Infernal Devices Characters Novels & Stories

In 'The Infernal Devices' series, a gripping blend of fantasy and romance unfolds in Victorian London, and there’s no shortage of memorable characters that truly bring the story to life. First, we have Tessa Gray, whose unique ability to transform into any person she touches sets her apart in the Shadowhunter world. This power often leads her on an emotional roller coaster as she grapples with her own identity while trying to find her place in a society that views her abilities with suspicion.

Then, there’s Will Herondale, the charming yet tormented Shadowhunter with a dark past that adds depth to his character. His fierce loyalty and courageous spirit make him incredibly captivating, and watching his relationship with Tessa evolve is a highlight of the series. The tension between Will and his best friend, Jem Carstairs – whose own struggles with a magical illness present a poignant contrast – creates a beautiful but heartbreaking love triangle.

Speaking of Jem, he’s a total gem! The way he balances strength and tenderness is inspiring. A skilled warrior with a deep appreciation for music and poetry, Jem often represents a more solemn, introspective side of the hero archetype, which complements Will’s brashness. Together, they navigate friendships and rivalries that challenge their ideals, making them unforgettable. Each character's journey interweaves with the series' themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for belonging, immersing readers in their world.

I get a little wistful thinking about the toll of the fight at the end of 'The Infernal Devices' — there are definitely some proper losses that sting. The big, named deaths I always come back to are Mortmain (the Magister himself) and a handful of Institute figures who don't make it through the final confrontations. Charlotte Branwell and Henry Branwell both die during the course of the trilogy's climax: their leadership and inventions come with a heavy cost. Jessamine Lovelace is another named casualty — she leaves and then her story ends tragically in the books.

Beyond those headline names, there are a number of lesser Shadowhunters and mundanes who die in battles or as collateral damage from automatons and schemes. One thing I like to point out in conversations is that Jem doesn’t exactly die in the conventional sense — he becomes a Silent Brother, which is effectively the end of his old life even as he continues in another form. Tessa and Will survive, though their futures are complicated, and that complexity is part of why the deaths feel meaningful rather than gratuitous.

Oh wow, the Infernal Devices is such a cozy, bittersweet trilogy — there are three novels in the series. The books are 'Clockwork Angel', 'Clockwork Prince', and 'Clockwork Princess'. I still have the slightly sun-faded paperback of 'Clockwork Angel' on my shelf next to a chipped mug; starting that one felt like stumbling into Victorian London with a tangle of clockwork and heartbreak. The trilogy is a prequel to 'The Mortal Instruments', so it plants a lot of backstory for characters and the Shadowhunter world.

If you like slow-burn friendships that ache, complicated choices, and atmospheric period detail, these three will wrap around you. People often ask whether there are more novels beyond the trilogy — there are companion short stories and related series in the same universe, but as for the Infernal Devices proper, it's those three novels. Personally, I’d say begin with 'Clockwork Angel' and give yourself time to love (and cry a bit) through the others.