Downsiders

Talon is one of the story’s two protagonists and Lindsay’s love interest. When Talon looks in the mirror, he sees pointy ears, big feet, and a scar near his right eye. The scar came from a bat that struck him when he was two weeks old, and the bat’s claw is how Talon got his name. Talon is 14, and he lives with his mom, dad, and his little sister, Pidge. Throughout the novel he wants his mom to “recognize” him, implying that he’s not yet ready to grow up and have a serious romantic interest. What brings Talon to Lindsay is Pidge. She’s sick, and Talon saves her life by securing medicine from Lindsay.

Through Pidge, Talon demonstrates his compassion and loyalty. Talon has feelings, but sometimes his emotions lead him to trouble. Wanting to connect with Lindsay, he shows her around the Downside, putting both of them in a dangerous situation. After Railborn informs the Wise Advisors about his relationship with Lindsay, Talon faces execution, but he avoids death and giddily absorbs the Topside’s sights and sounds. He’s curious about the Topside, and he regularly breaks Downside rules and norms to experience it.

As a dynamic character, Talon’s relationship with the Downside is fluid.