Triplanetary · Character

Clio Marsden

Radiant belle of the liner Hyperion, a ground-gripper dazzled by the void, whose first glimpse of the stars ends in terror and a limp collapse in Costigan's arms.

major

Also known as Clio, Miss Marsden

First appearance: VII: Pirates of Space

See Clio Marsden in VII: Pirates of Space Book page

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In Book II: The World War: Ralph Kinnison's love interest; appears in personal moments amid the war. Later, in Book III: Triplanetary: Miss Marsden appears as a passenger or civilian involved in the events aboard the…

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See Clio Marsden in VII: Pirates of Space

Character Web

14 connections

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Relationship types

Romantic
Professional
Social
Other

Character groups

Triplanetary and Nevian Key Figures
Protagonist

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Roger’s cold, cal…

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Relationships

Conway Costigan
romantic · positive
Captain Bradley
professional · positive
Roger
social · ambivalent
Conway Costigan
romantic · positive
Conway Costigan
romantic · positive
Captain Bradley
professional · positive
Captain Bradley
professional · positive
Roger
social · ambivalent

Conway Costigan
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and protective affection.
Captain Bradley
Captain Bradley acts as a protective commanding officer toward Clio Marsden, likely responsible for her safety.
Roger
Clio Marsden and Roger are acquaintances or fellow passengers, with Roger possibly showing romantic interest.
Conway Costigan
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and protective affection.
Conway Costigan
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and protective affection.
Captain Bradley
Captain Bradley acts as a protective commanding officer toward Clio Marsden, likely responsible for her safety.
Captain Bradley
Captain Bradley acts as a protective commanding officer toward Clio Marsden, likely responsible for her safety.
Roger
Clio Marsden and Roger are acquaintances or fellow passengers, with Roger possibly showing romantic interest.

Relationship notes

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See Clio Marsden in VII: Pirates of Space

In the story

Clio Marsden appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book II: The World War
Ralph Kinnison's love interest; appears in personal moments amid the war.
Book III: Triplanetary
Miss Marsden appears as a passenger or civilian involved in the events aboard the spaceship.
VII: Pirates of Space
Passenger on the Hyperion; captured and taken to Roger's base.
In Roger's Planetoid
Suffers from space-sickness but helps delay Roger during the escape.
X: Within the Red Veil
A prisoner with Costigan and Bradley, she expresses horror at the Nevians but shows resilience, questioning their destination.
Nevian Strife
Reciprocates Costigan's love, shows resilience despite sleeplessness, and participates in the escape from the Nevian battle.
Worm, Submarine, and Freedom
Shows fear during the worm attack but helps with suit modifications, demonstrating undaunted spirit.
XV: Specimens
Endures the psychological torture of being studied; breaks down hysterically under the strain.
XVIII: The Specimens Escape
Held captive in a different Nevian city; communicates via ultra-beam; rescued by Costigan; shares an emotional reunion.
Giants Meet
Aboard the speedster with Costigan; expresses lingering distrust of the Nevians despite the treaty.

Chapter companion notes

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See Clio Marsden in VII: Pirates of Space