Malazan Character Analysis: Envy

Race: Ascendant

Transcendent: Soletaken

Sex: Female

Faction: High House Dark

Overall Rating: 7.3

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Arena Status: Active (S1)

Brace yourself for a deep dive into the enigmatic world of Steven Erikson's "Malazan Book of the Fallen," where we shine our spotlight on the intriguing character of Lady Envy, whose bewitching allure and formidable power make her an unforgettable figure in this epic series.

Lady Envy by Lady Rosse, Deviant Art

Beware, dear readers, as we navigate this labyrinthine realm, there are spoilers lurking ahead.

Introduced in the third book, "Memories of Ice," Lady Envy is the eldest daughter of the Elder God, Draconus. She is as known for her beauty as she is for her inscrutable power and wit. The name 'Envy' aptly suggests a potent allure, and true to her name, she bewitches friend and foe alike, leaving a trail of smitten followers in her wake. Erikson paints her with a palette of contradiction, a curious blend of capricious vanity and keen intellect, making her as confounding as she is captivating.

While her father Draconus embodies the principle of Darkness, Lady Envy manifests the power of an Elder Goddess, wielding a formidable control over sorcery. Though not actively seeking conflict, her capacity for destruction and manipulation is evident in many encounters, "I have, in my life, made many mistakes, but trust is not among them. Have you stopped to ask yourself why I am so willing to travel in your company? Do you think I am not capable of defending myself?" ('Memories of Ice', Chapter 7).

In 'Memories of Ice', Lady Envy's journey converges with the mission of the T'lan Imass, leading them to Coral for the final battle against the Pannion Domin. Yet, she plays her cards close to her chest, ever enigmatic, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue to the narrative.

The 'Kharkanas Trilogy', the prequel to the main series, further unravels the backstory of this mystifying character. It illuminates her relationship with her father Draconus and her sisters, Spite and Malice. The dynamics among these three daughters are as complicated and nuanced as the grand plot itself, adding further depth to her character. In the first book of the trilogy, "Forge of Darkness," we see glimpses of Envy's early life and the origins of her estrangement from her family, thereby setting the stage for her actions in the main series.

Lady Envy's character evolution is a fascinating journey in itself. Though born into divinity and imbued with vast power, she is, at heart, a keen observer of the world around her. She values her independence and treads her path, unaffected by the machinations of gods and men. "You have no idea," she says in 'Memories of Ice', "how refreshing it is to encounter, in this dreadfully earnest world, a soul who can make light of life, who can walk through the world and see it as... a diversion."

Over the span of this epic series, Lady Envy is more than a pawn in the grand game of gods. She’s a master of her own fate, a beacon of individuality amidst a world of chaos. Her layered personality, sheer power, and strategic mind make her one of the most intriguing characters in the 'Malazan Book of the Fallen' series.

In this extended analysis, we aim to explore Lady Envy's character further, diving into her motivations, her influence over major plot points, and her journey from the ancient city of Kharkanas to the tumultuous world of Malazan. So, fellow seekers of truth, join us as we delve into the fascinating enigma that is Lady Envy, the charming puppeteer in a world of marionettes.

Lady Envy's Raw Power

As a part of our deep dive into the world of Malazan, we find ourselves examining the fascinating character of Lady Envy, and there can be no discussion of Lady Envy without highlighting her considerable "Raw Power". In the cosmology of Malazan, she stands as one of the more formidable beings, embodying both immense physical strength and potent sorcerous abilities.

Being the daughter of the Elder God Draconus, she is innately imbued with power, even by the standards of this high fantasy world. A Sorceress of considerable skill, she commands a level of magic that can challenge even Ascendants. Her raw power is seen vividly in "Memories of Ice" where she proves more than a match for the Seguleh Second, a warrior from an elite warrior culture, and the formidable undead T'lan Imass. Her command over the Warren of Starvald Demelain, the Warren of Dragons and the first Warren, indicates the scope and scale of her sorcerous capabilities. As she mentions to Toc the Younger, "I am not entirely helpless" ('Memories of Ice', Chapter 14).

Her physical prowess goes hand in hand with her magical abilities. She demonstrates her martial skills in numerous encounters, holding her own in battles against formidable adversaries. Her physical strength, enhanced by her magical powers, sets her apart as an exceptionally formidable combatant.

However, when rating her on a scale of 1-10 in comparison with characters from all fantasy universes, we have to take into account the vast array of characters and their unique capabilities. Compared to entities like Tolkien's Sauron, Jordan's Dark One, or Martin's Dragons, Lady Envy holds her own but is not at the very apex of raw power. Therefore, on this scale, Lady Envy would be rated as a solid 7.5.

This rating signifies her significant raw power, acknowledging both her immense magical abilities and physical prowess. Nevertheless, it also considers that there are characters within and beyond her universe who possess more cataclysmic or reality-altering power. Lady Envy's strength lies not just in her raw power, but also in her intellect, cunning, and charisma, aspects we will explore in further depth.

Lady Envy's Tactical Ability

Evaluating the Tactical Ability of Lady Envy opens another fascinating facet of this complex character. She is no brute force brawler, but rather, a shrewd planner, thinker, and manipulator who knows when and how to apply her power.

In 'Memories of Ice,' we see her skillful navigation of the Malazan world's treacherous politics and warfare, displaying a keen awareness of the broader strategic situation. She willingly becomes part of the company traveling to Coral, intuitively understanding that their journey is significant in the larger scheme of things. As they trek across the continent, she skilfully manipulates situations to her advantage while ensuring the group's survival.

However, her tactical genius truly shines through in her dealings with the Seguleh. When faced with three Seguleh, instead of resorting to brute force, she tactically retreats and regroups with a better strategy. Her tactful handling of the Seguleh Second, using a clever mix of power display and negotiation, underlines her tactical prowess. As she says, "An opponent's power is only as great as the resistance it meets" ('Memories of Ice', Chapter 18).

Yet, when it comes to a rating, we must acknowledge that her tactical skills, while formidable, are not infallible. She has her moments of rashness, such as her confrontation with the Pannion Seer, that suggest impulsive rather than strategic decision-making. Considering her alongside the likes of Thrawn from 'Star Wars,' Tywin Lannister from 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' or the Patrician from 'Discworld,' characters known for their tactical genius, Lady Envy ranks somewhat lower.

Given these considerations, Lady Envy's "Tactical Ability" can be rated a solid 6.5 on our scale. She displays a keen understanding of strategic dynamics and a knack for manipulation, but there are instances of impetuous decisions that somewhat dull her tactical brilliance. Nonetheless, she remains a character who skillfully wields both power and cunning in equal measure, a testament to her intricate characterization.

Lady Envy's Influence

Lady Envy's Influence can be seen as a significant aspect of her character, employing a combination of raw power, charisma, and manipulation to bend others to her will.

In "Memories of Ice", Lady Envy is shown to be a master of manipulation. She effortlessly persuades the Seguleh Second and Third to join her cause, converting enemies into allies. This showcase of her influence is further underlined by her ability to command her own cadre of Unbound T'lan Imass, who follow her every order, whether due to some sort of magical command or out of respect and loyalty.

Beyond her manipulative abilities, Lady Envy also exhibits a certain charisma that makes her a magnetic figure. Characters, both mortal and immortal, seem drawn to her presence. As noted by one of the T'lan Imass, "She is as she is. It's all one can say. None resist her" ('Memories of Ice', Chapter 18).

Moreover, as an Ascendant and a daughter of Draconus, Lady Envy holds significant sway in the world of the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Characters, both big and small, respect her due to her power and lineage, adding another dimension to her ability to influence.

However, compared to characters known for their overwhelming influence like Sauron from 'Lord of the Rings', Albus Dumbledore from 'Harry Potter', or Paul Atreides from 'Dune', Lady Envy's influence is more subtle, primarily localized to the individuals and groups she interacts with.

Thus, her Influence can be rated as a 7. While not the most influential figure in all of fantasy, Lady Envy exhibits a potent blend of charisma, manipulation, and the respect commanded by her power and lineage, making her a compelling figure in the Malazan Book of the Fallen.

Lady Envy's Resilience

Lady Envy's Resilience is quite remarkable, particularly evident in her ability to withstand and adapt to the numerous threats and adversities that arise throughout the series. As an Ascendant, she boasts near-immortality, and this, in combination with her inherent sorcerous powers, contributes to her physical resilience. However, resilience goes beyond the physical. It's also about emotional durability, adaptability, and the capacity to recover from setbacks or traumas.

A case of Lady Envy's resilience can be noted during her confrontations with the Pannion Domin in "Memories of Ice". Despite being vastly outnumbered and faced with powerful foes, Lady Envy not only survives but thrives. Moreover, she demonstrates an impressive ability to recover from blows, owing in part to her Ascendant status, and to adapt her strategies as per the changing situation.

On an emotional level, Lady Envy's relationship with her family, particularly her estranged father Draconus and her half-brother Anomander Rake, arguably the most potent character in the series, indicates a different kind of resilience. Despite her complicated familial connections, she navigates these relationships with a sort of detached resilience, accepting them as they are without letting them drastically affect her.

When compared to other characters across the fantasy universes, Lady Envy's resilience is quite notable. Characters like Gandalf from 'Lord of the Rings' or Daenerys Targaryen from 'A Song of Ice and Fire' may have displayed a level of resilience in their respective storylines. Still, Lady Envy's combination of physical, magical, and emotional resilience makes her stand out.

Given this, a rating of 8 would be fitting for Lady Envy's resilience. She consistently demonstrates an ability to withstand adversity, whether it's on the battlefield, in dealings with powerful entities, or navigating complicated familial relationships.

Lady Envy's Versatility

Lady Envy's versatility is one of her defining characteristics in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. An Ascendant and a sorceress, she wields formidable power and demonstrates a wide range of abilities that come into play in a variety of situations.

Envy is able to effortlessly switch between roles and tactics as the situation dictates. For instance, she can be diplomatic when needed, as when dealing with other Ascendants and powerful beings, but is equally comfortable engaging in combat, demonstrating both magical prowess and physical skill.

One of her more notable abilities is her skill in manipulation and persuasion. She often uses these abilities to turn situations to her advantage or to influence others, as seen in her interactions with the Seguleh and her managing of her own party, the 'Envy's Entourage'. Her mastery over the Warren of Serc, which lets her manipulate light and air, is another testament to her versatility.

"Ah, so much love in this world. It fairly drips. Look, it's made a puddle at your feet. Don't you want to leap right in? No? Oh, I see, you already have." - Memories of Ice, Chapter 21. These words uttered by Lady Envy highlight her psychological insight and manipulation, another string to her bow of skills.

However, compared to other fantasy characters across all universes, her versatility, while impressive, might not be the most diverse. Therefore, given her broad range of skills, from combat to diplomacy to manipulation, but also considering the vast array of abilities seen in characters from various fantasy universes, Lady Envy's versatility could be rated at 7.5. She is a versatile character within her own universe, but in the grand scope of all fantasy universes, there are characters with a wider range of abilities and adaptability.

Lady Envy's Alignment

In determining a character's moral alignment, it's essential to consider both their intentions and their actions. A genuinely evil character delights in causing pain and suffering, often pursuing power at any cost, while a neutral character tends to act out of self-interest and pragmatism, which can sometimes lead to morally ambiguous decisions.

Lady Envy's actions and attitudes throughout the Malazan series are driven more by whims and personal interest rather than a clear-cut moral code, which places her within the chaotic spectrum. This unpredictability is encapsulated by her own words in 'Memories of Ice': "Do you know what I like about mortals? ... You keep trying."

Envy does indeed embody cruelty and violence, particularly in the scene of Draconus's manor, which is an undeniable display of her capacity for evil. However, she does not derive pleasure from the suffering of others nor intentionally cause pain and misery for the sake of it, unlike characters traditionally categorized as 'evil'. Instead, these instances of violence are often a consequence of her self-serving motives or provoked by threats to her autonomy, as was the case at Draconus's manor.

Furthermore, Envy has shown instances of benevolence or, at the very least, indifference to the plights of mortals that belie an entirely evil alignment. Her decision to aid the group known as the 'Bridgeburners' in 'Memories of Ice' - though admittedly motivated by personal curiosity and the desire for amusement rather than altruism - leads to positive outcomes, and she shows a general lack of malice towards them.

Given this analysis, it could be argued that Lady Envy is more accurately classified as Chaotic Neutral, as her actions tend to be driven more by self-interest and whimsical curiosity rather than a deliberate desire to cause harm. While she certainly displays traits that can be perceived as evil, these appear to be more circumstantial than inherent, arising as a result of specific situations or threats rather than defining her character. Nonetheless, the dark side of her nature and her capacity for ruthless violence cannot be denied, making her a complex and morally ambiguous character within the Malazan universe. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.

Lady Envy Arena Art

Lady Envy visits King's Landing, and Cersei Lannister is torn apart by a vortex of raw power

Lady Envy's Trophy Case

PPET Rankings

Season	Rank
1 (2023-2024)	#45 (of 107)

Titles & Postseason Results

Season	Result	All Time Occurence
1 (2023-2024)	Grand Championship Bid (#12 Seed)	1st

Overall Conclusion on Envy and Position Across Plane of Existence

In the tapestry of fantasy characters that sprawl across countless narratives, universes, and dimensions, Lady Envy, as featured in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, holds an esteemed position. As we delve into her character and powers, she emerges with a well-earned rating of 7.3. While she may not reach the apex of raw power in comparison to the entire spectrum of fantasy characters, her multi-faceted abilities, tactical acumen, charismatic influence, resilience, and versatility ensure her place as a remarkable figure.

A sorceress of prodigious skill and the daughter of the elder god Draconus, Lady Envy wields her raw power with both a delicate precision and devastating impact. She's an enigmatic figure, capricious, and even at times contradictory. Her presence exudes an otherworldly charm, as she persuades or manipulates those around her to bend to her whims or serve her needs, skillfully straddling the line between coercion and persuasion.

Her resilience is unparalleled, having navigated both physical and emotional trials that would stagger many. Her immortality, formidable magic, and adaptive strategies further attest to her durability. As for versatility, her broad spectrum of abilities, ranging from sorcery to manipulation, combined with her adaptive skills, allow her to respond to various challenges with remarkable efficacy.

Nevertheless, when compared to other fantasy entities who can reshape reality at a whim, she doesn't quite reach that level of omnipotence. Yet, it's her flaws, vulnerabilities, and her all-too-human capriciousness that make her character all the more compelling. In comparing Lady Envy to her sisters, Spite and Malice, whose power assessments are forthcoming, it's worth noting that each sister is unique in her strength and strategies, yet there's a shared undercurrent of rivalry and one-upmanship that often leads to volatile scenarios, further coloring their respective power dynamics.

In conclusion, Lady Envy, a multifaceted character rich in intrigue and power, holds a formidable standing in the pantheon of fantasy figures. Her essence is not merely defined by her magical prowess, but also her complex personality and the intertwining of her actions and motives. An enigma wrapped in power, she is the epitome of a force to be reckoned with and a character whose depths continue to reveal themselves even after the narrative has ended. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.