"The Crows plot a heist to get into the Little Palace."
General Aleksander Kirigan / The Darkling → Tolya Yul-Bataar
(Commander and Subordinate)
"Among the Grisha, Alina begins her training."
Alina Starkov → Genya Safin
(Court Allies)
"Royal guests gather for her unveiling."
Story Dynamics
Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.
Kaz Brekker → Inej Ghafa
(Partners)
"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)
"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)
"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)
"Furious over the Sun Summoner, Kirigan hunts for information. Kirigan readies his army for a ferocious battle pitting Grisha against Grisha."
