Character Profile: Bander @Solsticepublish

Now that we have talked about Rander Greenlith it is time to talk about his fraternal twin brother, Bander Greenlith.  The two young elves could not be more different.  While Rander is scheming and devious, Bander is simple and easily manipulated.  Rander is small and frail.  Bander is one of the largest elves and possesses relatively great strength.  Rander always thinks of himself first while Bander cares about other people.  He is loyal, trustworthy and thinks in only the most basic terms.  While Rander covets money and power, Bander wants nothing more than good food and plenty of it.  When Bander is first introduced he is completely under his brother’s control.  For their entire lives, Bander has been the muscle backing up his brother’s threats and actions.  The result is he hates Linvin at first.  His only reason for this disposition, however, is because Rander instructed him for as long as he can remember that he loathes Linvin.  Some may mistake Bander for a person who lacks intelligence.  That is far from the truth.  Bander has a brain.  He just seldom uses it for anything complex because he has no interest in such endeavors.  His thoughts are plain and uncomplicated.  He works as a lumberjack and asks for nothing special in life.  In a way, he is probably the happiest person in the book for that reason.  Bander is told to go on the quest by his brother and happily obliges.  Deep down, though, he knows Linvin and Anvar need his help.  As the story progresses no character grows as much as Bander.  The more he is exposed to his cousin and uncle, the more he thinks for himself.  Though he learns to be an ample warrior, he shows that he is caring and likable.  More and more his new found independent thinking conflicts with Rander’s plans.  Friction takes place with both his brother and Linvin.  Bander becomes confused and struggles to decide which side to take in arguments.  He has to use his intellect at last and he is not used to doing so.  One of the best parts of having Bander in the story is his comic relief.  He has no use for deep conversations and often adds levity to tense situations.  If you were looking for a good-natured person to sit down for a meal and a drink with, Bander would be your man.  Though intricate thoughts are a stretch for him, the world would be a much happier place if there were more people like Bander in it.