Quadrants
For all of her life, Violet Sorrengail trained to be in the Scribe quadrant; because of her training and disability, that represents her best path forward to a happy, safe, and sustainable life. Instead, she ironically chooses to join the Rider quadrant, where her life will be tumultuous, and she will struggle to fit in (and succeed) because of her disability.
Violet's mother
Typically, parents want their children to have happy and successful lives. However, Violet's mother, who runs the college she attends, strongly pushes her towards the Rider quadrant, putting her life at risk every day. She wants the best for her daughter, but that doesn't necessarily mean her being happy, successful, or even (unexpectedly) safe.
Jack Barlowe
By virtue of his position as a member of the Riders, Jack Barlowe is meant to protect his school, classmates, and the military he fights for. However, instead of helping those he serves with, he actively harms them, actively going against his mission (and what he promised to do).
Violet Sorrengail
Violet Sorrengail, the novel's main character and protagonist, is afflicted with a disease that affects skin, bones, blood vessels, and muscles. It is similar to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Despite having a disability, Violet ironically lives a similar life to many able-bodied people.
