Main Characters of the Path of Daggers

Throughout the Wheel of Time series, Robert Jordan has narrated the story from the perspective of some character involved in or witnessing the events being unveiled. In some of the books, only a few characters provide the perspective for the narrative, while in other books the perspective changes frequently from chapter to chapter. Path of Daggers, 8^th book in the series is one of the latter books. Due to the numerous perspective changes in the book, few characters receive lengthy focus in the story. This makes only a few characters actually stand out as main characters in this novel.

Elayne Trakand - The daughter-heir to the throne of Andor is the focus character for the early portion of the novel. Much of her story actually involves observing less important characters around her. While ostensibly leading a large group of women who can channel towards the Caemlyn, she watches as various women provide leadership to her companions. This helps her improve her own leadership skills and prepares her for the challenge of reclaiming the throne of Andor when she eventually arrives in Caemlyn.

Egwene al'Vere - As the appointed Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, Egwene finds herself with very little power and just shy of being a puppet of one of two powerful Aes Sedai. With the help of Siuan Sanche, Gareth Byrne, and a small cadre of loyal Aes Sedai, she manipulates the powerful rebel Aes Sedai that make up the Hall in order to gain real independent power.

Perrin Aybara - Only briefly involved in the story, this blacksmith turned lord and general leads a disparate group of individuals loyal to the Dragon to find the self proclaimed Prophet. Still uncomfortable with leadership, he shows surprising skill at it by becoming the liege lord of Queen Alliandre and enticing the interest of ex-Queen Morgase, such that she secretly joins with him.

Faile Aybara - The new wife of Perrin becomes a main character for the first time in this novel. Her careful manipulations of the political undercurrents in her husband's army help him throughout the novel. By the end of the novel she is captured but shows strength of character and keeps her captured subordinates calm with her strength.

Cadsuane Melaidhrin - Though she has few scenes in the novel, her very presence impacts a large portion of the main plotline. From multiple sources it becomes apparent that she is critical to the Rand succeeding in defeating the Dark One. During the novel, she manages to cement some alliances, but her overall goal of teaching the Dragon Reborn to laugh and cry does not come to fruition.

Rand al'Thor - As he has been since the first novel, Rand is the Dragon Reborn, destined to both save and destroy the world. Falling ever deeper into madness due to the taint on the male half of the Source, Rand makes increasingly unwise decisions throughout the story. By the end of the story, he has already lost one kingdom he held and his actions have caused some of his Asha'man, his strongest military force, to betray him and try to kill him.