Inheritance

Saphira is Eragon’s Dragon. In Paolini’s universe, Dragons are sentient beings who are capable of telepathic communication and convey a blend of language and impressions. Saphira is bonded to Eragon, and the two experience a near-constant mingling of thought. Saphira has bright blue scales, and although she is vain about her appearance, her intelligence and kindness shine through in all of her interactions. Her vanity often arises just before a battle, as she always makes sure that she is clean and well-groomed. Although Paolini’s description of this character flaw does rely upon simplistic stereotypes of “feminine” behavior, he also strives to create a strong impression of Saphira’s unique and isolated position as one of the last of the Dragons. As the narrative states:

She knew it was vanity on her part, but she did not care. No other race could match the grandeur of the dragons. Also, she was the last female of her kind, and she wanted those who saw her to marvel at her appearance and to remember her well, so if dragons were to vanish forevermore, two-legs would continue to speak of them with the proper respect, awe, and wonder (317).

However, after experiencing years of despair at the idea that Dragonkind is ultimately doomed, Saphira is elated to discover the surviving eggs hidden on Vroengard. At the end of the book, she mates with Fírnen, Arya’s newly hatched Dragon. Afterward, although she is sad to leave Fírnen, she goes with Eragon to raise the young Dragons away from Alagaësia, commenting optimistically to Eragon: “We are not alone, little one” (849).

Galbatorix is the main antagonist in Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle. Although he is mentioned throughout the series, Inheritance is the first book in which he appears directly. At first, Galbatorix is only referred to through rumors, second-hand descriptions, and various accounts of his actions. He has the reputation of a cruel, ruthless, and tyrannical ruler. As a Rider, Galbatorix is nearly immortal and he is well-versed in magic and combat alike. Over the centuries, he has increased his power through corrupt means, mainly by binding Dragons’ Eldunarí to his will. As a result, he can manipulate almost everyone, and he consolidates his power base by making his servants swear enchanted oaths of fealty. For example, during some of the battles against the Varden, Galbatorix casts spells on his soldiers, enchanting them so that they cannot feel pain and will therefore become a more formidable force.

Galbatorix is first introduced directly after he abducts Nasuada, whom he intends to sway to his cause. In these moments, even Nasuada grudgingly acknowledges the power of his charisma, noting his “low, rich, and commanding” voice, which “wash[es] over her like warm waves of water, caressing her, beguiling her, binding her” (419). She therefore recognizes that the very tone of his voice is perilously geared toward the corruption of others, and he goes on to embody The Ruinous Effects of Tyranny in a far more personalized form when he forces Murtagh to torture her and then casts illusions to manipulate her emotions.

Paradoxically, Galbatorix attempts to defend his tyranny by claiming that he is motivated by a desire for justice. As he explains: “Magic is the great injustice in the world. It would not be so unfair if the ability only occurred among those who were weak […] but […] [t]he strong are just as likely to be able to use magic, and they gain more from it besides” (446). He uses this rationale to justify his decision to control magic by using the name of all names, which is a powerful way to counter any magic spell. However, in reality, the use of this technique merely grants him absolute power, and he chooses not to acknowledge the harm that his oppressive rule has caused for centuries. Eragon eventually forces Galbatorix to recognize his own hypocrisy when the young Rider shows the king the consequences of his actions on other people. Unable to bear the weight of this knowledge, Galbatorix is eventually killed by the spell’s magic.

Nasuada is the leader of the Varden, the rebel alliance that fights openly against Galbatorix. The Varden alliance consists of humans, Elves, Dwarves, Urgals, and Werecats. Nasuada is a young Black woman whose strength, resilience, and innate understanding of strategy render her a highly effective and dynamic leader. She is a friend to Eragon and Saphira, who have both sworn fealty to her, but she does not refrain from admonishing them whenever she disagrees with their actions or opinions. 

While leading the Varden toward Urû’baen, the capital city of Alagaësia where Galbatorix resides, Nasuada is abducted by Murtagh and Thorn. As the Varden advance toward the city, Nasuada is tortured by Galbatorix, who uses nefarious but unsuccessful strategies to try to convince her to switch sides. However, Nasuada resists him thanks to her resilience and strength of will, along with the bond that she develops with Murtagh. At the end of the series, Nasuada’s confidence and growth is symbolized by her claim to the throne, as demonstrated when she declares, “I believe I can make a good queen. […] [A]s with everything I have done while leading the Varden—I believe it is what is best for our people and for the whole of Alagaësia” (753). She is eventually crowned and becomes the High Queen of Alagaësia, and Eragon notes that she is especially well-suited to the role.

Arya is an Elf princess who works with the Varden as an ambassador on behalf of her mother, Queen Islanzadí, who rules as the Elven monarch. Strong and practical, Arya is a skilled warrior and magician. Although she is technically Eragon’s romantic interest, she is over a century older than he is, and she does not want to be in a relationship with Eragon. However, they do become close friends, and she often acts as his confidant—so much so that when Eragon discovers his true name, he wants to share it with Arya as a gesture of unconditional trust and friendship. 

After the battle in Urû’baen, during which Queen Islanzadí is killed, Arya returns to Ellesméra, the Elven realm. She is chosen by her people to be their new ruler, and she also becomes a Rider when Galbatorix’s last Dragon egg hatches for her. Bonding with the young Dragon, she names him Fírnen. Because of her new responsibilities as a sovereign and a Rider, she declines Eragon’s offer to accompany him on his journey away from Alagaësia. Ultimately, they part as close friends and allies.