Allan Quatermain · Character

Sorais

The dark twin queen of Zu-Vendis, whose beauty is matched by her ambition and whose love for Sir Henry curdles into war against her sister.

major

Also known as Queen Sorais, the Queen Sorais, O Sorais, Sorais of the Night

First appearance: XII: The Sister Queens

As a major figure in Allan Quatermain, Sorais is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The darker queen, who watches the proceedings with a suppressed smile and seems amused by the conflict.

In the storyXII: The Sister QueensOpen this moment free

See Sorais in XII: The Sister Queens Book page

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Sorais rules beside Nyleptha with an impassive face and a slow, musical voice that conceals a will of iron. Where her sister is beloved, Sorais is feared — and her desire for Sir Henry, arriving too late, becomes the wound she cannot forgive. Her rivalry with Nyleptha escalates from court intrigue to open rebellion, making her the novel's most dangerous and most pitiable figure: a queen who would burn a kingdom for a love she cannot have.

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The fuller portrait of Sorais sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Sorais in XII: The Sister Queens

Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Expedition Members & Allies

+12 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Sorais’s arc—her…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Nyleptha
rivalry · negative
Nyleptha and Sorais are sisters and rival queens, locked in a bitter power struggle for… How this plays out →
Sir Henry Curtis
psychological · negative
Nyleptha
rivalry · negative
Nyleptha and Sorais are sisters and rival queens, locked in a bitter power struggle for… How this plays out →
Nyleptha
rivalry · negative
Nyleptha and Sorais are sisters and rival queens, locked in a bitter power struggle for… How this plays out →
Sir Henry Curtis
psychological · negative
Sir Henry Curtis
psychological · negative

Nyleptha
Nyleptha and Sorais are sisters and rival queens, locked in a bitter power struggle for the throne of Zu-Vendis.
Sir Henry Curtis
Sorais is obsessively infatuated with Sir Henry Curtis, who rejects her advances, fueling her jealousy and hatred.
Nyleptha
Nyleptha and Sorais are sisters and rival queens, locked in a bitter power struggle for the throne of Zu-Vendis.
Nyleptha
Nyleptha and Sorais are sisters and rival queens, locked in a bitter power struggle for the throne of Zu-Vendis.
Sir Henry Curtis
Sorais is obsessively infatuated with Sir Henry Curtis, who rejects her advances, fueling her jealousy and hatred.
Sir Henry Curtis
Sorais is obsessively infatuated with Sir Henry Curtis, who rejects her advances, fueling her jealousy and hatred.

Relationship notes

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

See Sorais in XII: The Sister Queens

In the story

Sorais appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XII: The Sister Queens
The darker queen, who watches the proceedings with a suppressed smile and seems amused by the conflict.
XIV: The Flower Temple
Queen who rebukes Agon and the priests, threatening to cut a path with her guards.
XV: Sorais’s Song
Sits silently observing, smiling ominously; is jealous of Nyleptha and shows growing devotion to Sir Henry Curtis.
Before the Statue
Warns Nyleptha to consider the political consequences of her refusal.
XVII: The Storm Breaks
Her preference for Sir Henry triggers the crisis; she flees to the Temple and dispatches messengers to raise rebellion.
XVIII: War! Red War
Declares war after Nyleptha's public betrothal, threatens Good, and flees to M'Arstuna.
XIX: A Strange Wedding
Orders the capture of Alphonse, intending to use him to bolster her cause among the common people.
XX: The Battle of the Pass
The opposing queen, rides along her lines to inspire her troops, her name shouted by her army.
XXI: Away! Away!
The 'Lady of the Night' whose forces are defeated in battle; she is marching on Milosis.
How Umslopogaas Held the Stair
Captured after her army's defeat; being brought to the palace as a prisoner.
XXIII: I Have Spoken
Brought as a prisoner, she defiantly rejects mercy and commits suicide by stabbing herself with a silver spear.
XXIV: By Another Hand
Mentioned as having died; Good was deeply attached to her.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Sorais in XII: The Sister Queens