Eragon
Character Analysis
He's the star of our show, the titular character, and the hero that a corrupted world calls out for. Need more? Oh, we got more. As we discuss in "Why Should I Care?" (which we invite you to check out and then zip on back here), the central story of Eragon, in spite of all the magic and monsters, is really the very simple tale of a young man's progress into adulthood, and all the difficulties that this process can entail.
Of course, when you're fifteen, adulthood is probably the last thing on your mind (well, aside from that one episode of The Twilight Zone that your parents always talk about). But sometimes destiny intervenes, as it does when Saphira taps Eragon to be the first of the new Dragon Riders. Sounds like a pretty cool gig, huh? Well... let's chat about that.
We first meet Eragon when he's in the prime of his comfort zone. He's helping out his uncle on the farm and hanging with his cousin in his spare time. It's not a life of luxury, but to Eragon, it's a life of reassuring comfort. Just check out his reaction upon returning to the farm from the hunt: "Home. For the first time since before the hunt, he relaxed completely as sleep overtook him" (2.86). The word "home" even gets the italics treatment. That's saying something.
He better enjoy that relaxation while he can, though, since this kind of peace doesn't last long. Not too long after his head hits the pillow, his cousin ups and takes off, his cool new forest rock hatches a dragon, and the Ra'zac burn down his farm and kill his uncle. The comforts of home, then, are forever lost to Eragon as he's forced into the wider world. As we'll see, though, his thoughts return pretty often to his sleepy village. At his core, Eragon is a homebody. And we think that makes his adventures all the more exciting.
Geographic Explorer
The best thing about the exploratory journey that Eragon undertakes after the murder of his uncle is that we get to go along with him. Like us, everything Eragon sees is new and interesting to him. This book wouldn't be the same if Eragon's reaction was always, "been there, done that, ordered the tunic."
Instead, we see Alagaësia through eyes as fresh as our own, and equally filled with wonder. Check out what Eragon does when he arrives at the port city of Teirm:
Eragon […] eagerly began exploring Teirm. For hours he wandered the streets, entering every shop that struck his fancy and chatting with various people. (26.3)
Despite his attachment to the comforts of home, Eragon is still open enough to embrace the wider world, and everything in it. Not only does this make us jazzed to see more of Alagaësia, and beyond, but it's an important aspect of his character that helps him to become [drumroll please]…
Action Hero, at Last
The culmination of Eragon's travels might seem like the moment when he (spoiler alert!) sticks a flaming sword through the heart of that evil Durza the Shade. But Shmoop doesn't like it when things are that tidy. What if the climax of his journey comes later than that? Let's take a look.
Lying in bed, recuperating from his wounds, Eragon realizes
[…] what he had accomplished was worthy of honor, of recognition. No matter what his trials might be in the future, he was no longer a pawn in the game of power. He had transcended that and was something else, something more. (59.14)
Whatever else he has become, by the end of the book, Eragon is definitely an adult. Even though he's just sixteen in human years, he's way beyond that in Dragon Rider years. (We couldn't find the online human to Dragon rider calculator for an exact number—sorry.) By being open to the world around him and, most importantly, willing to learn from it, Eragon is no longer the farm boy he once was. The true triumph of his book is his passage into responsibility, maturity and, ultimately, power.
The Buddy System
Even still, he doesn't get there all on his own—throughout the book, he works with a buddy. Let's break this down:
So what's the deal with Eragon's constant companionship? Aside from his obvious partner in crime-fighting (Saphira), Eragon is always in cahoots with someone. Not only do his friendships provide him with support, training, and help in fighting off the forces of evil, but they also enable him to reach new heights of heroism.
Do you think Eragon could have become a Dragon Rider on his own? Can anyone achieve greatness without the help of good friends? We're pretty sure Christopher Paolini offers us a resounding "NO!" for an answer.
One of the Good GuysHaving good friends and a support system in place is obviously key to Eragon's (or anyone's) success. But it's not like Eragon is just Joe Shmoop. Dude is the first of the new Dragon Riders. He's a savior for the people of Tronjheim and a hero to many more than that. We learn that he's been chosen by Saphira for this honor, but wait—what does Saphira know about this guy that makes him a suitable candidate?
In a nutshell, it's his character. Now, don't get confused on us here. Eragon is a character—in the book, that is—but he also has character, too. Lots of it, in fact. When all is said and done, he's just a really, really good guy. Here he is, in a rough and tumble land of monsters, slavers, evil wizards, and worse, but he stays totally uncorrupted. Think about it: he doesn't even want to steal from the greasy toll collector at the bridge to Therinsford.
Good is always at odds with something, right? Say, evil? Well, Eragon's goodness is definitely reflected in his reaction to evil. He just can't understand why something like the massacre at Yazuac could take place; he's too innocent and pure to understand that such evil actually does exist in the world.
And even when confronting that evil, Eragon wants to play by the good guys' rulebook. When Murtagh chops off Torkenbrand the slaver's head, Eragon is furious. He just can't see the point of killing an unarmed man. Even in fighting evil, Eragon's own inner moral compass points him in the direction of the high road.
That's why his ultimate victory is so powerful. It's not just that a guy we happen to like overcomes odds to get what he wants; Eragon's triumph is the triumph of good over evil. (Epic, right?) At the end of the book, the Cripple Who is Whole reminds him (and us) of that fact: "Think of what you have done and rejoice, for you have rid the land of a great evil" (59.13). Eragon embodies pure goodness, inspiring us to be better people, and giving us hope that what is right and honest will defeat what is tainted and corrupt. You can't get much better than that.
http://www.shmoop.com/eragon/eragon-character.html
He's the star of our show, the titular character, and the hero that a corrupted world calls out for. Need more? Oh, we got more. As we discuss in "Why Should I Care?" (which we invite you to check out and then zip on back here), the central story of Eragon, in spite of all the magic and monsters, is really the very simple tale of a young man's progress into adulthood, and all the difficulties that this process can entail.
Of course, when you're fifteen, adulthood is probably the last thing on your mind (well, aside from that one episode of The Twilight Zone that your parents always talk about). But sometimes destiny intervenes, as it does when Saphira taps Eragon to be the first of the new Dragon Riders. Sounds like a pretty cool gig, huh? Well... let's chat about that.
We first meet Eragon when he's in the prime of his comfort zone. He's helping out his uncle on the farm and hanging with his cousin in his spare time. It's not a life of luxury, but to Eragon, it's a life of reassuring comfort. Just check out his reaction upon returning to the farm from the hunt: "Home. For the first time since before the hunt, he relaxed completely as sleep overtook him" (2.86). The word "home" even gets the italics treatment. That's saying something.
He better enjoy that relaxation while he can, though, since this kind of peace doesn't last long. Not too long after his head hits the pillow, his cousin ups and takes off, his cool new forest rock hatches a dragon, and the Ra'zac burn down his farm and kill his uncle. The comforts of home, then, are forever lost to Eragon as he's forced into the wider world. As we'll see, though, his thoughts return pretty often to his sleepy village. At his core, Eragon is a homebody. And we think that makes his adventures all the more exciting.
Geographic Explorer
The best thing about the exploratory journey that Eragon undertakes after the murder of his uncle is that we get to go along with him. Like us, everything Eragon sees is new and interesting to him. This book wouldn't be the same if Eragon's reaction was always, "been there, done that, ordered the tunic."
Instead, we see Alagaësia through eyes as fresh as our own, and equally filled with wonder. Check out what Eragon does when he arrives at the port city of Teirm:
Eragon […] eagerly began exploring Teirm. For hours he wandered the streets, entering every shop that struck his fancy and chatting with various people. (26.3)
Despite his attachment to the comforts of home, Eragon is still open enough to embrace the wider world, and everything in it. Not only does this make us jazzed to see more of Alagaësia, and beyond, but it's an important aspect of his character that helps him to become [drumroll please]…
Action Hero, at Last
The culmination of Eragon's travels might seem like the moment when he (spoiler alert!) sticks a flaming sword through the heart of that evil Durza the Shade. But Shmoop doesn't like it when things are that tidy. What if the climax of his journey comes later than that? Let's take a look.
Lying in bed, recuperating from his wounds, Eragon realizes
[…] what he had accomplished was worthy of honor, of recognition. No matter what his trials might be in the future, he was no longer a pawn in the game of power. He had transcended that and was something else, something more. (59.14)
Whatever else he has become, by the end of the book, Eragon is definitely an adult. Even though he's just sixteen in human years, he's way beyond that in Dragon Rider years. (We couldn't find the online human to Dragon rider calculator for an exact number—sorry.) By being open to the world around him and, most importantly, willing to learn from it, Eragon is no longer the farm boy he once was. The true triumph of his book is his passage into responsibility, maturity and, ultimately, power.
The Buddy System
Even still, he doesn't get there all on his own—throughout the book, he works with a buddy. Let's break this down:
- When we first meet him, Eragon's best friend is his cousin, Roran. When Roran takes that gig with the miller, Eragon feels like his world is collapsing.
- After he loses Roran, Uncle Garrow dies, and things really turn south for our hero.
- But not for long. Brom comes on the scene, and with him comes the friendship and mentoring that Eragon was deprived of. But wait! Brom is killed by the Ra'zac. What will happen now?
- Well, Murtagh happens, that's what.
So what's the deal with Eragon's constant companionship? Aside from his obvious partner in crime-fighting (Saphira), Eragon is always in cahoots with someone. Not only do his friendships provide him with support, training, and help in fighting off the forces of evil, but they also enable him to reach new heights of heroism.
Do you think Eragon could have become a Dragon Rider on his own? Can anyone achieve greatness without the help of good friends? We're pretty sure Christopher Paolini offers us a resounding "NO!" for an answer.
One of the Good GuysHaving good friends and a support system in place is obviously key to Eragon's (or anyone's) success. But it's not like Eragon is just Joe Shmoop. Dude is the first of the new Dragon Riders. He's a savior for the people of Tronjheim and a hero to many more than that. We learn that he's been chosen by Saphira for this honor, but wait—what does Saphira know about this guy that makes him a suitable candidate?
In a nutshell, it's his character. Now, don't get confused on us here. Eragon is a character—in the book, that is—but he also has character, too. Lots of it, in fact. When all is said and done, he's just a really, really good guy. Here he is, in a rough and tumble land of monsters, slavers, evil wizards, and worse, but he stays totally uncorrupted. Think about it: he doesn't even want to steal from the greasy toll collector at the bridge to Therinsford.
Good is always at odds with something, right? Say, evil? Well, Eragon's goodness is definitely reflected in his reaction to evil. He just can't understand why something like the massacre at Yazuac could take place; he's too innocent and pure to understand that such evil actually does exist in the world.
And even when confronting that evil, Eragon wants to play by the good guys' rulebook. When Murtagh chops off Torkenbrand the slaver's head, Eragon is furious. He just can't see the point of killing an unarmed man. Even in fighting evil, Eragon's own inner moral compass points him in the direction of the high road.
That's why his ultimate victory is so powerful. It's not just that a guy we happen to like overcomes odds to get what he wants; Eragon's triumph is the triumph of good over evil. (Epic, right?) At the end of the book, the Cripple Who is Whole reminds him (and us) of that fact: "Think of what you have done and rejoice, for you have rid the land of a great evil" (59.13). Eragon embodies pure goodness, inspiring us to be better people, and giving us hope that what is right and honest will defeat what is tainted and corrupt. You can't get much better than that.
http://www.shmoop.com/eragon/eragon-character.html
SaphirA
She may be a dragon, but she's one of the most important characters in the book. In fact, you could make the case that, although this book is called Eragon, without a Saphira there'd be no Eragon. Dude would still be in Carvahall, digging turnips with a spoon or whatever it was he was up to. Don't forget that it is Saphira's choice to find Eragon, and that his heroism is only the result of whatever dragon-y insights she had into his character. More than anyone, Saphira is responsible for unleashing the potential in her partner-in-flight.
So yeah, she's a pretty big deal.
A Wing to Lean On
First and foremost, Saphira and Eragon are friends. Their friendship forms the basis of their interaction and makes all the other things they do—casting spells, flying loop-the-loops, slicing and dicing Urgals—possible. We understand right from their very first meeting just how special their bond is.
After they first touch, Eragon feels that "[something brushed against his consciousness, like a finger trailing over his skin. […] It was as if an invisible wall surrounding his thoughts had fallen away, and he was now free to reach out with his mind" (5.5). Sounds pretty freeing to be connected in this way. The bond these two share is unbreakable, and forms the foundation upon which their shared power grows and develops.
Power-Aid
Speaking of power, Saphira functions like a sort of giant, blue battery for our Dragon Rider, lending her his strength when she needs a hand. Not only do they fly and fight together, but Saphira can telepathically send Eragon her vibes to increase his abilities, particularly when he uses magic.
Remember the test that those nasty Twins put Eragon through? Well, Saphira tells him that she's got his back: "Don't worry so much [….] There are two of us as well" (56.27). Good thing, too, since "It was only with Saphira's support that Eragon was able to hold his ground" (56.35). With Saphira by his side, Eragon is able to take on all comers. She's the key enabler of his heroic acts.
Want some advice? Get a dragon. No, really. Saphira is not just there to pump up Eragon's hero muscles. She's someone Eragon can turn to for direction when he's lost. After Garrow passes away and the villagers are getting suspicious, what does Saphira say? "The only true guide is your heart" (14.4). Sure, that sounds like something you'd see painted on cheap coffee mug, but watch its effects on Eragon, who says, "What do you want me do…pursue the strangers?" (14.7). This is a sophisticated bit of dragon psychology. Eragon comes to the decision to leave on his own, and is allowed to do that by Saphira.
Saphira's role here is to gently lead Eragon on the right path, and then support him along the way. Lucky for Eragon that he's got such a supportive, wise, and powerful friend. Saphira accounts for at least half of his hero points. On most days, we think it might be more.
http://www.shmoop.com/eragon/saphira.html
So yeah, she's a pretty big deal.
A Wing to Lean On
First and foremost, Saphira and Eragon are friends. Their friendship forms the basis of their interaction and makes all the other things they do—casting spells, flying loop-the-loops, slicing and dicing Urgals—possible. We understand right from their very first meeting just how special their bond is.
After they first touch, Eragon feels that "[something brushed against his consciousness, like a finger trailing over his skin. […] It was as if an invisible wall surrounding his thoughts had fallen away, and he was now free to reach out with his mind" (5.5). Sounds pretty freeing to be connected in this way. The bond these two share is unbreakable, and forms the foundation upon which their shared power grows and develops.
Power-Aid
Speaking of power, Saphira functions like a sort of giant, blue battery for our Dragon Rider, lending her his strength when she needs a hand. Not only do they fly and fight together, but Saphira can telepathically send Eragon her vibes to increase his abilities, particularly when he uses magic.
Remember the test that those nasty Twins put Eragon through? Well, Saphira tells him that she's got his back: "Don't worry so much [….] There are two of us as well" (56.27). Good thing, too, since "It was only with Saphira's support that Eragon was able to hold his ground" (56.35). With Saphira by his side, Eragon is able to take on all comers. She's the key enabler of his heroic acts.
Want some advice? Get a dragon. No, really. Saphira is not just there to pump up Eragon's hero muscles. She's someone Eragon can turn to for direction when he's lost. After Garrow passes away and the villagers are getting suspicious, what does Saphira say? "The only true guide is your heart" (14.4). Sure, that sounds like something you'd see painted on cheap coffee mug, but watch its effects on Eragon, who says, "What do you want me do…pursue the strangers?" (14.7). This is a sophisticated bit of dragon psychology. Eragon comes to the decision to leave on his own, and is allowed to do that by Saphira.
Saphira's role here is to gently lead Eragon on the right path, and then support him along the way. Lucky for Eragon that he's got such a supportive, wise, and powerful friend. Saphira accounts for at least half of his hero points. On most days, we think it might be more.
http://www.shmoop.com/eragon/saphira.html
Brom
Old Brom the storyteller—sure, he's good for a forbidden tale, or to answer your questions about dragons, but do you really want him coming along on your heroic quest, grumbling all the time and whacking you with sticks? If you're Eragon, you bet your sweet bippy you do. After all, every good hero needs a guide.
Class is in session. Here's your stick, Eragon, now duck!
Brom is the ultimate teacher, tasked with training Eragon in the old, lost ways of the Dragon Rider. And, no, he's not giving out gold stars and happy faces. These lessons are tough and painful because Eragon's enemies are also tough—and into pain (as in, dispensing it).
Still, there's no ego in Brom's instruction. He's focused solely on making Eragon better than he is. And when he does reach that level? "We're done for the day," Brom says (31.33). "I can teach you nothing more of the sword" (31.35). It takes 31 chapters, but Brom does his job. He teaches Eragon a valuable lesson: strength comes from experience.
Of course, there are also magic lessons, and combat strategy, and…well, the list goes on. But throughout it all, Brom works tirelessly to help Eragon graduate to the level of a bona fide Dragon Rider.
A Down-Low Rider
What qualifies Brom to give all of these lessons? We're glad we asked. He himself was once a Dragon Rider. Of course, he only confesses this on his deathbed, keeping his own exploits hidden and focusing instead on preparing Eragon for his own challenges.
As it turns out, Brom's dragon was also named Saphira, but she was killed when she was young. A couple important things to mention here:
(1) Brom killed the guy, Morzan, who was (indirectly) responsible for killing Saphira (his dragon, not Eragons'). We have a feeling that will be important.
(2) The loss of his dragon buddy is what inspires him to go all rebel. We know that's important.
This all puts a whole new spin on Brom's relationship with Eragon. Think about some of Brom's final words to Eragon: "Guard Saphira with your life, for without her it's hardly worth living" (37.20). For one thing, we see him giving advice to the young Rider, even up to his dying breath. At the same time, we see how Brom might have vicariously gotten pleasure from spending time with the new Saphira, and from seeing her in action. In her, and in her Rider, Brom's legacy lives on.
The Watcher
Brom has definitely seen a few episodes of Buffy. And not just because of the whole demon slaying thing. He also knows what it means to be a watcher—to take on the role of mentor to the hero who will save the world.
Even though he's acting as the town storyteller, we're guessing Brom was watching Eragon all along. It's pretty clear that he knows what's up—all the stinkin' time—and that it's no coincidence that he's there when Eragon needs him.
Father Figure
The whole watching-over-Eragon thing really turns Brom into a father figure for the fatherless Eragon. When he's alive, we might think he's a bit overbearing and crotchety (like the best parents tends to be), but not just anyone will take a dagger for Eragon. Once he's passed on, we realize how important he was to Eragon. Check out what Eragon inscribes on Brom's tomb:
HERE LIES BROM
Who was a Dragon Rider
And like a father
To me.
May his name live on in glory. (37.37)
These words are all-the-more touching because Eragon never knew his real father. After his uncle Garrow dies, Brom comes along to fill the space left by that father figure. Of course, Brom mainly berates Eragon for being a big dummy, and he pummels him every night with a wooden stick, but Eragon comes to appreciate Brom's instruction and friendship. Their bond becomes so intense that, after Brom's death, Eragon wants the world to know that Brom was a friend, and so much more.
And the feeling is mutual. As Saphira tells Eragon, "Brom also wanted you to know that of all the people in Alagaësia, he believed you were the best suited to inherit the Rider's legacy" (38.44). Sounds like a pretty sturdy relationship to us.
http://www.shmoop.com/eragon/brom.html
Class is in session. Here's your stick, Eragon, now duck!
Brom is the ultimate teacher, tasked with training Eragon in the old, lost ways of the Dragon Rider. And, no, he's not giving out gold stars and happy faces. These lessons are tough and painful because Eragon's enemies are also tough—and into pain (as in, dispensing it).
Still, there's no ego in Brom's instruction. He's focused solely on making Eragon better than he is. And when he does reach that level? "We're done for the day," Brom says (31.33). "I can teach you nothing more of the sword" (31.35). It takes 31 chapters, but Brom does his job. He teaches Eragon a valuable lesson: strength comes from experience.
Of course, there are also magic lessons, and combat strategy, and…well, the list goes on. But throughout it all, Brom works tirelessly to help Eragon graduate to the level of a bona fide Dragon Rider.
A Down-Low Rider
What qualifies Brom to give all of these lessons? We're glad we asked. He himself was once a Dragon Rider. Of course, he only confesses this on his deathbed, keeping his own exploits hidden and focusing instead on preparing Eragon for his own challenges.
As it turns out, Brom's dragon was also named Saphira, but she was killed when she was young. A couple important things to mention here:
(1) Brom killed the guy, Morzan, who was (indirectly) responsible for killing Saphira (his dragon, not Eragons'). We have a feeling that will be important.
(2) The loss of his dragon buddy is what inspires him to go all rebel. We know that's important.
This all puts a whole new spin on Brom's relationship with Eragon. Think about some of Brom's final words to Eragon: "Guard Saphira with your life, for without her it's hardly worth living" (37.20). For one thing, we see him giving advice to the young Rider, even up to his dying breath. At the same time, we see how Brom might have vicariously gotten pleasure from spending time with the new Saphira, and from seeing her in action. In her, and in her Rider, Brom's legacy lives on.
The Watcher
Brom has definitely seen a few episodes of Buffy. And not just because of the whole demon slaying thing. He also knows what it means to be a watcher—to take on the role of mentor to the hero who will save the world.
Even though he's acting as the town storyteller, we're guessing Brom was watching Eragon all along. It's pretty clear that he knows what's up—all the stinkin' time—and that it's no coincidence that he's there when Eragon needs him.
Father Figure
The whole watching-over-Eragon thing really turns Brom into a father figure for the fatherless Eragon. When he's alive, we might think he's a bit overbearing and crotchety (like the best parents tends to be), but not just anyone will take a dagger for Eragon. Once he's passed on, we realize how important he was to Eragon. Check out what Eragon inscribes on Brom's tomb:
HERE LIES BROM
Who was a Dragon Rider
And like a father
To me.
May his name live on in glory. (37.37)
These words are all-the-more touching because Eragon never knew his real father. After his uncle Garrow dies, Brom comes along to fill the space left by that father figure. Of course, Brom mainly berates Eragon for being a big dummy, and he pummels him every night with a wooden stick, but Eragon comes to appreciate Brom's instruction and friendship. Their bond becomes so intense that, after Brom's death, Eragon wants the world to know that Brom was a friend, and so much more.
And the feeling is mutual. As Saphira tells Eragon, "Brom also wanted you to know that of all the people in Alagaësia, he believed you were the best suited to inherit the Rider's legacy" (38.44). Sounds like a pretty sturdy relationship to us.
http://www.shmoop.com/eragon/brom.html
The Villagers
These are the folks that Eragon grows up with, the villagers of Carvahall. Sure, they may not be all refined and sophisticated like the people of Teirm, but they're good, down-to-earth people. Well… most of them, anyway.
Garrow
Garrow is Eragon's uncle, the brother of Eragon's mother Selena. See, Selena left little Eragon at Garrow's farm without an explanation. Lucky for E, Garrow and his wife at the time, Marian, were good enough people to raise Eragon as their own. This is known in the biz as the "Luke Skywalker arrangement," named for when Luke's Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru raised him as their own son in Star Wars. (Editors' note: Not really.)
All this ends up great for Eragon, since he's given a home and a family. For Garrow, though? Well, his reward is having his farm blown to bits and being tortured to death by the Ra'zac. We guess it could have turned out better for him.
Despite his tragic end, though, Garrow is a wise and stable father-figure in Eragon's life, as evidenced by this advice that he gives both his own son, Roran, and his nephew Eragon: "Treat all fairly or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs and others will listen" (9.10). That's good advice all right.
Can you find any parts of the book where Eragon follows his uncle's lead?
Horst
Horst is the gentle giant of a blacksmith. He has the village over for meals, helps Eragon out by buying meat for him when Sloan won't sell, and generally looks out for Eragon's best interests. When Uncle Garrow is attached by the Ra'zac, he's treated at Horst's house. And that's where he ultimately draws his last breath. Still, for all of his kindness, Eragon doesn't tell Horst about his dragon. Do you think he should have?
Katrina
Katrina is Sloan's daughter. She tries to stand up for Eragon when Sloan is being a jerk-face to him, but it does no good. She's also the apple of Roran (Eragon's cousin)'s eye. He takes his millers apprenticeship so that he can earn some dough and marry the girl. Good luck with that father-in-law, Roran.
Roran
Roran is Eragon's cousin and Garrow's natural son. He's a hard worker, and likely the only friend Eragon has ever known before he leaves Carvahall. Still, Roran's got other designs. He leaves to take an apprenticeship with a miller in Thereinsford. His departure is the first change in Eragon's world, which troubles our hero. Soon, though, bigger changes come, leaving Eragon to navigate them without his cousin's help.
Sloan
Here's an analogy for you: Sloan: Eragon :: Newman : Seinfeld. Remember Newman, that really annoying jerk who never helped anyone but himself? Yeah, Sloan's that kind of jerk. He actually tells the Ra'zac about Eragon and the egg, so is in a small way responsible for leading them to Uncle Garrow. What a… jerk! We understand that his wife might have died some time ago, but geez. Don't take it out on Eragon, man.
http://www.shmoop.com/eragon/villagers.html
Garrow
Garrow is Eragon's uncle, the brother of Eragon's mother Selena. See, Selena left little Eragon at Garrow's farm without an explanation. Lucky for E, Garrow and his wife at the time, Marian, were good enough people to raise Eragon as their own. This is known in the biz as the "Luke Skywalker arrangement," named for when Luke's Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru raised him as their own son in Star Wars. (Editors' note: Not really.)
All this ends up great for Eragon, since he's given a home and a family. For Garrow, though? Well, his reward is having his farm blown to bits and being tortured to death by the Ra'zac. We guess it could have turned out better for him.
Despite his tragic end, though, Garrow is a wise and stable father-figure in Eragon's life, as evidenced by this advice that he gives both his own son, Roran, and his nephew Eragon: "Treat all fairly or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs and others will listen" (9.10). That's good advice all right.
Can you find any parts of the book where Eragon follows his uncle's lead?
Horst
Horst is the gentle giant of a blacksmith. He has the village over for meals, helps Eragon out by buying meat for him when Sloan won't sell, and generally looks out for Eragon's best interests. When Uncle Garrow is attached by the Ra'zac, he's treated at Horst's house. And that's where he ultimately draws his last breath. Still, for all of his kindness, Eragon doesn't tell Horst about his dragon. Do you think he should have?
Katrina
Katrina is Sloan's daughter. She tries to stand up for Eragon when Sloan is being a jerk-face to him, but it does no good. She's also the apple of Roran (Eragon's cousin)'s eye. He takes his millers apprenticeship so that he can earn some dough and marry the girl. Good luck with that father-in-law, Roran.
Roran
Roran is Eragon's cousin and Garrow's natural son. He's a hard worker, and likely the only friend Eragon has ever known before he leaves Carvahall. Still, Roran's got other designs. He leaves to take an apprenticeship with a miller in Thereinsford. His departure is the first change in Eragon's world, which troubles our hero. Soon, though, bigger changes come, leaving Eragon to navigate them without his cousin's help.
Sloan
Here's an analogy for you: Sloan: Eragon :: Newman : Seinfeld. Remember Newman, that really annoying jerk who never helped anyone but himself? Yeah, Sloan's that kind of jerk. He actually tells the Ra'zac about Eragon and the egg, so is in a small way responsible for leading them to Uncle Garrow. What a… jerk! We understand that his wife might have died some time ago, but geez. Don't take it out on Eragon, man.
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