The Wise Man's Fear

Alveron, who holds the title of Maer in the city of Severen, is a rich member of the nobility. He is descended from royalty and is as “every bit a king except for the title and crown” (391). He is grey-eyed and dark-haired with uncharacteristic silver in his beard. He looks much older than he is because of a chronic illness that Kvothe later identifies to be poisoning.

Alveron is distrustful and proud. His lifetime of luxury has granted him the position of an elite ruler, a status that he uses to both maintain the piece of his lands but also to enforce the law with cruelty when necessary. Alveron is also manipulative, controlling the people and narratives around him so to ensure that he gets what he wants out of his court. It is this manipulation that causes Kvothe to be sent after the bandits in what Kvothe sees as an attempt to end Alveron’s debt. However, Alveron proves to be true to his word, granting Kvothe several boons in gratitude for his service even after he learns that Kvothe is Edema Ruh. Alveron maintains his duty to his wife, Meluan, but also acknowledges Kvothe’s many services. Alveron provides Kvothe with financial security for the first time since his childhood, which empowers the continuation of Kvothe’s story and gives him freedom of choice.

Denna is the dark-haired young woman who is the object of Kvothe’s affections. She is beautiful and alluring, always attracting suitors who tend to fall in love with her quickly. She is a fledgling but talented musician with a mysterious, violent patron. Although she is mysterious, she and Kvothe bond over music and mutual bad luck. Kvothe refuses to acknowledge that he loves her, much to the amusement and consternation of his friends.

Denna shows how difficult it is for a woman to live in a society dominated by men. As a musician without a family to lean on, she is forced to accept a string of suitors that she cannot feel affection for. These relationships occasionally turn sour, such as her brief relationship with Ambrose, forcing her to hide to keep herself safe. Even her patron is violent to her, beating her to see “How far can he go before she cries? How far can he push before she tries to leave and he has to lure her back again? […] Poor girl, she’s tied to him so tight. Thinks that’s all she’s good for” (758). This reveals that Denna is subject to and has a history of abuse that has altered her self-worth and identity. This is a contributing factor to her need to change her name for each suitor: She hides her true self because she is distrustful and uncertain of who she is in the absence of abuse.

Vashet is Kvothe’s teacher and sexual companion while he is studying with the Adem. She is known for being strong and harsh, but Kvothe also sees her as honest. She is also an outsider in Haert, having moved there after leaving a different Ademic school of thought. The fact that they are both different allows them to bond, giving Kvothe someone to rely on while surrounded by people who disapprove of him. However, Vashet is also the first person to express doubt in Kvothe and his sincerity. She senses his magic and darkness, even questioning his training until he shows her his love of music. This is the first time that someone points out the downside of his innate abilities, which give him plenty of opportunity to commit acts of evil, not just acts of good. That Kvothe has mostly committed himself to goodness is a mark to his character but foreshadows his acts of vengeance and implies future harshness.