A Princess of Mars · Character

Tardos Mors

The aged Jeddak of Helium who faces the possible extinction of his world with a ruler's composure and a grandfather's tenderness.

supporting

First appearance: xxii i find dejah

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

Jeddak of Helium; mentioned as the grandfather of Dejah Thoris, who would rather see her dead than wed against her will.

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As Jeddak of Helium and grandfather to Dejah Thoris, Tardos Mors presides over the red Martians' proudest nation, pacing his throne room with a tense-drawn face when crisis strikes. When word comes that the atmosphere plant has failed and Barsoom has perhaps three days to live, he steadies his council not with denial but with quiet example, and his grief is personal as well as political. His dignity under doom gives the story's stakes a human face and anchors Dejah Thoris in a lineage worth saving.

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See Tardos Mors in xxii i find dejah

Character Web

9 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Professional
Other

Character groups

Thark captors and allies
Helium and Zodanga royalty
Protagonist

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

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

Dejah Thoris
family · positive
Tardos Mors is Dejah Thoris's grandfather and the Jeddak of Helium, with a loving but… How this plays out →
Tars Tarkas
professional · ambivalent
Dejah Thoris
family · positive
Tardos Mors is Dejah Thoris's grandfather and the Jeddak of Helium, with a loving but… How this plays out →
Tars Tarkas
professional · ambivalent

Dejah Thoris
Tardos Mors is Dejah Thoris's grandfather and the Jeddak of Helium, with a loving but authoritative relationship.
Tars Tarkas
Tardos Mors and Tars Tarkas interact as leaders of their respective Martian nations, often in diplomatic or military contexts.
Dejah Thoris
Tardos Mors is Dejah Thoris's grandfather and the Jeddak of Helium, with a loving but authoritative relationship.
Tars Tarkas
Tardos Mors and Tars Tarkas interact as leaders of their respective Martian nations, often in diplomatic or military contexts.

Relationship notes

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

See Tardos Mors in xxii i find dejah

In the story

Tardos Mors appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

An Air Scout for Zodanga
Jeddak of Helium; mentioned as the grandfather of Dejah Thoris, who would rather see her dead than wed against her will.
Through Carnage to Joy
Jeddak of Helium; greets the victorious party, expresses gratitude to Tars Tarkas and John Carter, and welcomes John Carter as a son.
From Joy to Death
Announces the failure of the atmosphere plant and the impending doom, then orders a flier for Carter's mission.
At the Arizona Cave
Jeddak of Helium, mentioned in Carter's thoughts about the palace and the fate of Dejah Thoris.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Tardos Mors in xxii i find dejah

See Tardos Mors in An Air Scout for Zodanga