Who Is The Protagonist In 'Ascending Pride'?

The protagonist of 'Ascending Pride' is a runaway prince named Leon, whose journey from spoiled royalty to reluctant hero forms the spine of the story. Initially, he’s all arrogance and entitlement, but losing his throne forces him to confront the world’s harsh realities. His growth is visceral—every scar, every betrayal chips away at his ego until he starts fighting for others, not just himself. What makes Leon compelling isn’t his swordplay (though he’s decent) but his messy humanity. He screws up, learns too slowly, and nurses grudges like they’re treasures. Yet, when he finally channels his pride into protecting the downtrodden, it feels earned. The novel cleverly mirrors his internal battles with external ones: rival factions, monstrous beasts, and a kingdom rotting from within. Leon’s not your typical Chosen One; he’s a brat who becomes a leader, not because destiny says so, but because he chooses to.

Supporting characters highlight his flaws and growth. His sharp-tongued bodyguard, Mira, calls out his nonsense, while a street-smart thief, Kessa, teaches him humility. Even the antagonist—his estranged sister, a revolutionary—reflects what Leon could’ve become: bitter instead of better. The book’s strength lies in how Leon’s pride isn’s erased but redirected. By the finale, he’s still stubborn, but now that stubbornness fuels his loyalty. It’s a nuanced take on redemption arcs.

Leon in 'Ascending Pride' is what happens when you toss a pampered prince into a war zone and force him to adapt. His arc isn’t about gaining power—he’s already strong—but about learning when to wield it. Early on, he duels anyone who insults him; later, he swallows insults to protect allies. The author avoids making him likable too soon. His tantrums are cringe-worthy, his apologies half-hearted. But that’s the point. His charm creeps in gradually, like when he trades his royal cloak to save a starving village or begrudgingly mentors an orphan. The story’s pacing mirrors his development: slow burns punctuated by explosive clashes. Leon’s not just fighting usurpers; he’s fighting his own entitlement, and that’s where the real tension lies.

Imagine a prince who’s more jerk than jewel—that’s Leon in 'Ascending Pride'. His journey from palace to gutters is brutal. He starts as a character you love to hate, selfish and reckless, but trauma sandpapers his edges. Key moments redefine him: shielding a peasant from his own soldiers, or weeping over a friend’s corpse. His magic’s tied to his emotions—flames spark when he rages, but later, they glow warm as hearth fires. The book’s title reflects his duality; his pride isn’s eradicated, it ascends into something nobler.

Leon’s the spoiled prince of 'Ascending Pride', but his growth steals the show. He’s not just strong—he’s emotionally messy. His stubbornness becomes tenacity, his arrogance turns into fierce loyalty. The novel twists tropes by making his worst trait his greatest asset later. Supporting characters keep him grounded, especially Mira, who fights alongside him but never bows. Their banter’s gold. It’s a fresh spin on royal fantasies.