CHARACTER
Fallenby Lauren Kate

Lucinda "Luce" Price

Lucinda "Luce" Price Character Analysis

Quick Facts: Luce is the 17-year-old protagonist, arriving at Sword & Cross reform school after a tragic accident. She is central to a supernatural war due to her connection with Daniel Grigori and her own mysterious past.

Who They Are

Luce is a complex character defined by trauma, romance, and a growing sense of self-discovery. Initially portrayed as a haunted and insecure teenager, she evolves into a determined young woman who embraces her destiny. Her journey is marked by her intense connection to Daniel, her struggle to understand her past, and her eventual acceptance of her role in an ancient battle between angels.

Personality & Traits

Luce is a blend of vulnerability and resilience, haunted by her past yet driven by her curiosity and romantic nature. She grapples with feelings of guilt and confusion but ultimately emerges as a strong and determined figure.

  • Haunted and Traumatized: The death of Trevor and the mysterious "shadows" leave her deeply scarred, leading her to question her sanity. This trauma shapes her initial interactions and makes her feel like an outsider at Sword & Cross.
  • Intensely Romantic and Drawn to Mystery: From her first encounter with Daniel, Luce is consumed by an overwhelming attraction. This fated pull becomes her primary motivation, driving her to seek answers about him despite his coldness. This romantic fixation is central to the theme of Forbidden and Fated Love.
  • Insecure but Resilient: Arriving at a reform school makes Luce feel like an outcast, and she is easily embarrassed by incidents like the cafeteria fight with Molly Zane. However, she proves to be resilient, quickly forming strong friendships with Arriane Alter and Penn that help her navigate the school's harsh environment.
  • Curious and Determined: Despite her fear and confusion, Luce is determined to understand the secrets surrounding Sword & Cross and, most importantly, Daniel. Her curiosity fuels her investigation with Penn, pushing the narrative forward as they delve into the school's hidden records and Daniel's mysterious past.

Character Journey

Luce's journey is a transformation from a passive, traumatized girl to an active participant in a supernatural war. Initially, she is defined by her guilt and fear, struggling to adapt to the oppressive environment of Sword & Cross. Her obsession with Daniel marks a turning point, as she begins to actively seek answers about him and the school's secrets. The revelation of her past lives and her fated love with Daniel completely redefines her world, transforming her into a figure of immense supernatural importance. By the end of the novel, she accepts her destiny and prepares to fight for her love, marking her transition from a haunted girl to a determined young woman.

Key Relationships

  • Daniel Grigori: Their relationship is the heart of the story, a fated love that transcends time. Daniel's attempts to protect Luce by pushing her away create tension and fuel her determination to understand him. Their connection is a powerful force, driving the plot and exploring themes of Fate and Reincarnation.

  • Cameron "Cam" Briel: Cam represents a tempting alternative to Daniel, offering charm and attention that contrasts with Daniel's aloofness. He becomes a source of conflict and confusion for Luce, embodying the theme of Good vs. Evil as she grapples with her feelings for both of them.

  • Pennyweather "Penn" Van Syckle-Lockwood: Penn is Luce's loyal friend and confidante, providing grounding and intellectual support. As Luce's partner in investigating the school's mysteries, Penn's unwavering friendship offers a sense of normalcy and belonging. Her tragic death at the hands of Miss Sophia underscores the danger Luce faces.

Defining Moments

  • Arrival at Sword & Cross: This sets the stage, introducing the oppressive atmosphere and key characters. Luce's immediate connection to Daniel and Cam ignites the central conflict.
  • The Falling Statue: Daniel saves Luce, proving his care despite his attempts to distance himself. This moment offers undeniable proof of his feelings and foreshadows the dangers surrounding her.
  • The Kiss on the Beach: Their first kiss is passionate but followed by Daniel's fear, hinting at supernatural rules governing their relationship. This encounter deepens the mystery and raises questions about their connection.
  • The Revelation in the Cemetery: Daniel reveals their past lives and his identity as a fallen angel, changing everything for Luce. This moment validates her feelings and confirms the supernatural nature of their bond.
  • The Battle and Penn's Death: The supernatural conflict becomes terrifyingly real, and Penn's death shatters Luce's sense of safety. This event forces Luce to confront the mortal danger she is in and flee Sword & Cross.

Essential Quotes

Every time someone talked to Luce like she was a total psychopath, she came that much closer to believing it was true.

This quote highlights Luce's vulnerability and her struggle to maintain her sanity in the face of inexplicable events. It underscores the psychological toll of her experiences and her fear of being perceived as crazy.

His gaze caught hers, and Luce watched as his eyes widened and then quickly narrowed in what looked like surprise. But no—it was more than that. When Daniel’s eyes held hers, her breath caught in her throat. She recognized him from somewhere.

This passage captures the instant, inexplicable connection between Luce and Daniel. It foreshadows their fated love and hints at a shared history that transcends their current lives.

"I could swear we’ve met before," she said. "Am I crazy?"

"Crazy? Isn’t that why you’re here?" he said, brushing her off.

This exchange highlights the tension and mystery surrounding Luce and Daniel's relationship. Luce's intuition clashes with Daniel's dismissive behavior, fueling her determination to uncover the truth.

"The person I fall in love with each time is you."

This quote encapsulates the central theme of fated love and reincarnation. It reveals the eternal nature of Luce and Daniel's connection, suggesting that their love transcends time and circumstance.

"You’re an angel, Daniel, I know it," she said, feeling floodgates open within her, wider and wider until it all just tumbled out. "Don’t tell me I’m crazy. I have dreams about you, dreams that are too real to forget, dreams that made me love you before you ever said one nice thing to me."

This quote marks a turning point in Luce's journey, as she embraces her intuition and confronts Daniel with her feelings. It signifies her growing courage and her willingness to accept the supernatural reality of their relationship.