(First, a quick apology for missing last week’s post—real life got a bit hectic. But I’m back now and excited to dive into a closer look at one of the most complex and emotionally raw characters in Grey & White: Tristan.)
In the world of Grey & White, Tristan is far from a conventional hero. He doesn’t fit into the mold of a stoic warrior or the detached, reluctant savior. He is a character defined by his raw, unfiltered emotions—anger, grief, love, and everything in between. His journey takes him from a vengeance-driven boy to someone forced to confront the cost of his rage and his potential to be more than his pain. This spotlight dives into what makes Tristan tick, exploring his motivations, struggles, and growth throughout Grey & White.
Note: Minor spoilers from book one, The Rage of a Boy, are contained below. They are minimal.
The Vengeance-Driven Boy
Tristan’s story begins with loss—one so profound it shapes everything about him. His home was conquered and the people he loved most slaughtered. The trauma of this loss sets him on a path driven by vengeance, a singular goal to strike back at those who caused his pain. The discovery that the Grey, a destructive magic linked to the conquering forces, dwells within him adds fuel to his fury.
However, unlike many protagonists who bury their emotions beneath a hardened exterior, Tristan doesn’t hide his feelings. He wears his pain, his rage, and even moments of hope openly. This emotional transparency sets him apart, making him relatable and, at times, volatile. While it makes him deeply human, it also exposes his flaws, making his journey one fraught with inner conflict.
The Burden of the Grey
For Tristan, the Grey is more than a power—it is a curse. It symbolizes everything he hates and fears, tied intrinsically to the devastation he witnessed. Yet, when the need arises to protect those he cares about, Tristan uses this power, creating a paradox that haunts him. He knows that wielding the Grey can save lives, but every use leaves a bitter taste.
His struggle isn’t about intoxication or a loss of self—it’s about grappling with the weight of necessity versus loathing. Tristan’s loathing isn’t just for the Grey; it’s also for himself, as each use of the magic is a reminder of his own rage and its potential consequences. This duality adds layers of complexity to his character and raises questions about whether he can ever find peace while using the very thing he despises.
Emotion as Strength and Weakness
Tristan’s emotions are both his greatest strength and his greatest vulnerability. His drive for vengeance against Jules, loyalty to friends like Garit, and complicated feelings for Ella all reflect his raw and typically unfiltered nature. Unlike many protagonists, Tristan doesn’t hide what he feels; he leans into it, making him relatable yet unpredictable. This emotional intensity propels him forward but also leads to moments of impulsiveness and mistakes. When his friends suffer for his actions, Tristan is forced to confront the devastating cost of his rage and the toll it takes on those around him.
His feelings for Ella, in particular, reveal another layer of complexity. While he openly embraces his anger, love is an entirely different challenge. He poorly masks his romantic feelings, resulting in awkward and conflicted interactions that further highlight his vulnerability and humanity.
Tristan’s journey isn’t about giving up his desire for vengeance—it’s about learning to temper it. Through loss, betrayal, and fleeting connections, he slowly begins to see that blind rage comes at too high a price, risking not only his life but the lives of those he loves. It’s a painful but necessary evolution, as he realizes that his actions, and the emotions driving them, carry consequences far beyond himself.
Writing Tristan: A Personal Journey
As an author, writing Tristan has been a deeply personal experience. I wanted to create a character who feels deeply—someone who embodies the rawness of human emotion without pretense. But that comes with its own challenges. I’m an emotional person myself, and writing Tristan often takes me back to moments in my life when I’ve felt similar emotions—whether love, loss, fury, or hope. It’s like reliving those experiences through him, and it’s both a rewarding and painful process. Writing him is a double-edged blade, but it’s one I wield with purpose.
I hope readers will feel invested in Tristan’s journey. I want you to cheer for him when he succeeds, question his choices when they seem misguided, and even roll your eyes at his mistakes. My goal is for you to feel deeply about his path, in all its glorious messiness.
Final Thoughts on Tristan
Tristan’s journey is one of raw humanity—pain, anger, love, and the constant struggle to be more than the sum of his flaws. As his story unfolds, he will continue to face challenges that push him to the brink. But whether you root for him, question him, or find yourself frustrated by him, one thing is certain—his story is far from over.
What do you think of Tristan? When you read, what matters more to you: an epic world, or an emotional journey? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspectives!
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