# Derek Stuart — Short Fiction character guide

> Derek Stuart in Short Fiction by Henry Kuttner.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Stuart, Stuart even, Silently Stuart

**First appearance:** 0000-the-secret-of-kralitz

## Snapshot

A narrator's old classmate, Derek Stuart watches a once-laughing friend return from the outer worlds hollowed out by something he cannot name.

## Who they are

Stuart is the remembering eye in the Port Room, the man who knew Steve Arnsen when he was rakehell and handsome and dragged Doug O'Brien along like a kite's tail. He reads the ravaged face across the table and knows the question coming is not small. His willingness to listen—and to see the crystal—makes him the witness the story needs.

## Relationships

### [The Aesir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/the_aesir)

_rivalry_

Derek Stuart is locked in a deadly conflict with the Aesir, a powerful alien entity.

### [Kari](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/kari)

_romantic_

Derek Stuart and Kari share a deep romantic connection, though Kari's alien nature complicates their bond.

### [Earthgirl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/earthgirl)

_friendship_

Derek Stuart and Earthgirl are close companions, fighting together against common alien threats.

### [The Aesir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/the_aesir)

_rivalry_

Derek Stuart is locked in a deadly conflict with the Aesir, a powerful alien entity.

### [Earthgirl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/earthgirl)

_friendship_

Derek Stuart and Earthgirl are close companions, fighting together against common alien threats.

### [Kari](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/kari)

_romantic_

Derek Stuart and Kari share a deep romantic connection, though Kari's alien nature complicates their bond.

### [Earthgirl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/earthgirl)

_friendship_

Derek Stuart and Earthgirl are close companions, fighting together against common alien threats.

### [Kari](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/kari)

_romantic_

Derek Stuart and Kari share a deep romantic connection, though Kari's alien nature complicates their bond.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/chapters/i)

Protagonist who awakens on Asgard with partial amnesia, fights off a Watcher, and resolves to confront the Aesir.

### [Chapter II: The Hall of the Aesir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/chapters/ii)

Confronts childhood fears in the Aesir's hall, overcoming a nightmare horse and spider.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/chapters/iii)

Stuart is the protagonist, defiant against the Aesir, and seeks a weapon to fight them. He is captured by Kari's betrayal but later awakens with renewed confidence and attempts to free other captives.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/chapters/iv)

The protagonist, now captive and wearing the Aesir's cloak, refuses to give up despite the Protectors' offer of a quick death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters/derek_stuart
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_27_se/characters