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Chaol Westfall is Captain of the Royal Guard, and the first character Celaena meets at the beginning of the story. He is a few years older than Celaena and comes off as an arrogant, aggressive watchdog who distrusts her greatly. However, over the course of Celaena’s training Chaol reveals himself to be caring, goofy, and a little bit in love with her. As much as he feigns annoyance and worries over Celaena and Dorian’s behaviors, Chaol ultimately cares deeply for both of them. He is serious about his job, both proud of and at times humbled by his position in the castle—not a man of status in the eyes of proper society, but still well-respected for his uprightness and intelligence. 

Chaol gave up his future claim to nobility when he was young, having been slotted to rule Anielle and have a seat on the Royal Council like his father before him. He chose instead to abdicate his title and train as the apprentice to the Royal Captain of the Guard, so as to stay close friends with Dorian and live with him in the castle. This ceding of nobility aligns with Chaol’s character, as he is more focused on proper action and hands-on work than politics, and prefers to be out of the spotlight. Upon growing closer with Celaena, he learns to relax a little and have fun during their training. They tease and taunt each other and often bicker, but care deeply for one another and look out for the other’s safety as life in the castle grows dangerous. Chaol comes to believe in Celaena, and at the final duel he saves her life.

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