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- "And yet," said Torin, "I believe it is the mark of a great leader to question the decisions that came before him. Perhaps, once we've solved some of our more immediate problems, we can readdress this."
- ―Torin to Kai
Konn Torin is a supporting character in The Lunar Chronicles. He appears in all four books as well as the prequel, Fairest, and both of the Wires and Nerve graphic novels. He was the late Emperor Rikan's advisor before his death and is currently Emperor Kaito's advisor.
History[]
Pre-Series[]
It is presumed that Torin had been working at the palace for several decades given his old age as well as Kai's remembrance of him being a permanent fixture in the palace and the country's subsequent affairs before he was even born. He served diligently as Emperor Rikan's personal and most trusted advisor.
Fairest[]
Torin is seen mourning the death of the empress alongside Emperor Rikan and a ten-year old Kai. He was clearly upset with her passing, noting that he had a sour look on his face and his eyes were downcast, but he remained calm and poised throughout the press conference regardless of the turmoil they were facing.
Characteristics[]
Physical Attributes[]
Kai has felt that looking at Torin was similar to how he imagined he would be, though a much older and wiser version of himself. He described Torin as having "neat, gray-flecked hair, a longer nose, and thin, stern lips."
Personality[]
Torin carries a very diplomatic and serious demeanor most of the time and scolds Kai when he jokes around and thinks optimistically. Despite that, he really does care about Kai and wants to help him in all the ways that he can. Torin is like a father figure to Kai now that his real father is gone as he has known the royal family well.
Torin is logical and uses rational whereas Kai can come off as far more inclined to use his emotions when making decisions. In Cress, he constantly shuts down Kai's hopes that Cinder is on their side, claiming that he knows virtually nothing about her, considering she lied to him with just about everything. Despite this, he is determined to protect Kai as best he can, ensuring that those he deems unsafe and treacherous have no chance of bringing harm to him.
He likewise cares deeply for the Commonwealth, its citizens and its wellbeing. He knows what's best for the country at any given point in time and seeks to help Kai the best he can, despite his lack of experience in the world of foreign affairs. This entails even going as far as to take on the demanding but much needed position of acting emperor after Kai is kidnapped before his own wedding as well as enveloping him in a hug when they see each other again.
Trivia[]
- In early drafts of Cinder, Torin was named "Coen" and was originally a villain secretly working for Levana.
- He was a permanent fixture in Kai's life before he was even born.
- According to The Happy Writer, Torin does not have a family for he has devoted his entire life to the royal family.
- Marissa Meyer stated in a tweet that Torin happens to be gay, making him the only confirmed LGBTQ+ character in the entire series.
- Meyer has also said that she feels like she did a disservice to his character and wishes she had input more info on him considering the large role he plays for a supporting character.
- Despite the fact that he initially disproved of Cinder, he eventually came around, going so far as to call her linh-dàren (a title of high respect and authority) and genuinely smiling at her before her first official meeting as Queen of Luna.