Characters

Question 1

Genly AI

Answer 1

Ai is both the hero of this quest tale and its primary storyteller. His mission of persuading Gethen to join the Ekumen is fraught with challenges. An Earthly male, Ai has difficulty relating to the androgynous Gethenians. He finds himself unable to communicate effectively, a problem complicated by his gender-based perceptions. As a result of the communication difficulties, he doesn’t know whom to trust, and his miscalculations cost him dearly. The journey changes Ai. His relationship with Estraven grows into friendship as their differences enable Ai to see himself more clearly. In addition, he and Estraven grow in their interdependence; without each other, neither would survive. As Ai’s gender-based perceptions are stripped away by the harshness of the environment, he learns to see Estraven as a fellow human being. The two are then able to communicate and form a deep bond of friendship.

Question 2

Estraven

Answer 2

Estraven’s loyalty to the nation of Karhide is questioned, and he is exiled. He believes in Ai’s mission of getting Karhide to join the Ekumen, though Ai distrusts him due to the communication difficulties between them. Estraven proves his loyalty to Ai, as well as to the greater mission, as he works behind the scenes to help Ai get to Orgoreyn. When Estraven realizes Ai is in danger, he warns him. Ai fails to heed the warning quickly enough and is imprisoned, but Estraven orchestrates his rescue. Estraven and Ai’s friendship grows over the course of the novel. Estraven’s integrity and commitment to working for the good of mankind become clear by the end of the story. Estraven’s perspective provides critical information to the reader, as Ai’s perspective is limited. Estraven’s journals serve as a way to communicate his views within the story.

Question 3

Arek

Answer 3

Arek is Estraven’s deceased brother.

Question 4

King Argaven XV

Answer 4

Argaven serves as king of Karhide. He is thought to be “mad” and rules by fear.

Question 5

Asra

Answer 5

Asra is a prisoner at the work camp who swaps stories with Ai.

Question 6

Ashe Berosty

Answer 6

Ashe Berosty is a lord who asks the Foretellers to tell him the day he will die. He kills his kemmering (sexual partner), Herbor.

Question 7

Faxe the Weaver

Answer 7

Faxe is a Foreteller and leader of the Handdara religious group. Faxe predicts Karhide will join the Ekumen, which encourages Ai to pursue the mission.

Question 8

Ashe Foreth

Answer 8

Ashe Foreth is Estraven’s kemmering (sexual partner), who remains loyal to Estraven, even when Estraven is branded a traitor.

Question 9

Therem

Answer 9

Therem is the son of Estraven and Stokven. He murders his brothers and becomes known as Estraven the Traitor.

Question 10

Tibe

Answer 10

Tibe, the cousin of King Argaven, takes Estraven’s place as prime minister after Estraven’s exile. He seeks to bring unity to Karhide through war, which he also sees as bolstering his own reputation.

Question 11

Foretellers

Answer 11

The Foretellers are a group who can see the future.

Question 12

Gaum

Answer 12

Gaum is a member of the Sarf. He tries to seduce Ai.

Question 13

Goss

Answer 13

Goss is a Gethenian guide who introduces Ai to Faxe the Weaver.

Question 14

Esvans Harth

Answer 14

Esvans Harth is Estraven’s father.

Question 15

Sorve Harth

Answer 15

Sorve Harth is Estraven’s son.

Question 16

Herbor

Answer 16

Herbor offers his life to the Foretellers in exchange for information about when his kemmering, or sexual partner, Ashe Berosty will die. Herbor is killed by Berosty.

Question 17

Mersen

Answer 17

Mersen is a spy for Erhenrang, though his role is a secret to no one.

Question 18

Meshe

Answer 18

Meshe is a deity representing the center of time in the Yomeshta teachings.

Question 19

Obsle

Answer 19

Obsle is one of the Commensals in Orgoreyn. He seems most supportive of Ai’s mission.

Question 20

Ong tot Oppong

Answer 20

Ong Tot Oppong is the investigator of the first Ekumenical landing party.

Question 21

Shusgis

Answer 21

Shusgis is Commissioner of Entry-Roads and Ports. Estraven blackmails him to get the necessary false papers to secure Ai’s rescue.

Question 22

Slose

Answer 22

Slose is a Commensal social leader and a mystic. He believes the ship’s coming ushers in the Second Age of Meshe.

Question 23

Stokven

Answer 23

Stokven vows lifelong kemmering (sexual partnership) to Estraven and gives birth to Therem.

Question 24

Thessicher

Answer 24

Thessicher is a farmer who betrays Estraven despite Estraven’s past loyalty and friendship.

Question 25

Yegey

Answer 25

Yegey is one of the Commensals. However, he is quick to betray Ai.