Short Fiction · Character

Douglas O'Brien

Arnsen's studious, dream-shadowed roommate at Midwestern, the quiet idealist dragged along like the tail of a kite by his reckless friend.

supporting

Also known as Poor Doug, Doug, O'Brien, Once O'Brien, But O'Brien, Silently O'Brien

First appearance: the secret of kralitz

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Douglas O'Brien is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Arnsen's missing friend, referred to as 'Poor Doug'; his fate is unknown.

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Where Arnsen was rakehell and laughing, Doug was thoughtful and studious, a Celtic idealist with a dream always lurking in his dark eyes. The two shared a rare mental communion of laughter and dream, yet Doug's fate is…

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See Douglas O'Brien in the secret of kralitz

Character Web

5 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Mythological and Indigenous Figures
Disguised and Alien Characters
Expanded Cast of Named Characters

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Douglas O'Brien appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Prologue
Arnsen's missing friend, referred to as 'Poor Doug'; his fate is unknown.
I: The Star-Gem
O'Brien discovers the star-gem inside the meteorite and becomes entranced by it, claiming it shows him a vision of a beautiful woman.
II: Lure of the Crystal
O'Brien is driven by the gem's guidance, quitting his job and building a spaceship to find Deirdre.
III: The Singing Crystals
Obsessed with the crystal and the being Deirdre, he ventures out alone and nearly dies from oxygen deprivation.
IV: Circe the Immortal
Found alive in the cavern, haggard but aflame with vitality; welcomes Arnsen and uses the crystals to put him to sleep.
V: The Jewel-Folk
Now at peace, explains the crystalline life and Circe's nature; is sacrificed into the flame-pillar and transformed into a sentient crystal.
Epilogue
Mentioned as still being on the asteroid with the others, left behind.

Chapter companion notes

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See Douglas O'Brien in the secret of kralitz

See Douglas O'Brien in Prologue