Mate

Serena is the main character and first-person narrator of the novel. She is 25 years old in the narrative present. Serena has little memory of her early childhood, but the narrative gradually reveals information about Serena’s personal history as she makes these discoveries in real time. At the novel’s start, Serena has just learned that she is a hybrid, or half-Human and half-Were individual. She grew up believing that she was a Human orphan assigned as her Vampyre best friend, Misery’s, companion for political reasons. She tries to hide her identity from the public, but someone leaks the information to the press, compelling Serena to come forward and defend herself. Instead of rushing to Serena’s aid, Vampyres, Humans, and many Weres villainize her. These conflicting factions see her very existence as a threat to their society’s function. Serena is forced into hiding as a result, and without a home, family, or community, Serena feels incapable of defining her identity and what she wants on her own terms.

Serena is a dynamic character who changes over the course of the novel as a result of her experiences and relationships. Serena knows her own mind but is in the habit of dismissing her opinions, feelings, and needs to protect others.