The Gods of Mars · Character

Kantos Kan

Padwar of Helium's navy and John Carter's steadfast friend, he proves that loyalty on Barsoom is measured in deeds, not titles.

supporting

Also known as Kantos Kan.

First appearance: the gods of mars

As a supporting figure in The Gods of Mars, Kantos Kan is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Commands the Helium navy, intervenes to prevent a mutiny, and informs John Carter of Dejah Thoris's fate.

In the storyUnder ArrestOpen this moment free

See Kantos Kan in Under Arrest Book page

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Kantos Kan is the kind of officer whose competence and calm make him invaluable in a crisis, whether aboard a warship or inside a dungeon. His bond with Carter is tested by the political storms around Helium, yet he never wavers in the quiet, practical ways that matter most. He anchors the story's human scale, reminding readers that Carter's grand adventures rest on friendships willing to risk everything.

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

See Kantos Kan in the gods of mars

Character Web

10 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Allies and Antagonists of Helium
Protagonist

+5 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and strategic turning point where John Carter s…

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Relationships

Dejah Thoris
friendship · positive
Dejah Thoris and Kantos Kan are loyal allies and friends, with Kantos Kan serving as a… How this plays out →
Zat Arras
rivalry · negative
Dejah Thoris
friendship · positive
Dejah Thoris and Kantos Kan are loyal allies and friends, with Kantos Kan serving as a… How this plays out →
Zat Arras
rivalry · negative
Dejah Thoris
friendship · positive
Dejah Thoris and Kantos Kan are loyal allies and friends, with Kantos Kan serving as a… How this plays out →

Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris and Kantos Kan are loyal allies and friends, with Kantos Kan serving as a trusted officer of Helium.
Zat Arras
Kantos Kan is a fierce rival of Zat Arras, opposing his treacherous schemes.
Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris and Kantos Kan are loyal allies and friends, with Kantos Kan serving as a trusted officer of Helium.
Zat Arras
Kantos Kan is a fierce rival of Zat Arras, opposing his treacherous schemes.
Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris and Kantos Kan are loyal allies and friends, with Kantos Kan serving as a trusted officer of Helium.

Relationship notes

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

See Kantos Kan in the gods of mars

In the story

Kantos Kan appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Under Arrest
Commands the Helium navy, intervenes to prevent a mutiny, and informs John Carter of Dejah Thoris's fate.
The Death Sentence
Defies Zat Arras by throwing his sword at Carter's feet, rallying the people of Helium to support the Prince.
Sola's Story
Commander-in-chief of the navy; tasked with remodelling battleships for the expedition.
The Air Battle
Commands part of the fleet alongside Carthoris and John Carter in the assault.
Through Flood and Flame
Mentioned as father of Djor Kantos, who aids John Carter.
Victory and Defeat
Arrives with a thousand red men to support John Carter in the throne room.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Kantos Kan in the gods of mars

See Kantos Kan in Under Arrest