Kvothe
Kvothe (kəˈvōTH) is the main character in The Kingkiller Chronicle.
Description
Kvothe has pale skin and green eyes, though the intensity of this color is often noted as changing throughout the series. His eyes are similar to the description of his mother's eyes. He has extremely red hair often compared to a flame. He is exceptionally intelligent, quick-witted, sharp-tongued and clever, as well as a talented musician. He is also very curious, a quality that often gets him into trouble. He has a nasty temper, and acts reckless when emotional.
Early Life
Kvothe was born to Arliden and Laurian, the leaders of a troupe of Edema Ruh known as Lord Greyfallow's Men. His early education was spotty - mostly focusing on music and acting.
In his adolescence, Kvothe meets an elderly Arcanist named Abenthy, and witnesses the Arcanist call the name of the wind to frighten off town officials who are pestering him. This sparks Kvothe's interest in "naming," Abenthy is invited to join the troupe in traveling, in exchange for his services as an arcanist.
This encounter is pivotal for Kvothe's life, as Abenthy recognizes that Kvothe is extremely intelligent and agrees to educate him. Kvothe receives education in Sympathy, Chemistry, Rhetoric, and Arithmetic in preparation for admittance to the University, and makes a lasting impact on the young man. Abenthy instructs him in several useful mental tools, such as the "Heart of Stone" to be able to think without emotional attachment, and the "Alar," faith powerful enough to influence the physical world. Abenthy serves not only as an instructor, but a close friend of Kvothe. Abenthy eventually departs the troupe, to Kvothe's dismay, but not before gifting a copy of Rhetoric and Logic, the only book in Abenthy's possession that Kvothe did not read cover-to-cover, with an inscription that Kvothe later intends to use as proof of study under Abenthy.
“Kvothe,
Defend yourself well at the University. Make me proud. Remember your father’s song. Be wary of folly. Your friend,
Abenthy.”
