# Lal — The Time Traders character guide

> Lal in The Time Traders by Andre Norton.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Apparently Lal

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Snapshot

A talkative, self-aware tribesman who admits his own tongue wags too freely, Lal trades information and silence for a white wolf skin and a chance to disappear into the marsh.

## Who they are

Lal is a small man caught between great powers, frightened of Lurgha yet shrewd enough to know that quarrels of gods are not for him. When Ashe stages a fiery display and offers the rare wolf skin for the Mother's shrine, Lal accepts the bargain and promptly removes himself from the village so he cannot be asked questions. His cheerful cowardice and practical cunning make him both a liability and an asset—and a window into how the past's ordinary people survive the agents' war.

## Relationships

### [Lurgha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/lurgha)

_family_

Lal and Lurgha are siblings, with Lal often protective of his sister in the harsh tribal environment.

### [Ashe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/ashe)

_friendship_

Ashe forms a bond of trust with Lal, a native leader, to secure cooperation for the mission.

### [Nodren](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/nodren)

_friendship_

Lal and Nodren are fellow tribesmen who cooperate in defending their people against threats.

### [Assha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/assha)

_friendship_

Assha and Lal share a bond of mutual respect and cooperation within their tribal community.

### [Ashe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/ashe)

_friendship_

Ashe forms a bond of trust with Lal, a native leader, to secure cooperation for the mission.

### [Lurgha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/lurgha)

_family_

Lal and Lurgha are siblings, with Lal often protective of his sister in the harsh tribal environment.

### [Nodren](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/nodren)

_friendship_

Lal and Nodren are fellow tribesmen who cooperate in defending their people against threats.

### [Assha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/assha)

_friendship_

Assha and Lal share a bond of mutual respect and cooperation within their tribal community.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/chapters/vi)

Attempts to ambush Ross but is captured; had tied up McNeil.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/chapters/vii)

Captured while hunting traders for Lurgha; reveals he is a follower of the Great Mother and was after treasure; sent away by Ashe with a white wolf skin.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters/lal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_time_traders_se/characters