Difference between revisions of "Adolin Kholin"

|relatives=[[Gavilar Kholin|Gavilar]], [[Jasnah Kholin|Jasnah]], [[Elhokar Kholin|Elhokar]], [[Toh]], [[Gavinor]], [[Kaves]]

|booksfirst appeared=[[The StormlightWay of ArchiveKings]]

'''Adolin Kholin''' is a [[lighteyed]] [[Alethi]] prince and third in line to the throne of [[Alethkar]].{{book ref|sa2|1}} He is considered to be one of the best swordsmen in all of [[Alethkar]].{{book ref|sa3|73}} Adolin is the son of [[Dalinar Kholin]], the elder brother of [[Renarin Kholin]] and husband of [[Shallan Davar]]{{book ref|sa3|122}} who are members of the [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa2|89}} He is the current [[Highprince]] of the [[Kholin princedom]].

Adolin's hair is mostly blond, with streaks of Alethi black running through it;{{book ref|sa1|15}} the blond color comes from [[Evi Kholin|his mother]] and is seen as a sign of his bloodline being impure by some Alethi.{{book ref|sa2|38}} His hair has been described as an unruly mop{{book ref|sa1|28}}{{book ref|sa2|4}} and a stylish mess.{{book ref|sa1|58}} Adolin prefers to remain clean-shaven, but he does grow a beard after throwing himself in jail in protest of Kaladin's imprisonment. His beard was also blond speckled with black.{{book ref|sa2|66}} His eyes are blue{{book ref|sa1|15}} and have an [[Wikipedia:Epicanthic fold|epicanthic fold]].{{wob ref|4079}} He has been described as handsome on numerous occasions{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa2|49}} and, as he is Alethi, it can be surmised that his skin is tan in color. However, because he is half-[[Riran]], his skin tone is lighter than his father's.{{wob ref|3932}} There is some inconsistency as to Adolin's height; he is described as both shorter{{book ref|sa1|15}} and the same height{{book ref|sa2|4}} as Dalinar. Shardplate adds a few inches to his height but still doesn't make him as tall as Kaladin.{{book ref|sa2|16}} He has a birthmark on the back of his left thigh.{{book ref|sa3|13}} and is right-handed.{{book ref|sa2|89}}

Adolin has a strong sense of right and wrong, instilled in him by his mother.{{wob ref|2102}} In his first encounter with Kaladin, he saves a prostitute from being beaten by one of Sadeas's officers.{{book ref|sa1|46}} He also throws himself in jail as a show of solidarity with Kaladin.{{book ref|sa2|66}} He is willing to kill those that he considers morally wrong and a threat to those he loves, such as Sadeas. This arises from a mixture of his strong sense of morality, justice, and his hotheaded nature.{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{wob ref|659}}{{wob ref|12704}}{{wob ref|13551}} He is also willing to hide evidence of his involvement in a crime if he feels justified in his actions.{{book ref|sa2|89}}

With the rise of the Radiants and the fall of [[Alethkar]], the young highprince is struggling to find his place in the world. He feels that others are often better placed to meet the challenges and that without access to surgebinding he doesn't have much to contribute to the leading of the Alethi or the coalition.{{book ref|sa4|29}} His conversation with [[Azure]] in Shadesmar on royalty and duty{{book ref|sa3|101}} helps evaluate his own roles and skills. Later it leads him to decline the Alethi crown after Elhokar's death.{{book ref|sa3|122}} He continues to struggle when he takes on the mantle of highprince. His desire to prove himself makes him very determined to succeed in his diplomatic mission to the honorspren, as he doesn't want to let his father down, and he is motivated by his desire to show he is still good for something.{{book ref|sa4|34}}

It can be argued that Adolin is actually the most skilled duelist on the Shattered Plains, given that he is both capable of winning a fight while hiding his true level of skill and being an even match against two men. Sadeas remarks that Adolin is growing into the Blackthorn, a man who conquered [[Alethkar]] with his skill and power, and that thought terrifies him.{{book ref|sa2|58}}

Later, Dalinar took Adolin aside to inspect the king's saddle as Elhokar had requested of them. Adolin quickly realized that Elhokar believed the girth was cut deliberately and, annoyed, pointed out his cousin's worsening paranoia and that he and his father seemed to have become Elhokar's bodyguards. Despite their misgivings, both he and Dalinar agreed that if the girth was cut there may have been a plot to kill the king, as Alethi lighteyes were fond of their overly complicated plots. Dalinar assigned Adolin the task of investigating this further. Adolin wondered if Sadeas may have been behind it, but Dalinar shut down the suggestion. He explained to Adolin that they and Sadeas both had a vested interest and desire to keep Elhokar safe and would work together to manipulate other highprinces for the King's benefit. Dalinar then revealed [[Gavilar]]'s final words. Adolin connected this to his father's presumed delusions and assumed they were a product of guilt over Gavilar's death. Dalinar hoped Adolin would learn to see the importance of the Codes. He then asked Adolin to at least respect Sadeas. Adolin reluctantly agreed and at his insistence Dalinar agreed to consider that Sadeas might be playing them.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

During the feast, Adolin found his father once more and informed him that he had dueled three different men who had accused both Dalinar and House Kholin of being cowards and of asking the king to abandon the [[Vengeance Pact]]. Dalinar told Adolin to ignore what others said or thought. He added that the rumors were true. Dalinar had told the king in confidence they needed to end the war and return to [[Alethkar]]. Dalinar asked for Adolin's trust and promised to talk later, but Adolin replied he was worried that the visions may be delusions. His father then acknowledged Adolin was right to be worried about their House's reputation. Dalinar thought that Elhokar would keep quiet about their conversation. He explained to Adolin he had suggested winning the war by striking the Parshendi directly.{{book ref|sa1|18}} Once the Vengeance Pact was fulfilled they would be able to go back home and stabilize [[Alethkar]].{{book ref|sa1|22}} Adolin agreed with his father's plan without objection, to Dalinar's surprise. Adolin explained he could support a strike, but that they would need a solid plan to get everyone on board with it. They planned to slowly get the highprinces to start working together with them to build trust. As far as responding to the gossip, they disagreed when Adolin wanted to defend the house's honor. Dalinar countered by saying that dueling others wouldn't change how they thought about the Kholins. He would publish an official refutation, which Adolin admitted was better than nothing.{{book ref|sa1|22}}

While waiting for the coming highstorm, Renarin, Adolin and Dalinar discussed Dalinar's intention to abdicate. Adolin found the plan insane, and thought it went too far and that he didn't yet want to be highprince. Dalinar and Renarin pointed out that Adolin had called his father crazy. Dalinar added that leaderhip was not about what one wants. He elaborated that the other highprinces would use the perceived weakness against house Kholin. When asked, he told his sons he planned to go back to [[Alethkar]] to help dissuade foreign invaders. The conversation was cut short by the arriving highstorm, and his sons reluctantly tied Dalinar to his chair. When the vision ended, Adolin untied his father. Both sons were looking uncomfortable from seeing their father thrash about and speak gibberish. Dalinar felt strengthened in his decision to abdicate, while Adolin said the episodes were containable and Dalinar shouldn't use delusions as basis of important decisions. Dalinar expressed that he believed the visions to be real, although not necessarily from the Almighty; they might have been from the [[Old Magic]]. Adolin was shocked to learn that the Old Magic was real and that his father had searched it out.{{book ref|sa1|52}}

Renarin then suggested that they find a way to prove the visions were true, and they sent for Navani. While Renarin was gone Adolin asked his father what they would do if Adolin was proven right. Dalinar confessed that a part of him wished that Adolin was and that it might be better for [[Alethkar]]. Adolin then asked about Sadeas, who was nearly finished with his investigation. Dalinar gave Adolin leave to prepare for the worst, noting that if he and Sadeas went to war then [[Alethkar]] as a unified state would shatter.{{book ref|sa1|52}}

A week after the plateau assault, Adolin went to a wineshop in the [[Outer Market]] with Danlan, [[Jakamav]], [[Inkima]], [[Toral]] and [[Eshava]]. Adolin complained about how he hated being proven wrong and wondered why Sadeas, who was in a position of strength, never used it to take out House Kholin. The group discussed Sadeas's motives and the Kholin reputation, which made Adolin uncomfortable. After Danlan suggested it, Adolin told them he had tried and failed to get his father to relax the restrictions from the Codes on the camp. He then excused himself as he had a duel against Resi, who had been vocally insulting his father, to prepare for .{{book ref|sa1|58}}

After a highstorm, glyphs mysteriously appeared in Dalinar's rooms; during the inspection that followed, Dalinar noted Adolin's dislike of Kaladin.{{book ref|sa2|4}} Before the meeting with his generals, Adolin asked Dalinar if Kaladin should be waiting outside. This made Kaladin wonder if Adolin knew or suspected something about his Radiant powers, and he came to the conclusion that the prince was very spoiled.{{book ref|sa2|5}} During the meeting, Adolin brought up the idea of forming a coalition to counteract whatever one Sadeas formed, which would probably divide the kingdom in two. Dalinar countered that [[Alethkar]] as a kingdom hadn't existed in centuries and what existed now was mockery. Following up on this idea, Kaladin mentioned taking away the shards of the other highprinces' Shardbearers. Adolin, who until now had been banned from dueling, was tasked with this challenge.{{book ref|sa2|5}}

Adolin attended a big conference with Dalinar, Kaladin, ElokharElhokar, the highprinces, and other dignitaries. When Ialai entered and named Amaram the regent to the Sadeas princedom, Adolin got very angry. Dalinar sent Adolin away, and Shallan followed him. During the conversation that followed, Adolin revealed to Shallan that it was Kaladin who killed her brother [[Helaran]].{{book ref|sa3|27}}

Soon after the battle, Dalinar approached Adolin about becoming king of [[Alethkar]], with Gavinor named as his heir. He refused and admitted to Sadeas' murder, though he did agree to become the new Kholin highprince. Adolin and Shallan decided to quickly get married, which they did shortly after.{{book ref|sa3|122}}

The pair was confused to what happened. When Adolin ordered his soldiers to search the rooms, Shallan stopped them saying she needed to search them herself.{{book ref|sa4|7}} She made him drink some wine, which he recognized as [[Shin]] wine.{{book ref|sa4|8}}

==== Socializing Withwith the Knights Radiant ====

|You don't have to smile. You don't have to talk. But if you're going to to be miserable, you might as well do it with friends.

|You're [[Alethkar]]'s most eligible bachelor. Shardbearer, Radiant, Landed, and single?

Adolin and Shallan decided to only take a few attendants each, to keep the expedition small.{{book ref|sa4|20}} When he was getting ready, Adolin had trouble deciding what to wear. Shallan teased him about it and gave him an hour to meet the others. Adolin quickly decided and used the time to stop by Kaladin and call him [[Alethkar]]'s most eligible bachelor. Adolin then reassured Kaladin that it was okay to step away from the front line, and take the time he needed.When leaving, Syl advised to be careful as the honorspren could be hard to persuade with logic if they feel something is right or not.{{book ref|sa4|21}}

{{image|Starspren Connor Chamberlain.jpg|side=left|width=300px|watchingWatching the [[starspren]] with [[Shallan]]}}

{{image|Adolin fighting withand Maya Ride by EgildeGerva ArtPerez.jpegjpg|side=right|height=300px|Fighting the [[Tukar]]i with [[Maya]]}}

On the second day of the trial, Adolin got to make his case. He had barely started his speech when he was interrupted with the question whether he knew Dalinar almost killed the Stormfather. He didn't, but he also had to be careful not to ask the audience questions, or they could make speeches. The highprince continued, arguing that although humans are imperfect, they can improve and strive for perfection. A spren interrupted again and was almost ejected by the high judge. The second argument from Adolin was that the human kingdoms had overcome their differences and united to fight Odium. Accidentally while answering, he posed a counter question triggering a discussion on whether Dalinar was a danger to the Stormfather. Another spren brought up Kaladin almost killing Syl, and was send out of the forum for interrupting. When their was another interruption, Adolin changed tactic and decided to to confront the audience who clearly were not interested in his words. He told the audience he was glad to find the honorspren were very human with fears. The honorspren then brought in the deadeye cryptic Adolin saw in Nameless. This revelation turned the crowds against Adolin and he knew it, so he left the forum.{{book ref|sa4|90}}

On the last day of the trial, Adolin approached the trial with trepidation. He worried about the trial and Shallan, so it took a moment before he realized Kelek was not at the stage and his place had been taken by Sekeir. Who told Adolin his wivewife had gone and tried to influence the Herald and they were now both in custody. The new judge gave a lengthy speech, and revealed the final witness. It was Maya, who is clearly uncomfortable with the attention of the audience. Sekeir asked Adolin if he knows her, and he answered Mayalaran was his friend. The judge pressed Adolin that she was his slave, and that humans used the deadeyes to kill and were monsters. Adolin doesn't deny it, said the point was made and asked to let Maya go as she was terrified. Maya is getting more and more anxious while Sekeir gave a speech to the crowds about what humans have done. Adolin objected to the treatment and was restrained, but Sekeir insisted he had to speak for Maya. The situation continued to escalate with Maya starting to growl and cry out. Adolin started to feel her pain and shouted: "LET HER GO!" The judge refused judgment saying Maya's screams were the judgement. Then after a crescendo, Maya felt silent and weak. In that moment, Adolin offered her some of his strength. Then with all her strength she spoke:{{book ref|sa4|94}}

Shallan told him histhat having insecurities about his place were good for him. She made jokes that he was getting three betrotheds instead of one and he told her he only wanted her which she said she could do with some help from him.{{book ref|oathbringer|121}} They marry soon after.{{book ref|sa3|122}}

As the war continued, Adolin started to worry about the mental state of his wife. He tells Kaladin that he wants to help her, but doesn't know how.{{book ref|sa4|12}} During the expedition to Shadesmar, he takes Shallan on a date to see a starspren, thisand it seemed to drawhelp herShallan come out moreof her shell.{{book ref|sa4|34}} After the trial, they bond more about their shared experience of trying to revive a deadeye.{{book ref|sa4|115}}

Adolin is the first son of [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa1|12}} and [[Evi]],{{book ref|sa3|42}} and his younger brother is [[Renarin]].{{book ref|sa1|18}} [[Gavilar]] is his uncle, Dalinar's brother. [[Navani]], Gavilar's widow, is his aunt and step-mother, and Gavilar's children, [[Jasnah]] and King [[Elhokar]], are his cousins.{{book ref|sa1|60}}

In the first draft of ''[[The Way of Kings]]'' (known as ''[[The Way of Kings Prime]]''), Adolin wasis named '''Aredor''', and wasis Dalinar's second son after Sheneras (since removed from the plot). At the start of the book, Sheneras dieddies while protecting [[Elhokar]], making Aredor the heir.{{book ref|wok'|1}} Throughout the book, Aredor serves a guide to Merin ([[Kaladin]]), introducing him to the world of the nobility.{{wob ref|3808}} He diedis atexecuted by Elhokar toward the end of the story;,{{book whileref|wok'|52}} Brandonwhich doesn'tis quiteone rememberof the circumstances,reasons heDalinar believesends itup waskilling inElhokar. a [[highstorm]].However, Hishis death was not considered particularly relevant, as [[Renarin]] was always the most important of the three siblings.{{wob ref|10570}}

* Brandon has said that Adolin and Shallan could be comfortable being in a polypolyamorous triad with Kaladin, indicating that he may have some level of interest in men. However, however this is not further explored in the text.{{wob ref|13025}}