Short Fiction · Character

The Beast

An allegorical or monstrous figure appearing in a story.

minor

Also known as The Herald of the Beast

First appearance: short fiction

The Beast shows up with force in Wings. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The Fairy of the Wings appears as a supernatural figure who decides who gets wings.

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In Wings: The Fairy of the Wings appears as a supernatural figure who decides who gets wings. Later, in The Herald of the Beast: The Herald of the Beast appears as a central figure, symbolizing impending doom and the…

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Character Web

9 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Allegorical and exotic figures
Recurring domestic characters

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because the old man undergoes a profound psychological reversal, abandonin…

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In the story

The Beast appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Wings
The Fairy of the Wings appears as a supernatural figure who decides who gets wings.
The Herald of the Beast
The Herald of the Beast appears as a central figure, symbolizing impending doom and the corruption of innocence.
II
A monstrous creature with an immense head and luminous velvet eyes; attacked Timaride and now follows him, roaring and thudding through the darkness.
III
The Herald of the Beast announces the Beast's approach; the Beast ultimately breaks through the walls and devours Gurof.
II
The caged dweller from beyond the Mairure whose roar terrifies the narrator and evokes memories of village nights.
V
The beast is the mysterious dweller in the woods who demands human sacrifice and is described as roaring like a beast.
VI
The monstrous dweller beyond the river Mairure, described as immense, fierce, green-eyed, and capable of terrifying roars.
Captive Death
The Knight is described as brave and invincible, but is unnamed; he captures Death and later releases her after hearing Life's words.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Beast in short fiction

See The Beast in Wings