The Stormlight Archive · Character
Shen
Also known as Rlain
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 53
Shen is assigned to Bridge Four as a parshman in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 53
- Books
- 2
Shen first appears as a silent parshman assigned to Bridge Four, where Kaladin insists the wary crew accept him; his fierce distress over the desecration of Parshendi dead hints at a hidden identity. He is later revealed to be Rlain, a listener spy who served alongside the humans of Bridge Four and came to call them family. By Rhythm of War, Rlain is a Windrunner squire caught between worlds during the occupation of Urithiru. He refuses a spren pressured into bonding him, aids the resistance, and is finally chosen by Tumi, an altered mistspren sent at Renarin's request, and invited to become a Radiant on his own terms.
Description
Shen is short and stout, with a plump, sturdy build and black-and-red marbled skin. His head is bald, and his thick fingers, arms, and thighs give him a solid, powerfully grounded appearance. He is seen in simple bridge crew clothing or a loincloth, with his eyes often lowered and his shoulders slumped. His marbled coloring and quiet, guarded bearing are his most distinctive features. Rlain has intricately marbled black-and-red skin, with patterns that distinguish him unmistakably as a listener. His build is not specified; in warform, carapace is visible beneath his clothing. He most often wears the Bridge Four uniform, with the group’s tattoo as a further mark of belonging, though makeup may cover it. His manner is observant and composed, and his expressive face often accompanies a quiet hum.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Venliconflicting source relationships
Rlain and Venli are fellow listeners and the only two left together in the tower; Rlain never particularly liked her. He condemns her betrayal of their people but credits her for freeing him from prison, and they guide humans and singers to safety together. Their bond is strained when she decides to leave.
- D
Dabbidfamily member
Rlain confronts Dabbid about hiding his ability to speak and reassures him that being different is no reason to conceal himself.
- E
Eshonaiconflicting source relationships
Eshonai was the listener general Rlain hoped to contact while spying among the bridgemen. He later asks Venli whether Eshonai survived.
Kaladinconflicting source relationships
In Book 1, Kaladin names Shen and insists that Bridge Four accept him, while still keeping him from weapons training. By Book 4, they are close friends and fellow Windrunners. Rlain trusts that Kaladin is alive and fights to protect him, and Kaladin expects Rlain to bond a spren soon.
- L
Liftrescue partner
Lift works with Rlain to reach and heal Kaladin, surprising him by still being able to use her healing powers.
Navani Kholinconflicting source relationships
Navani records Rlain's testimony about Gavilar and the spheres. She also proposes him as a possible singer Bondsmith for the Sibling.
Teftcomrade
Teft is Rlain's Bridge Four comrade; Rlain mourns his death with the Song of the Fallen.
- T
Thudefellow listener
Thude is a fellow listener from Eshonai's circle who travelled the Shattered Plains with Rlain.
- T
Timbreprospective bond partner
Timbre signals through Venli that Rlain is already spoken for by another spren.
- H
Hesinaconflicting source relationships
Hesina accepts Rlain as a person rather than a symbol. Together they conceal maps and work to rescue Kaladin.
- L
Leshwially
Leshwi chooses to stand and fight alongside Rlain to protect the group of human and singer resisters.
- L
Lirinconflicting source relationships
Lirin trusts Rlain and confides in him about the family's danger. They argue over whether treating Kaladin could lead to his surrender or execution, with Rlain insisting he must also be protected from the enemy.
- RK
Renarin Kholinconflicting source relationships
Renarin observed Rlain, judged him worthy, and recommended him to Tumi, making the new bond possible.
- T
TumiRadiant spren
Tumi is an altered mistspren who chooses Rlain as a bondmate and admires him as the Bridger of Minds.
- Y
Yunfahprospective bondmate
Kaladin and Syl persuaded Yunfah to consider bonding Rlain, but Rlain refused because the spren had been pressured.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Is assigned to Bridge Four as a parshman, and Kaladin names him Shen and declares him a member of the crew
- Quietly watches and imitates the bridgemen while drawing little attention
- Becomes deeply distressed when he witnesses the desecration of Parshendi dead, despite Kaladin's attempt to shield him
- Is excluded from weapons training but included in the salvage party
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Serves as a Windrunner squire and works the tower fields, isolated as a listener among humans
- Refuses to bond Yunfah because the spren was pressured into the arrangement
- Hears Venli's confession about the listeners' betrayal and cooperates with her during the occupation of Urithiru
- Helps Hesina, Lirin, and Lift reach and heal Kaladin, and mourns Teft with the Song of the Fallen
- Is chosen by Tumi, an altered mistspren sent at Renarin's request, and invited to speak the Words
Appearances
Meet Shen in Bookworm
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