Good versus Evil

The Shadowhunters are the “good guys” of this novel, providing a type of law enforcement for the people and creatures of the Downworld, and other characters and creatures of the novel hold roles that range from good to evil. Malcolm is arguably the most important character of this theme because he seems to be a good man but is ultimately found to be evil, though some characters find ways to understand what drove him to that level of evil.

Malcolm has created a persona of himself to the world in general and the Blackthorns in particular. He seems to be a kindly man who is sometimes clumsy and forgetful. Ultimately, he has power because he is the High Wizard of Los Angeles, but he does not seem to be a malevolent person. His flair for the romantic seems to be another aspect of his...