Words of Radiance

Kaladin is one of the primary characters in Words of Radiance. He is a bodyguard for the Kholin family and the leader of Bridge Four. Throughout the novel, Kaladin’s sense of morality and justice guides him, but his desire for personal vengeance sometimes clouds his moral judgment. He has a traumatic past, one dominated by prejudice and pain, and this leads him to hold prejudice against lighteyes. In particular, Kaladin seeks justice for those murdered by Brightlord Amaram. Syl questions whether Kaladin should kill Amaram, and Kaladin argues that this is the best course: “‘It’s justice, Syl,’ he said, suddenly angry, turning toward her. ‘You tell me that I need to protect. If I kill him, that’s what I’m doing! Protecting people, keeping him from ruining them. Like he ruined me’” (615). Kaladin wants vengeance, and he frames his pursuit of it as a preventative measure against further crimes. The more Syl challenges Kaladin’s motives and opinions about lighteyes, the more he must confront his prejudices and what it means to be honorable.

Kaladin’s mistrust of lighteyes and their code of honor leads him to plot against Elhokar, seeking to remove him as king. However, this leads to his bond with Syl being broken, and he is forced to consider whether it is just to kill Elhokar for the good of the kingdom.