Dragons of Autumn Twilight

by: Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

In this report, I will make an analysis of a character from the book. It is important to mention, that this book is only one of a trilogy called "The Dragon Lance Chronicles" and the analysis of the character might be based also on the two other books, that describe the future of the character.

The character that I'm focusing on is Raistlin Majer. Raistlin, is one of the main characters in the book, who tells us the story of eight people, traveling around the world. They don't know it yet, but the world's future is in their hands.

And the world is Krynn. It's not so easy to understand the plot without knowing the rules of the world we're in. I can not tell the whole story of this world in this paper, but only the story of Raistlin Majer the first.

The art of magic, is the art of the wise. It does not require great strength or physical power, but it does require wisdom and intelligence. Raistlin was very wise, and a very powerful mage, considering his young age.

At the beginning of the story, Raistlin is presented as a weak, dependent person, that can't live without his brother Caramon. Caramon is a very strong warrior, that takes care of his twin brother like a baby. Caramon, is not so smart, and does not realize the great powers that are stored in his brother's shattered body. Raistlin is presented as an exploiter, who takes advantage of his brother's goodness. He would give anything to earn power, even if he would have to run over someone on the way.

All those things, lead to stress between Raistlin and those he calls as his 'dear friends'. But Raistlin has no dear friends, says Tanis to himself. Tanis is the leader of the companion, and probably the smartest, except Raistlin.

Another problem in the relationship between Raistlin and the others is in his appearance. Raistlin's skin has turned gold since a dark and mysterious event occurred in his past. His eyes have also turned gold, and the pupils inside of them are now in the shape of hourglasses.

These are the main reasons that Raistlin is not a part of the complete and honest trust that the rest of the companions have to each other. It is mentioned in the book more than once that the only reason that Raistlin is still with the companion, is the respect and trust that the rest feel towards Caramon, Raistlin's loving and caring brother.

All along the plot the groups are described as 'Raistlin' and 'the rest'. And it is insinuated that if it weren't for all the problems that the group has to face - Raistlin wouldn't be among those people.

Some of those 'rest' had fears that Raistlin would be just another problem on their way. His health would probably be a problem, and there was always the need to watch him. But as things get complicated, Raistlin is proved more and more useful at a time of danger. However he's more dangerous if he decides to turn against the group.

The red cape he wears, means neutrality, in the battle between good and evil. Together with the hood, the whispering voice and the hard dominant nature of him, the cape gives a general idea of who he is.

The reason I chose Raistlin for my subject, is that he is my favorite character. I found him unpredictable and therefore interesting. As the story unfolds, I was surprised to find out new things about his character, and his past.

In the beginning of the book, Caramon is preparing Tanis for the meeting with Raistlin in the words 'he's changed'. Right from the beginning Raistlin has a different image from the rest.

To have a real clue of who Raistlin is, I have brought two events from the book and their meaning:

1 . " ....'How are you going to get down, Raist?' Caramon asked, his face lined with concern. 'I can carry you on my back ..'. Raistlin's eyes flashed with an anger that startled Tanis. 'I can get down myself!' the mage hissed. Before anyone could stop him, he stepped to the edge of the hole and leaped out into the air. Everyone gasped and peered down, expecting to see Raistlin splattered all over the ground. Instead, they saw the young mage floating down, his robes fluttering around him." This is a classic case that shows how unique Raistlin is. The words that describe his behavior are strong enough to demonstrate how bitter he is against everyone, and especially to his brother.

2 . " ....'We may not have won the war,' Tanis began, 'but surely we have won a major battle..' Raistlin coughed and shook his head sadly. 'Do you see no hope?' Tanis asked. 'Hope is a denial to the reality. It is the carrot dangled before the draft horse to keep him plodding in a vain attempt to reach it.'....". This conversation occurred in the end of the book, and shows Raistlin's pessimistic nature and his way of looking at things. For me it says all about him, and when I read it I was very curious about Raistlin's future.