Legend

Marie Lu

51 pages 1-hour read

Marie Lu

Legend

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Daniel "Day" Altan Wing is a 15-year-old notorious criminal operating in the poverty-stricken sectors of the Republic. Having failed his Trial at age ten, he survives on the streets and relies on his exceptional agility and intelligence to evade authorities. His primary motivation is protecting his family, driving him to steal resources and commit crimes to ensure their survival during frequent plague outbreaks.

Key Relationships

Companion of Tess

Younger Brother of John

Older Brother of Eden

Son of Day's Mother

Romantic Interest of June Iparis

Acquaintance of Kaede

June Iparis is a 15-year-old military prodigy born into the wealthy elite of the Republic. She holds the distinction of being the only student to earn a perfect score on the Trial, guaranteeing her a fast-tracked career in the military. Following a devastating personal tragedy, she directs her analytical skills and combat training toward hunting down the Republic's most wanted criminal.

Key Relationships

Younger Sister of Metias Iparis

Friend of Thomas

Subordinate to Commander Jameson

Romantic Interest of Daniel "Day" Altan Wing

Opponent of Kaede

Acquaintance of Chian

Loyal Subject of Elector Primo

Supporting Characters

Tess is a 13-year-old orphan who lives on the streets alongside her companion, Day. She bonded with him after he found her rummaging through trash and offered her food and protection. Over the years, she has developed valuable skills as a healer and caretaker, providing crucial medical support to her partner when his daring stunts result in injury.

Key Relationships

Companion of Daniel "Day" Altan Wing

Caretaker of June Iparis

Metias Iparis is a captain in the Republic's military and the sole guardian of his younger sister, June. He balances his demanding career with his responsibilities at home, often prioritizing his sister's well-being over strict military protocols. His position exposes him to the dangerous realities of the Republic, placing him at the center of a deadly conspiracy.

Key Relationships

Older Brother of June Iparis

Commanding Officer of Thomas

Subordinate to Commander Jameson

Former Protégé of Chian

Thomas is a disciplined soldier in the Republic's military who serves under Metias Iparis. Despite coming from a humble background, he has risen through the ranks by strictly adhering to military protocols and following orders without question. He maintains a tidy, immaculate appearance and holds a deep respect for the Republic's authority.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Metias Iparis

Admirer of June Iparis

Subordinate to Commander Jameson

Interrogator of Daniel "Day" Altan Wing

John is Day's older brother and the only member of the immediate family who knows the wanted criminal is still alive. He works assigned jobs in the poor sectors and constantly worries about his younger brother's safety. He acts as a crucial link between Day and the rest of the family, providing updates on their health and living conditions.

Key Relationships

Older Brother of Daniel "Day" Altan Wing

Older Brother of Eden

Son of Day's Mother

Eden is Day's ten-year-old younger brother, living in the impoverished sectors of the Republic. He has recently contracted a severe and unusual strain of the plague, prompting his family to desperately search for medicine. His illness serves as the primary catalyst for his older brother's risky hospital break-in.

Key Relationships

Younger Brother of Daniel "Day" Altan Wing

Younger Brother of John

Son of Day's Mother

Day's mother lives in the impoverished Lake sector, working hard to provide for her remaining children. She believes her middle son died after failing his Trial five years ago and remains unaware that he secretly watches over the family. She is a resilient woman who endures the constant threat of plague outbreaks and military inspections.

Key Relationships

Mother of Daniel "Day" Altan Wing

Mother of John

Mother of Eden

Commander Jameson is a high-ranking officer in the Republic's military and the commanding officer of the city patrols. She is a hard, calculating leader who prioritizes results and unquestioning obedience from her subordinates. She utilizes the tragedy of her soldiers to manipulate them into taking on dangerous assignments.

Key Relationships

Commanding Officer of Metias Iparis

Commanding Officer of June Iparis

Commanding Officer of Thomas

Kaede is a tough, street-smart young woman living in the poor sectors of Los Angeles. She works as a bartender but makes her real reputation as a formidable champion in illegal hand-to-hand Skiz fights. She is highly observant of the criminal underworld and maintains connections to rebellious elements in the city.

Key Relationships

Acquaintance of Daniel "Day" Altan Wing

Opponent of June Iparis

Chian is a high-ranking government official who organizes and oversees the Trials taken by all children in Los Angeles. He is a formidable, intimidating man who bears a massive scar across his face from a past altercation. He holds a deep personal grudge against the criminal who marked him.

Key Relationships

Former Mentor of Metias Iparis

Enemy of Daniel "Day" Altan Wing

The Elector Primo is the supreme ruler of the Republic of America. He is presented to the public through carefully controlled media broadcasts that maintain his youthful, godlike appearance. He serves as the ultimate authority figure in a society defined by extreme class division and strict military control.

Key Relationships

Ruler of June Iparis