The Young Elites

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child abuse, illness and death, emotional abuse, sexual content, and self-harm.

Adelina is the 16-year-old protagonist, but she is not a typical “hero” archetype. While her narrative encapsulates a kind of quest that represents some “hero’s journey” components, a cynical, embittered side that wants to dominate her traits troubles Adelina from the start. She also struggles to steer her path against the powers of Fortuna (fate). Her character arc is a complex juxtaposition of seeking goodness within herself versus giving in to the tempting “dark side” of her identity.

Adelina lives in Dalia at the start of the story with her cruel father and sweet sister, Violetta. A malfetto destined to miss out on marriage, Adelina sets out to leave behind her “Ordinary World” when her father sells her as someone’s mistress. Her “Call to Adventure” (going with Enzo to Estenzia) comes just after she discovers her own “Supernatural Aid”—her powers to craft illusions. “Meeting the Mentor” (Raffaele) precedes a literal “Crossing the Threshold” (the gemstone door in the caverns) to “Tests, Allies, and Enemies.