Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Grew Up… in the Two Rivers. Mat is from a village called the Two Rivers. He lives in a small home with his mother, father, and two younger sisters. His family is poor, and his parents seem to have their priorities entirely out of order.
Visiting… the White Tower. Mat is traveling with Perrin, Egwene, and Rand to the White Tower because it is suspected that one of them is the Dragon Reborn. Whoever the Dragon is will have to fight the Dark One in this lifetime’s battle between the light and the dark. The White Tower will serve as their place of training and assessment among the Aes Sedai, a collection of women who can channel magical power.
Profession… hustler. Because of his family’s financial struggles, Mat does whatever he can to make ends meet. This even includes some petty crimes such as stealing and pawning jewelry to make a quick buck and afford food for his younger sisters.
Interests… protecting his sisters. Mat’s main interest is making sure that his sisters are safe and happy. Their parents are highly hedonistic and clearly distracted from caring for Mat’s younger siblings. Their neglect is always in the back of Mat’s mind and motivates his decisions. Even in his journey to the White Tower, he makes it clear to everyone around him that he is only participating because it is what gives his family the best chance of survival.
Relationship Status… single. Mat does occasionally flirt with a bartender here or there, but he shows no romantic interest in anyone. It is implied that the childhood influences such as the toxicity in the relationship between his parents and his father’s infidelity may deter him from pursuing serious romantic relationships.
Challenge… a tendency to get into trouble. The habits that Mat has developed lead him into trouble somewhat regularly. His petty thievery and mischievous nature become increasingly troubling for his companions and, at a certain point, begin to undermine their inherent trust in him.
Personality… guarded and reserved. Mat’s face is often stern and conceals his true emotions. His secrecy does get in his way at times, and his constant reluctance to communicate his problems makes it hard for others to be patient and understanding of his troubles.
