Darren Shan: Ironic Destiny Throughout the twelve book series of Cirque Du Freak Darren Shans character is put through hardships, emotional struggles, physical pain, and newfound experiences. Each book shows a specific way that Darren has changed. For example in the end of book 2 Darren changed from never drinking human blood to actually drinking the blood of his friend Sam, with his permission of course. Also through books four and six Darren begins to embrace his new lifestyle as a vampire and begins to like it unlike in book one to three where he despised vampires. At the end of book six Darren became a prince , actually the youngest prince in vampire history. To add Darren began to start liking the company of Mr. Crepsley, his master who made him a half vampire, while in book two he was planning on murdering him. To prove this even further Darren is heart broken at the death of his master in book nine. In book ten Darren states “My closest friend had been killed. My world torn apart. I didn’t care whether I lived or died.” This quote illustrates the relationship between Darren and his teacher and how strong it was. In addition Darren took his first life towards the end of book six. After he realized what he had done even though he killed the enemy he became nauseated and felt sympathy. But it became natural to him after his training with full and experienced vampires. These examples show the personal growth that Darren Shan has experienced throughout this series. He grew in character physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally whether it’s starting a whole new life filled with fear and wonders as Daren begins to realize and leave his old life behind. You see Daren, before all this, was an average teen who went to school, had lots of friends particulary his best friend Steve who brought out the mischievous side of Darren and ironically becomes his destined moral enemy.