Who Are The Main Characters In Unburdened?

Unburdened' is one of those hidden gem web novels that crept up on me when I was deep into scrolling through niche fantasy forums. The protagonist, Lysara, is a former knight who carries this heavy guilt from failing to protect her kingdom—literally haunted by spectral versions of her past mistakes. She’s paired with Tavik, a snarky, morally gray alchemist who’s got his own demons (and a habit of pocketing rare ingredients mid-conversation). Their dynamic is this perfect mix of tension and reluctant camaraderie, especially when the third main character, a childlike spirit named Ellion, latches onto them with eerie devotion. Ellion’s innocence contrasts sharply with the darker themes, and their bond becomes the emotional core.

What I love is how the story lets Lysara’s armor-clad stoicism slowly crack around these two. There’s a scene where Tavik bribes her with terrible homemade soup to share her backstory, and Ellion accidentally sets the table on fire—it’s chaotic and heartfelt. The side characters are just as vivid, like the thunder-wielding mercenary group 'The Storm Crows' who keep crossing paths with them. It’s the kind of character-driven narrative where even the antagonists, like the guilt-ridden rebel leader Kareth, feel tragically human.

Oh, diving into 'Unburdened' feels like unpacking a layered gift! At its heart are three misfits: Lysara, the armored 'guardian' who’s really just a trauma-filled mess (relatable), Tavik with his 'I’ll-steal-your-herbs-and-your-heart' vibes, and Ellion, the spirit kid who’s equal parts adorable and unsettling. Lysara’s arc hits hard—she starts off all 'duty above all,' but watching her learn to lean on others? Chef’s kiss. Tavik’s humor masks his own abandonment issues, and his banter with Lysara is gold ('You brood like it’s a competitive sport.').

Then there’s Ellion, who’s like if a puppy and a ghost had a baby. Their powers manifest in weirdly poetic ways, like making flowers bloom from wounds. The villain, Kareth, is fascinating too—a former ally turned revolutionary, his ideology clashes with Lysara’s in ways that make you pause. The story’s strength is how these personalities collide, whether they’re arguing over campfires or silently acknowledging shared pain. I’m still not over the chapter where Ellion tries to 'fix' Tavik’s scars with clumsy magic.

Lysara, Tavik, and Ellion—this trio lives in my head rent-free. Lysara’s the kind of character who’d sharpened her sword but not her social skills, and Tavik’s chaotic energy balances her out perfectly. His alchemy experiments keep backfiring (once turned Ellion temporarily into a sentient loaf of bread), and their found family vibe is everything. Ellion’s childlike wonder adds lightness, especially when they ask things like 'Do ghosts sneeze?' mid-battle. The way their backstories weave together, especially Lysara’s guilt over her fallen kingdom and Tavik’s shady past, makes every interaction charged. Even minor characters, like the mercenary captain who keeps 'accidentally' adopting strays, leave an impression.