Characters

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Chris Hughes emerges as the quintessential bildungsroman protagonist, embarking on a transformative journey. Initially, he navigates life as a coddled, sheltered intellectual, ensnared by a society that places leisure above all else. His conservatism is overshadowed by a pervasive anxiety—a postmodern malaise that chains him to the whims of influence. The tragic loss of his parents has left him naive, his world restricted to the pages of books rather than the raw experiences of life. Stranded amidst the enigmatic chaos of medieval France, Chris begins an introspective quest: "Such theoretical posturing turned history into a clever intellectual game. Chris was good at the game, but playing it, he had somehow lost track of a more straightforward reality—that the old texts recounted horrific stories and violent episodes that were all too often true." As time traps him within the confines of the Middle Ages, Chris's reflections on modernity deepen.

For some reason, he found himself thinking of . . . the arguments among the graduate students. . . . It was no wonder they argued. The issues were pure abstractions, consisting of nothing but thin air—and hot air. Their empty debates could never be resolved; the questions could never be answered. Yet there had been so much intensity, so much passion in those debates. Where had it come from? Who cared? He couldn't quite remember now why it had been so important.

The jarring culture shock and the stinging consequences of an accidental joust with Sir Guy serve to ground Chris in the visceral reality of existence. His evolution, though abrupt, sees him shed his whiny demeanor, donning instead a mantle of manliness. He steps gallantly into Marek’s chivalric shoes, emerging as Kate’s valiant protector. In the end, readers are compelled to align with Chris as he gallantly rescues Kate from the clutches of a knight at the Green Chapel, returning with newfound insights into both the past and the present.

The Enigmatic Andre Marek

Andre Marek, the scholar who embraces the past not from afar but through lived experience, embodies a romantic yearning for chivalric ideals. Esteemed for his broadsword skills and archery prowess, Marek’s actions defy the American fixation with material wealth and technological advancements. His speech, tinged with "just a trace of a Dutch accent," subtly critiques the American disconnection from historical appreciation. This sentiment of Europeans as guardians of cultural artifacts echoes later between France's minister of antiquities and Professor Johnston: "You know there is a sentiment here that Americans destroy all culture, having none of their own." Marek emerges as a living testament to cultural heritage, weaving history into the fabric of the present. His decision to remain in the fourteenth century surprises no one. When the present-day discovery of Marek and Claire's tombs unfolds, his final words, "I have chosen a good life," echo contentment with his choice. Yet, the Americans' reluctance to accept his happiness projects a manufactured melancholy onto Marek. Johnston's internal musings reveal: ". . . however much Marek loved it, it could never be his world. Not really. He must always have felt a foreigner there, a person separated from his surroundings, because he had come from somewhere else." Johnston’s musings reflect his own feelings of cultural alienation.

The Cold Ambition of Robert Doniger

Robert Doniger's character is encapsulated by the chilling indifference of his own words. When confronted by John Gordon about an employee's death, hinting at ITC's culpability, Doniger's response is icily pragmatic: '"That's true,' Doniger said coldly. 'And you know what? There's fuck all I can do about it. . . . Just handle it, okay?'" People are...

(This entire section contains 1018 words.)

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mere collateral to Doniger, rendering him indistinguishable from other cutthroat, young entrepreneurs. His singular focus is on the acquisition of profit-generating knowledge, painting him as a caricature of Silicon Valley pioneers like Steve Jobs. Nicknamed "Dead March Doniger" by employees, they nonetheless remain loyal, recognizing his keen insights and undeniable brilliance as a physicist.

The Complex Portrait of Kate Erickson

Kate Erickson stands as the novel’s pivotal female figure, under the magnifying glass of modern feminist scrutiny. Initially, she exudes empowerment, defined less by physical appearance—though she is noted as "ash-blond, blue-eyed and darkly tanned"—and more through her assertive actions. Her prowess in rock climbing sets her apart early on, enabling her daring rescue of Andre and Chris from the heights of Castelguard. Her confrontation with Robert De Kere showcases her bravery and sharp wit. Yet, as the tale unfolds, Kate's once-prominent physical abilities retreat into the shadows, and she assumes the role of damsel in distress at the Green Chapel. By the book's conclusion, she is seven months pregnant, her rock-climbing days behind her, leaving her to lament the air’s chill from the confines of a passive role.

Lady Claire d'Eltham emerges as an archetype of the empowered modern woman, albeit with the curious twist of being rooted firmly in the fourteenth century. Her inner musings remain a mystery to the reader, yet Claire consistently occupies the epicenter of the unfolding drama. Chris encounters her first, under the guise of a young lad—a disguise she frequently adopts to maneuver through the constraints placed upon women of her time.

Claire's quest for stability leads her to seek marriage, but when caught in a compromising situation within the monastery, she fiercely defends her actions to Chris, proclaiming, "How dare you judge me? I am a gentle woman, alone in a foreign part, with no one to champion me, to protect or guide me." She longs for a husband whose might and influence will shield her from the brutalities of rape and war. However, unlike the archetypal medieval princess awaiting her rescuer, Claire actively orchestrates her destiny. She orchestrates the demise of her first husband, manipulates Sir Guy into a feigned rivalry to quell public suspicion surrounding the death, and even barters with the Abbot for carnal favors in pursuit of uncovering La Roque's secrets, revealing her shrewd political ambitions.

Ultimately, Claire's cunning strategies bear fruit, and she secures the protector she yearns for in Marek, achieving the balance of power and security she so strategically sought.

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