The most important character in The Darkangel is Aeriel. At the beginning of the novel she is a slave girl characterized by humility, physical unattractiveness, and clumsiness. Aeriel is completely dedicated to her mistress, Eoduin, who is only a few years older.

Later, when she serves the vampire, Aeriel must also serve the wraiths, who are helpless and capable of giving only confusing and enigmatic instructions.

Thus called upon to serve the helpless, she begins to become independent. By the time Aeriel returns from her quest to find the hoof of the starhorse, she has acquired practical skills, and has learned to trust her own thoughts and instincts. She has also matured physically, becoming graceful, and attractive.

The other main character of the novel, the vampire (who is also called the Darkangel), is physically striking because of the contrasts of his coloring. His skin...