# Kantos Kan — A Princess of Mars character guide

> Kantos Kan in A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Kantos

**First appearance:** 0023-xxi-an-air-scout-for-zodanga

## Snapshot

A Heliumite air scout and soldier of polished manners, he becomes John Carter's steadfast comrade in the campaign to free Dejah Thoris and break the Zodangan siege.

## Who they are

Kantos Kan moves easily between courts and battle lines, equally at home greeting Helium's nobles and charging Zodangan entrenchments. His loyalty to Carter is immediate and unshowy, and he serves as the bridge between the Earthman's wild Thark allies and the disciplined forces of Helium. In the middle arc he helps orchestrate the joint assault that turns the tide, embodying the civilized honor Carter is fighting to preserve.

## Relationships

### [John Carter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/characters/john_carter)

_friendship_

Kantos Kan becomes a loyal friend and ally to John Carter, aiding him in his quest to rescue Dejah Thoris.

### [Dejah Thoris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/characters/dejah_thoris)

_friendship_

Kantos Kan is a trusted friend and fellow Heliumite who supports Dejah Thoris.

### [John Carter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/characters/john_carter)

_friendship_

Kantos Kan becomes a loyal friend and ally to John Carter, aiding him in his quest to rescue Dejah Thoris.

### [Dejah Thoris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/characters/dejah_thoris)

_friendship_

Kantos Kan is a trusted friend and fellow Heliumite who supports Dejah Thoris.

## In the story

### [XIX: Battling in the Arena](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/xix-battling-in-the-arena)

Fellow prisoner and Heliumite padwar; fights in the arena and wins freedom by feigning Carter's death.

### [An Air Scout for Zodanga](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/xxi-an-air-scout-for-zodanga)

Undercover as an air scout in Zodanga; helps Carter enroll in the squadron and teaches him to fly.

### [Lost in the Sky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/xxiii-lost-in-the-sky)

Plans to assassinate Sab Than via a secret tower entrance; helps Carter with a gearing trick for speed.

### [XXV: The Looting of Zodanga](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/xxv-the-looting-of-zodanga)

Captured by the air patrol before reaching the palace, rescued from the dungeons by John Carter.

### [Through Carnage to Joy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/xxvi-through-carnage-to-joy)

Present on the ship during the transfer of Dejah Thoris and later returns to report the complete reduction of Zodanga.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/characters/kantos_kan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/characters