Physical Description

Dark skin, high cheekbones and oval face. Rhiannon has dark brown hair worn in several rows of short braids. Her foot size is a US 8.

Rhiannon has brown eyes.

Personality

Rhiannon is defined by her fierce loyalty, courage, and compassion. Her relationship with Violet is one of the series’ emotional anchors, built on mutual trust and support. Her willingness to confront authority and fight for her friends’ well-being marks her as one of the most principled and inspiring characters in the series.

Relationship

Violet Sorrengail

Rhiannon assists Violet Sorrengail in elevating her sparring skills, offering her training in return for history lessons. Rhiannon has openly expressed to Violet that she is her only friend in the Riders Quadrant, and she seizes every opportunity to lend her a helping hand.

Rhiannon’s affection for Violet is unmistakable, as demonstrated after the Gauntlet. The sight of Violet making it through brings tears to Rhiannon’s eyes, a clear testament to her deep care and concern.

During the Presentation, Rhiannon feels a sting of hurt upon realizing that Violet didn’t confide in her about her plans for overcoming the Gauntlet. Demonstrating her genuine friendship, Rhiannon urges Violet to trust her, expressing her desire to be there for Violet and offer help, regardless of the circumstances.

Rhiannon seeks Violet’s assistance in sneaking out from the Montserrat outpost to visit her sister and nephew. Without hesitation, Violet agrees to help, demonstrating her loyalty and willingness to support her friend.

Before Violet even fully manifests her Signet, Rhiannon confidently predicts that Violet will become the most powerful rider of their generation. This statement not only showcases Rhiannon’s faith in Violet’s potential but also her ability to recognize and acknowledge the strength in others.

Tara

Her romantic relationship with Tara, a fellow rider, adds another layer to her character, showcasing her ability to find love and connection even amidst chaos. Their bond is tender yet understated, a testament to Rhiannon’s ability to maintain her humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Ridoc

Rhiannon and Ridoc share a dynamic that is lighthearted, playful, and built on mutual trust. Their banter is often filled with Ridoc’s signature humor, which Rhiannon both indulges and counters with her quick wit. While Ridoc uses humor to lighten the tension of their dangerous world, Rhiannon’s responses reveal her appreciation for his ability to ease the burden they all carry. This friendship strengthens as they face battles together, particularly in Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, where their survival often hinges on teamwork and quick thinking.

Sawyer

Rhiannon and Sawyer’s relationship exemplifies the complexity of friendships forged in high-stakes environments. While their personalities occasionally clash, their shared values and dedication to their squad create a bond of respect and unwavering support.

Rhi’s family

Rhiannon’s bond with her family plays a significant role in shaping her character and motivations throughout the Empyrean Series. A defining aspect of her backstory is her deep attachment to her sister, Raegan, who was pregnant when Rhiannon joined the Riders Quadrant. This connection is showcased during a poignant scene in Fourth Wing when Rhiannon and Violet sneak out of Basgiath to visit Rhiannon’s family.

During their visit, Rhiannon is reunited with her parents, sister, and her newborn nephew, a moment that highlights her longing for the normalcy and warmth of family life amidst the chaos of the Riders Quadrant. Her family’s welcome is heartfelt, offering her a reprieve from the brutal and often isolating environment of Basgiath. This scene also emphasizes her nurturing side, as she takes time to bond with her nephew, showcasing the softer aspects of her personality. For Violet, witnessing Rhiannon’s reunion with her family is both touching and inspiring, reinforcing the value of familial connections even in the face of war​​.

Rhiannon’s family also serves as a source of strength and motivation for her. Despite the dangers of being a rider, her determination to protect her loved ones and the Continent drives her forward. Her bond with her family underpins her resilience, providing her with a purpose beyond survival. This familial connection contrasts with Violet’s strained relationship with her own mother, further highlighting Rhiannon’s unique perspective within their squad.

Rhiannon’s Character Development Across the Empyrean Series

Rhiannon is introduced as one of the most supportive characters in Violet Sorrengail’s journey at Basgiath War College. As one of the few who immediately shows kindness and camaraderie toward Violet, Rhiannon is instrumental in helping her survive the brutal challenges of the Riders Quadrant. She displays a natural talent for combat and a fierce determination to succeed, exemplified by her victory in early training matches. Her tenacity and quick thinking help her establish herself as a capable rider, and her loyalty to Violet cements their bond as best friends.

Rhiannon’s warmth and unwavering support offer Violet a sense of stability amidst the hostility and cutthroat environment of Basgiath. One memorable moment is her reassurance to Violet during their trek across the parapet, where she promises to wait for her on the other side, providing a glimmer of hope in a life-or-death situation​​.

In Iron Flame, Rhiannon’s role expands as she grows more confident in her abilities and begins to take on greater responsibilities. Her friendship with Violet deepens, and she becomes one of the rebellion’s strongest advocates within the Riders Quadrant. Rhiannon demonstrates her courage and sharp instincts during high-stakes missions, particularly when confronting injustices within the military structure.

Her combat prowess is further honed, and she emerges as a skilled fighter and leader. Rhiannon’s fierce protective instincts extend to everyone in her squad, and her actions repeatedly underscore her dedication to both her friends and the rebellion. Her loyalty, however, is not blind—she is unafraid to question authority, especially when it comes to decisions that put her loved ones at risk​​.

In Onyx Storm, Rhiannon fully embraces her role as a leader and a cornerstone of the rebellion. She becomes a voice of reason and a source of strength for Violet, offering both emotional support and strategic insights as the rebellion intensifies. One of her standout moments involves rallying the riders during a key battle, where her leadership and determination play a critical role in ensuring their survival.

Her personal growth is evident in her ability to balance her fierce loyalty with pragmatism. While her bond with Violet remains central to her character, she also steps out of her best friend’s shadow to carve her own path. Rhiannon’s interactions with other squad members, like Ridoc and Sloane, further illustrate her growth into a unifying force within the rebellion.