Kaladin

His mother advises him on his future in youth and later supports him emotionally during his work at the sanitarium, though he hides his darkest experiences from her.

Kaladin's beloved younger brother, whose death in battle fuels his guilt and protective drive; in Book 4 a vision of Tien comforts him and helps him accept that he could not save everyone.

Their first meeting is tense and bitter over battlefield authority; by Book 4 Adolin is a close friend who draws Kaladin out of his despair with patient companionship and banter.

A shell-shocked bridgeman Kaladin heals and protects; in Book 4 Dabbid repays that care by seeking help when Kaladin falls unconscious.

Kaladin first resents Dalinar as another lighteyes but saves his army, and Dalinar repays him by trading his Shardblade for Bridge Four's freedom. Later Dalinar becomes a mentor, removing Kaladin from combat and teaching him that protection can mean healing.

Moash moves from skeptic to Kaladin's devoted bridgeman, but in Book 4 he has become Odium's agent, murdering prisoners and trying to drive Kaladin to suicide by exploiting his grief.

An early loyal supporter in Bridge Four who keeps vigil during the highstorm, Rock remains devoted, crediting Kaladin with giving him his life back before departing to face his people's justice.

Unconnected in Book 1, by Book 4 Kaladin is a trusted friend to Shallan and her personas Veil and Radiant, offering insight into mental distress.

Initially resistant to Kaladin's leadership, Sigzil becomes a trusted companion and Windrunner whom Kaladin protects in battle.

Initially an inexplicable windspren Kaladin fears may cause his misfortune, Syl becomes his honorspren whose bond grants him Stormlight; by Book 4 she is his steadfast companion, quietly recruiting Adolin to keep him from isolation even as their powers are impaired.

Teft teaches Kaladin about Stormlight and the Radiants in Bridge Four; later a fellow Windrunner whom Kaladin protects and treats during the occupation of Urithiru.

A childhood companion and early romantic interest; she remains a fond connection from his hometown.

The Fused leader duels Kaladin with mutual respect, and their rivalry shifts toward cooperation when civilians are threatened.

Kaladin's surgeon father taught him healing and pacifism; their conflict over soldiering persists, though Lirin's training shapes Kaladin's analytical mind and his later care for wounded soldiers.

Recruited despite his missing arm, Lopen becomes an enthusiastic, loyal companion who remains among Kaladin's closest friends.

Once Kaladin's heroic ideal, Amaram betrays him, kills his squad, and brands him a slave; he later serves as a moral warning against coercing soldiers into war.

The highprince who treated bridgemen as expendable bait and sentenced Kaladin to die in a highstorm.

The citylord who conscripted Tien; Kaladin once helped treat him despite his hatred, and later struggles with being unable to forgive him even as Roshone changes.