The Smallest Dragonboy

As the “most senior of the boys” (3), Beterli is the largest and most threatening among the dragonrider candidates. He leads the pack, but he garnered this position through fear and intimidation, not respect. Beterli is often described as having a cruel, condescending smile on his face and is prone to acts of physical violence. With eight Impressions under his belt but no dragon to show for them, Beterli’s size doesn’t seem to be the deciding factor in whether or not he Impresses; rather, the narration implies that his questionable character lies at the root of this issue. He never wastes an opportunity to ridicule Keevan, even resorting to physical violence, despite rules that forbid it. Beterli’s lack of respect for authority, as well as for his peers, is evident in the observation that he “didn’t fight fair even when a wingsecond was watching” (5). He remains static, stuck in selfish displays of smug superiority that do him no favors, such as injuring Keevan in their final interaction, an action that indefinitely bans him from participating in another Impression. Beterli proves that physical size and strength don’t account for a person’s value, as assessed by the dragons; a person’s actions and intentions determine their worth.

Keevan is the main focus of Beterli’s bullying, though their peers are well-acquainted with his taunts and his fists. This fixation on Keevan suggests that Beterli struggles with intense insecurities stemming from eight failed Impressions. Though he uses his physical size and eldest status to his advantage, he is threatened by the possibility that the smallest and youngest candidate, Keevan, may Impress a dragon before he does.

The story provides minimal description of Keevan’s stepmother, Mende, though she is portrayed as gentle, compassionate, and just. Her wisdom and intelligence are alluded to in every interaction. For example, in the beginning of the story, Keevan mentions that she knows “every word of every Harper’s tale worth telling” (6). Mende is an archetypal character, embodying the wise mentor who also happens to serve as the mother figure to Keevan. Her wisdom is given weight due to her experience, which is evident in her assertion that she’s “seen many a well-grown lad left standing on the sands, Hatching Day, in favor of someone not so strong or tall or handsome” (6). She also witnessed their Weyrleader Impress his bronze, Mnementh, showing that she has been around for a long time and knows much more than Keevan about this process. Not only does she impart the necessary guidance he needs at various stages of the story—such as when she lists traits that she believes dragons value over physical strength and size—but she also serves as a role model, especially when Keevan must take on parts of her nurturing role for Heth when the dragon chooses him.

Mende serves as a voice of reason to combat Keevan’s self-doubt throughout his journey to self-realization. In his moments of insecurity, she uses her knowledge and insight to remind him he is worthy and able, factors that are not tied to his age or his size. In dialogue and action, Mende continuously delivers on the lesson Keevan must learn in the end: His biggest strength lies in his virtuous character.