Courage and Wisdom

Wisdom and courage is a theme that shines through and through Dragonflight. For the main characters, wisdom and courage represent an ideal they grow into. How they reach that ideal is not always agreed upon. Both Lessa and F'lar honor the old traditions and laws, but Lessa sees nothing wrong with using her powers to manipulate people to gain the results she desires, while F'lar likes to deal with facts, right and wrong and expects people to deal with integrity. However, the author does not allow her characters to be stereotyped. When Lessa finally gains victory with Fax's death, she walks away from what should rightfully be her position of leadership over the Hold to accompany F'lar to Benden Weyr. This mental fortitude is combined with bravery evident in taking risks.

Even at the start of the story, Lessa shows no fear of Mnementh as he...