Arriane Alter
Quick Facts: A fallen angel and loyal ally to Daniel Grigori, Arriane is Luce's first friend at Sword & Cross. She first appears in Chapter 1, immediately establishing herself as a rebellious and protective figure.
Who She Is
Arriane Alter is the quintessential punk-rock angel, a fierce and enigmatic presence in Luce's tumultuous journey. More than just a rebellious student at Sword & Cross, she is an ancient warrior hiding in plain sight. With her striking appearance and defiant attitude, Arriane embodies the struggle between good and evil, loyalty and secrecy, making her a vital, if mysterious, ally to Luce.
Personality & Traits
Arriane's personality is a carefully constructed blend of rebellion and loyalty, designed to conceal her true nature while protecting those she cares about. She navigates the grim realities of Sword & Cross with a dark sense of humor and an unwavering commitment to her friends, even as she keeps her true identity shrouded in mystery.
- Rebellious and Provocative: Arriane has a blatant disregard for authority, immediately demonstrated when she "mimed a jerking-off motion" at Randy upon meeting her, earning herself the task of guiding Luce (Chapter 1). This defiance is not just teenage angst; it's a deliberate act of rebellion against the celestial forces that seek to control her and those she protects.
- Eccentric and Dramatic: Arriane's flair for the dramatic is evident in her theatrical introductions and sarcastic remarks. She introduces herself by dancing around Luce and taunting her in a "ghost-story-telling voice" (Chapter 1). This eccentricity serves as both a defense mechanism and a way to disarm those who might suspect her true nature.
- Fiercely Loyal: Despite her tough exterior, Arriane is fiercely protective of Luce from their first meeting. She stands up to Mary Margaret "Molly" Zane in the cafeteria, enduring a painful shock from her wristband without hesitation to defend her new friend. This loyalty stems from her knowledge of Luce's importance in the celestial war.
- Guarded and Mysterious: Arriane deflects questions about her past, particularly about the jagged scar on her neck. She keeps her true identity as a fallen angel a closely guarded secret, masking her ancient knowledge and allegiances with a flippant, human persona.
Character Journey
Arriane's journey in Fallen is less about personal transformation and more about revealing her true self to Luce and the reader. Initially presented as a rebellious human teenager, her actions and motivations are gradually recontextualized as her true identity as a fallen angel comes to light. The turning point arrives during the final battle in the cemetery, where she reveals her angelic form, transforming from a quirky sidekick into a formidable celestial warrior. This revelation underscores the theme of hidden identities and the idea that appearances can be deceiving.
Key Relationships
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Lucinda "Luce" Price": Arriane is Luce's first and most steadfast friend at Sword & Cross, acting as her guide through the school's strange social dynamics. Their bond is immediate, with Arriane's protective instincts kicking in long before Luce understands the supernatural reasons behind them. Arriane's loyalty to Luce is unwavering, driven by her knowledge of Luce's pivotal role in the ancient war.
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Cameron "Cam" Briel": Arriane and Cam share a relationship of mutual antagonism from their first interaction. She warns Luce to stay away from him and frequently clashes with him over his attempts to get close to Luce. Their animosity is a direct result of being on opposing sides of the angelic war, with Arriane determined to protect Luce from Cam's influence.
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Daniel Grigori: Arriane is a loyal ally to Daniel, though their interactions are infrequent. Her actions consistently serve to protect Daniel's interests, primarily by keeping Luce safe and away from Cam's influence. Her appearance in the final battle alongside Daniel confirms her allegiance and her commitment to his cause.
Defining Moments
- First Meeting (Chapter 1): Arriane's dramatic entrance establishes her as a key figure in Luce's new life at Sword & Cross. She immediately challenges authority and claims Luce as her "new slave," setting the tone for their quirky and protective friendship. This moment foreshadows her role as Luce's guide and protector in the supernatural world.
- The Haircut (Chapter 1): In an act of impulsive bonding, Arriane insists Luce cut her long hair. This moment reveals her scarred neck, hinting at a violent past she refuses to discuss and deepening the mystery surrounding her character. The scar symbolizes her history as a fallen angel and the battles she has fought.
- The Cafeteria Fight (Chapter 2): Arriane physically defends Luce from Molly's bullying, resulting in her being painfully shocked by her disciplinary wristband. This act demonstrates the depth of her loyalty and her willingness to suffer for a friend. It also highlights the risks she is willing to take to protect Luce, even before Luce understands the true danger she is in.
- The Angelic Reveal (Chapter 18): During the climactic battle in the cemetery, Arriane appears alongside Gabrielle "Gabbe" Givens on top of a mausoleum, revealing her true form. Her wings are described as "smoother, sleeker and with more pronounced edges, almost like a giant butterfly’s," confirming her identity as a fallen angel and a warrior in the ancient conflict. This moment recontextualizes her entire role in the story, transforming her from a quirky sidekick into a formidable celestial being.
Essential Quotes
“Perfect,” she said, stepping forward to loop her arm through Luce’s. “I was just thinking I could really use a new slave.” - Chapter 1
Arriane's flippant remark upon meeting Luce is classic Arriane, blending dark humor with a hint of genuine affection. It establishes her as a nonconformist who uses sarcasm to mask her true feelings and intentions.
“I’m not afraid of it,” Arriane said. “Are you?” - Chapter 1, regarding the scar on her neck.
Arriane's nonchalant attitude toward her scar reveals her resilience and acceptance of her past. The scar is a physical reminder of her battles and sacrifices, but she refuses to let it define her.
“Rule number two—don’t listen to me!” Arriane laughed, shaking her head. “I’m certifiably insane!” - Chapter 1
This self-deprecating humor is typical of Arriane, who uses it to deflect attention from her true nature and intentions. It also serves as a warning to Luce not to blindly trust her, as Arriane's methods are often unconventional and unpredictable.
“Told ya,” she said. “Total effing psychos.” She grinned. - Chapter 1, after revealing she is one of the "hard cases" with a tracking wristband.
Arriane's casual acceptance of her status as a "hard case" demonstrates her rebellious nature and her willingness to embrace her outsider status. She is not ashamed of her past or her reputation, and she uses humor to cope with the grim realities of Sword & Cross.
“Sorry, Luce,” she said. “Time to leave this fight to us. We’re kind of professionals.” - Chapter 18, during the final battle.
This quote encapsulates Arriane's role as a protector and warrior. She recognizes the danger that Luce is in and steps in to shield her from harm, revealing her true identity as a fallen angel and a seasoned fighter in the ancient war.