Mossflower

Tsarmina demonstrates many personal flaws. Discuss her character as it relates to her treatment of the woodlanders. Describe the tactics she uses to keep her minions in line. What are the shortcomings of this approach?

Describe Brockhall’s physical characteristics. How do the woodlanders view this location, and how does it relate to the theme of Generosity Builds Cooperation?

What role does Abbess Germaine play in the story? How does her presence in Mossflower relate to the series as a whole? Compare and contrast her values with Tsarmina’s.

While Tsarmina frequently exhibits greed, she isn’t the only character to do so. Discuss other minor characters who share her vice. What sort of relationship do these characters have with their peers? How does their behavior illustrate the connection between greed and tyranny?

At the beginning of the novel, Martin is a young warrior. Discuss his character progression throughout the novel. Does this change offer any benefit beyond his personal development? What is the author suggesting about individuality and community?

The hero’s journey is a well-known fictional archetype. How does Martin’s journey depart from conventional notions of male heroism in literature? Is this change beneficial? If so, in what ways?

Bella is sure that her father alone can save the woodlanders, but he doesn’t return. What valuable lesson does she learn about the nature of heroism because of his absence? In what way does Bella’s leadership contradict the stereotype of a military leader during wartime?

Describe the psychological atmosphere that prevails in Kotir. Who benefits from this arrangement? What is the symbolic meaning of the destruction of the stronghold at the end of the novel?