The Ballad of Never After

Stephanie Garber

57 pages 1-hour read

Stephanie Garber

The Ballad of Never After

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2022

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Character List

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

Major Characters

Evangeline is an optimistic young woman with rose-gold hair who possesses the unique ability to open magical locks with her blood. As a "key" destined to open the Valory Arch, she finds herself tangled in the dangerous politics of the Magnificent North. Following previous betrayals, she is wary of trusting those around her but retains a stubborn belief in fairy-tale happy endings. She deals with new curses and her complicated feelings for Jacks while desperately searching for a way to save her husband.

Key Relationships

Romantic interest of Jacks

Husband of Prince Apollo

Stepsister of Marisol

Friend of LaLa

Former romantic interest of Luc

Acquaintance of Petra Youngblood

Sister-in-law of Prince Tiberius

Jacks is the Prince of Hearts, a Fate whose kiss is fatal to all but his one true love. He is typically aloof and sarcastic, having used Evangeline to advance his own goals in the past. In this continuation of their journey, he accompanies Evangeline on a quest to find the four Valory Arch stones, displaying sudden moments of protective tenderness that confuse their dynamic.

Key Relationships

Protective guide of Evangeline Fox

Fellow Fate to LaLa

Former romantic interest of Donatella

Apollo is the prince of the Magnificent North and Evangeline's husband. He awakens from his magical coma under the influence of new, dangerous magic placed upon him by external forces. He is subjected to a mirror curse linking his physical well-being to Evangeline's, as well as an archer curse that magically compels him to hunt her down.

Key Relationships

Husband of Evangeline Fox

Brother of Prince Tiberius

Chaos is the charismatic lord of the vampires, recognizable by the cursed iron helmet he is forced to wear over his face. He offers Evangeline sanctuary and access to his extensive library. He has a mysterious connection to the ruling family of the North and is driven by a deep desire to see the Valory Arch opened so he can be free of his cursed armor.

Key Relationships

Ally of Jacks

Supporting Characters

LaLa is the Unwed Bride Fate and a close friend to Evangeline. She appears more authentic and forthright than other magical beings, though she still operates with a Fate's distinct morality. She hosts an extravagant engagement ball at House Slaughterwood and strongly urges Evangeline to open the Valory Arch, hiding her own deep personal motivations.

Key Relationships

Friend of Evangeline Fox

Fellow Fate to Jacks

Luc is Evangeline's first love, who has recently been transformed into a newly formed vampire. He represents the simple life Evangeline used to desire before she became entangled in the magic of the North. He frequently appears at social events, continuing to complicate Evangeline's present with reminders of her past.

Key Relationships

Former romantic interest of Evangeline Fox

Romantic interest of Marisol

Marisol is Evangeline's stepsister, who previously framed Evangeline for murder. She maintains a tense dynamic with Evangeline. Evangeline still struggles with lingering familial loyalty toward her, choosing to protect Marisol from danger despite past betrayals.

Key Relationships

Stepsister of Evangeline Fox

Romantic interest of Luc

Tiberius is Apollo's brother, who belongs to a faction dedicated to ensuring the Valory Arch is never opened. He is staunch in his beliefs about the danger of the stones calling to one another. He is willing to sacrifice even his own brother's life to prevent the ancient magic of the arch from being unleashed.

Key Relationships

Brother of Prince Apollo

Brother-in-law of Evangeline Fox

Petra is a bold, beautiful guest at LaLa's engagement ball whom Evangeline initially views with insecurity. She wears wigs and hides her true nature, eventually revealing herself to be another "key" with rose-gold hair who shares Evangeline's destiny regarding the Valory Arch.

Key Relationships

Acquaintance of Evangeline Fox

Donatella is a princess from the southern kingdom and the only girl Jacks has ever kissed without killing. She survived his fatal kiss but ultimately fell in love with someone else, an event that deeply impacted Jacks and drives his desperate search for a second chance at true love.

Key Relationships

Former romantic interest of Jacks

Vengeance is a historical figure from the Magnificent North's past. According to the shifting historical texts, he violently retaliated when his bride-to-be ran away on their wedding day, burning down Merrywood Manor and altering the fate of several powerful families.

Key Relationships

Former fiancé of Aurora Valor

Aurora is a historical figure from the ancient ruling family of the Magnificent North. Her decision to abandon her wedding to Vengeance Slaughterwood in favor of one of the Merrywood brothers sparked a devastating tragedy that destroyed the Merrywood line.

Key Relationships

Former fiancé of Vengeance Slaughterwood

Romantic interest of Lyric Merrywood

Lyric is a historical figure who fell in love with Aurora Valor, prompting her to run away with him on her wedding day. His romance drew the wrath of Vengeance Slaughterwood, leading to the complete destruction of his family's manor.

Key Relationships

Romantic interest of Aurora Valor