In any novel, the main character’s development and change plays a large role in the story. Although Magnus Chase: Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan is a story based on Norse mythology, the main character, Magnus Chase, grows as a character in the novel, learning lessons that can apply to the real world as well. Magnus’ journey from a distrusting and ungrateful person to someone who is selfless and fights for the greater good is only made possible by the hardships he endures while on his quest. Rick Riordan makes the character growth of Magnus gradual and increasing over the course of the novel. First, he shows Magnus as a distrusting person, then Riordan introduces events in the novel that have a profound impact on Magnus and begin to change his ways. Finally, the author shows the reader the entirety of Magnus’ character growth.
In the beginning, Magnus is shown as a distrusting person in the beginning of the novel. With him stating, “I don’t need your sympathy. I’m used to being laughed at. I’m definitely used to being ignored” (Riordan 4). This quote shows that Magnus’ experiences as a homeless child have exposed him to the most hostile and depressing parts of society at a very …show more content…
I didn’t need some fairy god-stalker looking after me” (Riordan 16). This change in personality is due to Magnus’ realization that he wasn’t alone, fending for himself while he was homeless since Blitz and Hearth were sent to guard him. The author also introduces a coming of age element in the story when Uncle Randolph refers to Magnus’ age, 16, as the age of manhood. This age allows Magnus to retrieve his birthright, the sword o f summer, which is the main motivation of the antagonists. “[Surt, an antagonist] will use the sword to set in motion a chain of events to hasten Doomsday… unless [Magnus] stop[s] him” (Riordan