The Lies of Locke Lamora

Scott Lynch

46 pages 1-hour read

Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Character List

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

Major Characters

Locke is a highly skilled thief and the arrogant leader of the Gentlemen Bastards. Raised by Father Chains, he masters the art of deception, frequently adopting elaborate personas to run complex cons on Camorr’s nobility. He possesses a deep loyalty to his gang, viewing them as his true family, though his hubris often blinds him to imminent danger.

Key Relationships

Best Friend of Jean Tannen

Adoptive Brother of Calo and Galdo Sanza

Adoptive Brother of Bug/Bertilion Gadek

Adopted Son of Father Chains

Subordinate to Capa Barsavi

Childhood Friend of Nazca Barsavi

Investigated by Doña Vorchenza

Former Ward of The Thiefmaker

Patient of Ibelius

Swindler of Giancana Meraggio

Jean is the Gentlemen Bastards’ second-in-command and Locke’s closest confidant. Orphaned at a young age by a tragic fire, he finds a new home at the Temple of Perelandro where he hones his intellect and formidable combat skills. Despite his imposing physical presence, he speaks softly and possesses a scholarly mind, perfectly balancing Locke's erratic scheming.

Key Relationships

Best Friend of Locke Lamora

Adoptive Brother of Calo and Galdo Sanza

Adoptive Brother of Bug/Bertilion Gadek

Adopted Son of Father Chains

Student of Don Maranzalla

Associate of Ibelius

Father Chains is the adoptive father and mastermind behind the Gentlemen Bastards. He masquerades as a blind priest of Perelandro while secretly serving the Crooked Warden, a god of thieves. A former farmer and soldier, he uses his extensive connections and rigorous training methods to transform street orphans into elite, educated criminals.

Key Relationships

Adoptive Father of Locke Lamora

Adoptive Father of Jean Tannen

Adoptive Father of Calo and Galdo Sanza

Adoptive Father of Bug/Bertilion Gadek

Old Acquaintance of Capa Barsavi

Associate of The Thiefmaker

Old Acquaintance of Don Maranzalla

Capa Vencarlo Barsavi is the ruthless kingpin of Camorr’s criminal underworld, known as the Right People. He unified the city's gangs under a strict agreement called the Secret Peace, securing dominance over the worst districts in exchange for leaving law enforcement alone. He is a commanding presence whose authority begins to face unprecedented challenges.

Key Relationships

Father of Nazca Barsavi

Old Acquaintance of Father Chains

Superior to Locke Lamora

Enemy of Luciano Anatolius

Luciano is a deeply driven man from Camorr who carries immense grief over the destruction of his family. As the surviving son of a merchant who was excluded from the city's criminal treaties, he harbors an all-consuming hostility toward those in power. He is methodical, exceptionally patient, and utterly ruthless in his pursuit of retribution.

Key Relationships

Enemy of Capa Barsavi

Employer of The Bondsmage of Karthain

Don Lorenzo and Doña Sofia Salvara are extremely wealthy members of Camorr’s aristocracy. Lorenzo projects a gallant and somewhat impulsive nature, while Sofia is a cautious and accomplished alchemist. They are deeply embedded in the city's political fabric and prove to be sharper targets than the thieves initially anticipate.

Key Relationships

Target of Locke Lamora

Friend of Doña Vorchenza

Doña Vorchenza is an elderly, highly respected noblewoman residing in an Elderglass tower. She acts as a mentor to younger aristocrats and serves as a vital anchor in Camorr's high society. Beneath her quiet, knitting-focused exterior lies a sharp, perceptive mind deeply invested in the security of the nobility.

Key Relationships

Adoptive Mother of Reynart

Investigator of Locke Lamora

Supporting Characters

Calo and Galdo are twin brothers who serve as vital members of the Gentlemen Bastards. They are virtually indistinguishable in appearance and share a versatile, broad skillset that makes them highly adaptable. The twins often provide a lighter presence within the gang through their love of gambling and lively banter.

Key Relationships

Adoptive Brother of Locke Lamora

Adoptive Brother of Jean Tannen

Adoptive Brother of Bug/Bertilion Gadek

Adopted Son of Father Chains

At twelve years old, Bug is the youngest and newest member of the Gentlemen Bastards. Originally from the Cauldron, one of Camorr’s most dangerous districts, he finds sanctuary and purpose within the gang. He balances eager participation in elaborate crimes with a remaining trace of youthful innocence.

Key Relationships

Adoptive Brother of Locke Lamora

Adoptive Brother of Jean Tannen

Adoptive Brother of Calo and Galdo Sanza

Adopted Son of Father Chains

Nazca is the only daughter of Capa Barsavi. She is a savvy, compassionate young woman who navigates the dangerous environment of her father's criminal empire with intelligence and caution. She values her independence and actively resists her father's attempts to use her as a political pawn.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Capa Barsavi

Childhood Friend of Locke Lamora

The Bondsmage is a profoundly dangerous magician for hire, wielding vast and terrifying powers. He utilizes a scorpion hawk familiar to spy on targets across the city. His abilities include moving objects from afar and taking complete control of a person's body and mind, particularly if he learns their true name.

Key Relationships

Employee of Luciano Anatolius

Adversary of Locke Lamora

Adversary of Jean Tannen

The Berangias Sisters are expert contrarequiallas, female gladiators who battle live starved sharks for public entertainment. They are formidable, highly trained fighters who operate as elite bodyguards within the Camorri underworld. They are deeply bonded to each other and execute violence with brutal precision.

Key Relationships

Employee of Capa Barsavi

Opponent of Jean Tannen

The Thiefmaker is a pragmatic criminal who gathers orphaned children from the streets of Camorr. He trains them in basic thievery in exchange for sparse food and shelter. He is fundamentally profit-driven and quickly loses patience with children who disrupt his established operations.

Key Relationships

Associate of Father Chains

Former Guardian of Locke Lamora

Don Maranzalla is the severe and demanding master of Camorr’s most exclusive school of arms. A former soldier alongside Father Chains, he brings a brutal, uncompromising approach to combat instruction. He deliberately provokes his students to test their mettle before accepting them.

Key Relationships

Instructor of Jean Tannen

Old Acquaintance of Father Chains

Ibelius is an unregistered doctor, known locally as a dog-leech, operating outside official channels. He carries a personal vendetta against the rogue elements disrupting the city, stemming from the murder of his brother. He is a pragmatic and skilled healer who operates in grim conditions.

Key Relationships

Medical Provider for Locke Lamora

Associate of Jean Tannen

Reynart is the fiercely loyal adoptive son of Doña Vorchenza. He operates as her primary physical agent and trusted confidant, executing her orders with efficiency. He is deeply protective of his mother and shares her dedication to maintaining order.

Key Relationships

Adopted Son of Doña Vorchenza

Giancana Meraggio is the immensely powerful owner of Camorr's most important countinghouse. Often referred to informally as the Duke of White Iron, he commands vast financial influence. He is impeccably dressed, proud, and highly protective of his business empire.

Key Relationships

Antagonist of Locke Lamora

Tesso is a young gang member in Camorr, initially seen as an aggressive apprentice in the Full Crowns gang. He frequently bullies younger thieves, throwing his weight around the docks. His rough actions highlight the escalating danger and brutal competition within the city's underworld.

Key Relationships

Rival of Locke Lamora