# Dandtan — Short Fiction character guide

> Dandtan in Short Fiction by Andre Norton.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0001-i-through-the-blue-haze

## Snapshot

A son of the Ancient Ones who knows Kepta too well to let Garin strike, and who reads the dark corridors of the Black Ones like a map.

## Who they are

Dandtan moves among the Folk with the caution of someone who has already dwelt among enemies and learned their rules. He stays Garin's hand at Kepta's throat, names the morgels loosed into the halls, and trusts the Ana to lead where sight fails. His hard-won knowledge of Black One cruelty and his steadiness under it make him the voice that keeps the escape from becoming a slaughter.

## Relationships

### [Captain Garin Featherstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/captain_garin_featherstone)

_rivalry_

A tense adversarial dynamic marked by frequent confrontations and strategic maneuvering.

### [Lady Thrala](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/lady_thrala)

_psychological_

Dandtan exerts manipulative control over Lady Thrala, often using her as a pawn in his schemes.

### [Kepta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/kepta)

_rivalry_

Two cunning schemers vying for power, each viewing the other as a dangerous obstacle.

### [Trar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/trar)

_professional_

A strained working relationship where Trar reluctantly follows Dandtan’s orders.

### [Lady Thrala](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/lady_thrala)

_psychological_

Dandtan exerts manipulative control over Lady Thrala, often using her as a pawn in his schemes.

### [Captain Garin Featherstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/captain_garin_featherstone)

_rivalry_

A tense adversarial dynamic marked by frequent confrontations and strategic maneuvering.

### [Captain Garin Featherstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/captain_garin_featherstone)

_rivalry_

A tense adversarial dynamic marked by frequent confrontations and strategic maneuvering.

### [Kepta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/kepta)

_rivalry_

Two cunning schemers vying for power, each viewing the other as a dangerous obstacle.

### [Trar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/trar)

_professional_

A strained working relationship where Trar reluctantly follows Dandtan’s orders.

### [Lady Thrala](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/lady_thrala)

_psychological_

Dandtan exerts manipulative control over Lady Thrala, often using her as a pawn in his schemes.

### [Trar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/trar)

_professional_

A strained working relationship where Trar reluctantly follows Dandtan’s orders.

## In the story

### [The People of the Crater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/the-people-of-the-crater)

Provides guidance and context about the Ancient Ones and the Black Ones.

### [VI: Kepta’s Second Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/vi-kepta-s-second-prisoner)

Thrala's beloved, rescued from the morgel pit by Garin; he guides Garin through the caves.

### [VII: Kepta's Trap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/vii-kepta-s-trap)

Springs forward to catch Thrala, restrains Garin from attacking Kepta, and explains the dangers of the morgels and Black Ones.

### [Escape from the Caves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/viii-escape-from-the-caves)

Leads the way through the pit, examines Garin's wounds, applies a leaf plaster, and provides guidance.

### [Days of Preparation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/ix-days-of-preparation)

Leads the race to the Caverns, oversees the forty-day preparation, works with Garin in the laboratories, and reveals his past capture by the Black Ones and knowledge of their defenses.

### [X: Battle and Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/x-battle-and-victory)

Stands with Garin, warns him of Kepta's trap, and oversees the defense.

### [XI: Thrala's Mate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/xi-thrala-s-mate)

Accuses Garin of rebelling against the summoning; reveals he is Thran's son and Thrala's brother; clears the misunderstanding and reunites Garin with Thrala.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/dandtan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters