CHARACTER
Heir of Fireby Sarah J. Maas

Dorian Havilliard

Dorian Havilliard

Quick Facts

Dorian Havilliard is the Crown Prince of Adarlan, known for his charm, hidden magic, and tragic fate. He first appears in Throne of Glass, but his arc in Heir of Fire is pivotal. His key relationships include Sorscha, Chaol Westfall, and his tyrannical father, the King of Adarlan.

Who He Is

Dorian is the golden prince burdened by a kingdom's darkness and his own burgeoning magic. He starts as a charming, somewhat detached royal, but the events of Heir of Fire strip away his naiveté, forcing him to confront the brutality of his father's reign and the true cost of power. His journey is marked by isolation, a desperate search for connection, and a heartbreaking sacrifice that transforms him from a prince into a symbol of resistance.

Personality & Traits

Dorian's personality evolves from that of a privileged prince to a deeply empathetic and courageous young man. He begins the novel isolated by his secret magic, but grows to embrace his power and use it to protect others.

  • Observant and Perceptive: Dorian notices subtle shifts in others, such as Chaol Westfall's distress and the resemblance between Aedion Ashryver and Celaena. In Chapter 3, he attempts to reconnect with Chaol, revealing his awareness that Chaol is hiding something.
  • Isolated and Secretive: The burden of hiding his magic leads to deep loneliness. He becomes wary of whom to trust, straining his relationships.
  • Empathetic: His relationship with Sorscha and the revelation of Aelin Ashryver Galathynius's past broaden his perspective beyond his privileged life. He develops a deep empathy for the victims of his father's reign.
  • Brave and Defiant: Despite his fear, Dorian consistently stands up to his father and Aedion. His ultimate defiance is saving Chaol's life at the cost of his own freedom.
  • Burdened by Responsibility: He grapples with his duty as heir, recognizing the danger his younger brother Hollin poses. This prevents him from abandoning his title for a life with Sorscha.

Character Journey

Dorian's journey in Heir of Fire is a crucible that forges him into a leader willing to sacrifice everything. Initially adrift and isolated, he finds solace and purpose in his relationship with Sorscha, who helps him understand and control his magic. The revelation of Aelin's true identity further broadens his understanding of the world's complexities, and he begins to see the true evil of his father's rule. The climax of his arc is his desperate act of defiance against his father, sacrificing his freedom to save Chaol. This act, though tragic, solidifies his transformation from a prince into a true hero, even as he is enslaved by a Wyrdstone collar.

Key Relationships

Sorscha: Sorscha is Dorian's confidante and lover, offering him acceptance and a glimpse of a life beyond the court. She is the first person to know about his magic and helps him explore it without fear. Her brutal murder at the hands of the King shatters Dorian, but also ignites his final act of defiance.

Chaol Westfall: Their friendship is tested by secrets and mistrust, particularly Chaol's decision to send Celaena away without consulting Dorian. Despite their strained relationship, the underlying bond of brotherhood endures. This culminates in Dorian sacrificing himself to save Chaol's life, demonstrating the depth of their connection.

King of Adarlan: The King is the primary antagonist in Dorian's life, representing the oppressive force Dorian must hide from. Their relationship deteriorates completely as Dorian embraces his magic and defies his father's tyranny. The King ultimately enslaves his own son with a Wyrdstone collar, marking the ultimate betrayal.

Defining Moments

  • Meeting Sorscha in the Healers' Catacombs: In Chapter 6, Dorian seeks treatment for a minor injury and connects with Sorscha. Her quiet offer to keep his secrets establishes her as a trustworthy ally and marks the beginning of their relationship.
  • Unleashing His Magic for Sorscha: In Chapter 15, Dorian's magic erupts in Sorscha's workroom. Her calm reaction and offer to help him control it solidifies their bond and sets them on a shared path of discovery and danger.
  • Discovering Aelin's True Identity: In Chapter 24, Dorian overhears Chaol and Aedion in the tomb and learns that Celaena is Aelin Galathynius. This moment shatters his perception of his past and forces him to re-evaluate his allegiances.
  • Sorscha's Execution and His Sacrifice: In Chapters 64 and 65, Dorian witnesses Sorscha's murder and, in a moment of pure grief and loyalty, unleashes his magic to save Chaol from his father. He is subsequently captured and collared, ending his arc in enslavement.

Essential Quotes

"I'm trying, Chaol."

This simple statement encapsulates Dorian's internal struggle to reconcile his duty with his growing awareness of the kingdom's corruption. It highlights his desire to be a better prince and friend, even as he is burdened by secrets and conflicting loyalties.

"You cannot pick and choose what parts of her to love. Just as you cannot pick which parts of me you accept."

This quote, spoken to Chaol, reveals Dorian's growing maturity and understanding of unconditional love. He challenges Chaol's judgment of Celaena and implicitly asks for the same acceptance in return, acknowledging his own flaws and secrets.

"My greatest wish," she said with a little smile, "is for a morning when I don’t have to run out the door at first light."

Sorscha's simple wish reveals the quiet desperation of those living under the King's oppressive rule. It highlights the stark contrast between Dorian's privileged life and the everyday struggles of ordinary people, further fueling his desire for change.

"When you come back," the prince said, "burn this place to the ground."

This quote, spoken to Aelin, signifies Dorian's complete disillusionment with his father's kingdom and his willingness to embrace radical change. It demonstrates his shift from a passive observer to an active participant in the fight against tyranny.