A Princess of Mars · Character

Sarkoja

A venomous Thark matron whose hatred of John Carter bristles so palpably one might almost cut it with a sword.

supporting

As a supporting figure in A Princess of Mars, Sarkoja is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Thark woman who is suspicious of John Carter and Dejah Thoris.

In the storyA Princess of MarsOpen this moment free

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Sarkoja wields what power green Martian women possess through cruelty and intrigue, chaining the captive Dejah Thoris by the ankle and pocketing the key. Her loathing for John Carter curdles into conspiracy when she is seen whispering with Zad, a nameless warrior hungry for the kill that would earn him a second name. She embodies the cold ferocity of Thark society, and her scheming gives Carter's early captivity a personal, watchful menace.

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Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how Sarkoja sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Thark captors and allies

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because John Carter’s internal conflict reaches its emotional peak when he nearly…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Sola
psychological · negative
Sarkoja is a manipulative and cruel figure who torments and spies on Sola, acting as a… How this plays out →
Tars Tarkas
rivalry · negative
Dejah Thoris
psychological · negative
Sola
psychological · negative
Sarkoja is a manipulative and cruel figure who torments and spies on Sola, acting as a… How this plays out →
Sola
psychological · negative
Sarkoja is a manipulative and cruel figure who torments and spies on Sola, acting as a… How this plays out →
Tars Tarkas
rivalry · negative
Tars Tarkas
rivalry · negative

Sola
Sarkoja is a manipulative and cruel figure who torments and spies on Sola, acting as a psychological antagonist.
Tars Tarkas
Sarkoja is a scheming antagonist who opposes Tars Tarkas and seeks to undermine his authority.
Dejah Thoris
Sarkoja is a hostile, manipulative figure who actively works against Dejah Thoris's well-being.
Sola
Sarkoja is a manipulative and cruel figure who torments and spies on Sola, acting as a psychological antagonist.
Sola
Sarkoja is a manipulative and cruel figure who torments and spies on Sola, acting as a psychological antagonist.
Tars Tarkas
Sarkoja is a scheming antagonist who opposes Tars Tarkas and seeks to undermine his authority.
Tars Tarkas
Sarkoja is a scheming antagonist who opposes Tars Tarkas and seeks to undermine his authority.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Sarkoja in iv a prisoner

In the story

Sarkoja appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Princess of Mars
Thark woman who is suspicious of John Carter and Dejah Thoris.
I Learn the Language
Older woman who guards the captive; reveals the plan to take the red princess to Thark for execution.
With Dejah Thoris
Threatened by John Carter, departs to plot against them, and is suspected of eavesdropping on Carter and Dejah Thoris.
XII: A Prisoner with Power
Implied to be the source of the report about Carter plotting escape; described as Tars Tarkas' oldest and most trusted female.
XIII: Lovemaking on Mars
Spreads lies that Carter has become a true Thark; attempts to keep Carter and Dejah Thoris apart.
XIV: A Duel to the Death
Hates Carter and plots against him with the warrior Zad; responsible for chaining Dejah Thoris.
XV: Sola Tells Me Her Story
Betrayed Sola's mother to Tal Hajus; present at the tower when the secret was discovered.
We Plan Escape
Reported to Tal Hajus, leading to the threat of being thrown to wild calots.
Tars Tarkas Finds a Friend
Recognizes Carter, reports to Tal Hajus, is threatened by Tars Tarkas for her role in Gozava's death, and disappears the next morning.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Sarkoja unlock in the free preview.

See Sarkoja in iv a prisoner

See Sarkoja in A Princess of Mars