| “ | “Love triangles can get so fucking awkward, don’t you think?” | ” |
–Imogen Cardulo teasing Violet Sorrengail, Iron Flame | ||
Imogen Cardulo is a third-year rider at Basgiath War College. She is friends with Xaden Riorson and a member of the rebellion alongside Garrick Tavis, Bodhi Durran and all the other children of the leaders of the failed Tyrrish Rebellion led by Fen Riorson. She has an active role in the The Revolution and is a member of Fourth Wing, Flame Section, Second Squad.
Biography
Before Basgiath
Imogen is one of the children of the leaders of the rebellion led by Fen Riorson. She was around the age of 16 when she was marked with the rebellion relic and was forced to watch the execution of her mother and older sister, both of whom took active roles in the Tyrrish Rebellion. According to both her and Garrick Tavis, General Sorrengail is responsible for capturing and killing all the leaders of the rebellion[1].
| “ | Imogen’s head snaps in his direction. “Her mother is responsible for the execution of my mom and sister. I should have done more than just snap her shoulder.”
“Her mom is responsible for the capture of nearly all our parents,” Garrick counters, folding his arms over his wide chest. |
” |
–Imogen and Garrick Tavis about Lilith Sorrengail, Fourth Wing | ||
Just like all the other 106 children of rebellion leaders, Imogen was given a protection stone made by Colonel Mairi and she carried it with her throughout the conflict between Navarre and Tyrrendor and then as she was watching her mother and older sister's execution[2]. The protection rune in the stone left dark whirring lines on the arms of all 107 children of the leaders of the rebellion, which would later on be referred to as Rebellion Relics and would lead to them being called "marked ones".
| “ | “It’s a protection rune, but it was only intended to be used once. [...] Each of the children of the officers were given them before our parents left for the Battle of Aretia. We were told to carry them at all times, and we did, even to the execution. [...] It was designed to counter the signet of the rider whose dragon would kill them.” He swallows. “But it could only activate when killed by dragonfire. [...] I kept it closed in my fist—we all did—as we stood there, watching our parents put into lines for execution. And the second they were…” His shoulders rise as he takes a deep breath. “…burned, heat raced up my arm. The next time I felt anything like that was after Threshing.” | ” |
–Xaden Riorson on the protection stones and the execution of the rebels, Iron Flame | ||
First year
As part of the deal Xaden made with General Lilith Sorrengail[3], Imogen (along with all the other marked children of the separatists), was forced to enroll into the Riders Quadrant.
| “ | “I personally think the quadrant was chosen to give us the best chance of rising in rank, but others…” He grimaces. “Others think it’s because the death rate is so much higher for riders, so they were hoping to kill us all off without having to do it themselves. I’ve heard Imogen say they originally figured the dragons have unimpeachable honor, so they’d never bond a marked one in the first place, and now they don’t quite know what to do with us.” | ” |
–Liam Mairi on the forced conscription of the marked ones, Fourth Wing | ||
Not much is known about her first year in Basgiath, aside from the fact that she bonded Glane, an Orange Daggertail, and manifested the power of erasing recent memories.
Originally, she was part of the Second Squad, Flame Section, Second Wing and she is one of the four first year cadets in her squad that survived to her second year - the others being Dain Aetos, Quinn and Cianna.
Second Year
Imogen is seen standing in formation on Conscription Day, her pink and rebellion relic catching Violet Sorrengail's attention when she sees her new squadmates for the first time. Xaden manages to move the whole squad under his chain of command, forcing Dain Aetos to switch with Aura Beinhaven - thus, Imogen is now part of Fourth Wing, Flame Section, Second Squad[4].
The next morning, Imogen is mentioned as standing next to another second year with "hoop earrings in her left lobe", whom we later on learn is Quinn, after the death roll is read. Unlike Quinn, Imogen doesn't show any sign of amusement at Dain's joke about the high mortality rate in the Riders Quadrant[5].
A few hours later, during the sparring class, Professor Emetterio calls Imogen to the mat against Violet Sorrengail. From the start, Imogen shows and expresses her distaste for the daughter of the woman she hold responsible for the death of her family, and after Violet's comment about her mother's involvement in ending the Tyrrish rebellion, Imogen loses her temper and even uses her powers and tries to pull a blade on Violet[6]. Saved by her dragon-scale amour, Violet walks out of that fight with a dislocated shoulder and a broken arm.
| “ | “Sorrengail.” The pink-haired girl looks me over like I’m something she’s scraped off the side of her boot, narrowing her pale green eyes. “You really should dye your hair if you don’t want everyone to know who your mother is. You’re the only silverhaired freak in the quadrant.”
“Never said I cared if everyone knows who my mother is.” I circle the second-year on the mat. “I am proud of her service to protect our kingdom—from enemies both without and within.” [...] “You bitch,” she seethes. “Your mother murdered my family.” |
” |
–Imogen and Violet Sorrengail on Assessment Day , Fourth Wing | ||
A few days after Assessment Day, Imogen is among the marked ones that meet near Iakobos River to discuss the situation of the struggling marked first years. She is assigned the task of training half of the new cadets, along with Garrick Tavis, as Xaden considers her one of their best fighters (at a similar level with Garrick) and patient enough for this role[1].
| “ | “Garrick is our best fighter, but Imogen is right up there with him, and she’s a hell of a lot more patient,” Xaden notes, which is just ludicrous considering she didn’t seem too patient while breaking my arm. “So the four of you split yourselves up between the two of them for training. A group of three won’t draw any unwanted attention. | ” |
–Xaden Riorson about Imogen, Fourth Wing | ||
Towards the end of this secret meeting, one of the first years rises the issue of taking revenge on Violet Sorrengail and Imogen quickly jumps in to support the idea. Considering Xaden`s response, it was not the first time they discussed the problem and Bodhi mentions that Imogen`s desire for revenge has already earned her a month of scrubbing dishes after dinner. Garrick and Imogen also argue on whether or not Violet should be held accountable for her mother`s sins before Xaden brings up Brennan Sorrengail as a reason why Violet would hate them as well, ending the debate by taking it upon himself to “handle” Violet.
| “ | “Yeah, Xaden,” Imogen says sweetly, lifting her pale green eyes to him. “When do we get to finally have our revenge?”
He turns just enough for me to see his profile and the scar that crosses his face as he narrows his eyes at Imogen. “I told you already, the youngest Sorrengail is mine, and I’ll handle her when the time is right.” |
” |
–Xaden Riorson and Imogen discussing Violet Sorrengail, Fourth Wing | ||
Imogen is present during the sparring class Xaden decides to teach Violet how to properly disarm an opponent, entrusted with the wingleader's weapons during the match. Hearing Violet snapping at Xaden loud enough for the whole Quadrant to hear, Imogen gasps and, according to Xaden, she was "no doubt worried that he'll lose his temper and kill the first-year"[7] - which might point to Xaden having informed her about the terms of his deal with General Sorrengail at some point prior to this as Imogen was decidedly all for killing the youngest Sorrengail[3].
She is also seen teasing and mocking Violet after formation, right before the Gauntlet, proving she hasn`t forgiven the first year for the comment on Assessment Day[8].
| “ | “Good luck today.” Imogen tucks an errant strand of pink hair behind her ear and aims a sickly-sweet smile right at me. “Hopefully you won’t fall…short.” [...] She stares at me with complete loathing for a second, then walks off with Quinn and Cianna, our executive officer, her shoulder-length blond curls bouncing. | ” |
–Imogen to Violet Sorrengail, Fourth Wing | ||
After Violet bonds Tairn and Andarna, Imogen joins Violet and her squad at breakfast (accompanied by Quinn, Emery and Heaton) and explains them that after Threshing the power balance in the Quadrant shifts, and the group dynamics also change, using Jack Barlowe and all the cadets suddenly acting friendly towards Violet as an example. Noticing Violet's hesitation to eat anything now that Oren Seifert is on kitchen duty, Imogen gives her a part of her own breakfast - Tairn also attests to Imogen being trust-worthy. Most likely at Xaden's request, Imogen informs Violet that they are to meet in the weight room to start working on strengthening the muscles around her joints[9].
| “ | “The morning after Threshing is always a clusterfuck. Power balance shifts, and you, little Sorrengail, are now about to be the most powerful rider in the quadrant. Anyone with common sense is going to be scared of you.” [...]
“Which is why you’re now sitting with us?” Rhiannon arches a brow at the second-year. “Because I can count on one hand the number of nice words you’ve said to any of us.” She holds up a fist with zero fingers raised. [...] “You weren’t interesting enough to sit with before,” Imogen responds, then bites into a muffin. |
” |
–Imogen and Rhiannon Matthias, Fourth Wing | ||
True to her word, Imogen waits in the weight room and fortunately for Violet, she interrupts Dain Aetos and her as the Squadleader was just talking about the kiss the two shared the day before. Dain expresses his reluctance to Imogen training Violet, but he is quickly dismissed by Imogen. Garrick Tavis is also present in the room, training one of the first year marked ones at the same time as Imogen trains Violet on a "machine with a polished wooden seat and two cushioned squares that meet in front of it at knee height"[9].
When Violet questions Imogen about Xaden being the reason behind the second-years decision to train her, Imogen snaps at her and, with the kind of "fierce loyalty" Violet mistakenly assumes is motivated by a romantic connection, she makes it clear that Violet is in no position to question her about Xaden.
| “ | “You’re only doing this because Xaden is making you, right?”
Her eyes meet mine and narrow. “Rule number one. He’s Riorson to you, first-year, and you never get to question me about him. Ever.” “That’s two rules.” I’m starting to think my first guess about them is right. With that kind of fierce loyalty, they have to be lovers. |
” |
–Imogen and Violet Sorrengail about Xaden Riorson, Fourth Wing | ||
The members of the Second Squad seem to have taken up the habit of eating at the same table - except for the cadets their squad received after the dissolving of the Third Squad, who refuse "to sit with anyone with a rebellion relic", referring to Imogen[10]. After Sawyer manifests his signet, Imogen and Quinn tell the first years about the risks of not manifesting a signet before the six month mark,
On the night Xaden and Garrick train together in the sparring gym, Imogen is also present (as the whole squad is preparing for the Squad Battles), "casually holding Ridoc in a headlock, waiting for him to tap out"[11]. Like nearly everyone in the room, Imogen also follows the sparring match between the marked third-years and Violet notes the "pure yearning" on her face, very similar to how Violet herself feels as she looks at Xaden and mistakenly assumes that the two have a romantic relationship. Later on, on the Parapet, Xaden explains that they are just friends and that Imogen actually has a thing for Garrick.
| “ | A repetitive smacking sound draws my attention to the right, where Ridoc is tapping out with zeal. Imogen drops him, leaving him gasping for breath on the mat, and an unwanted and absolutely illogical flash of ugly, twisted jealousy stabs me straight in the chest at the pure yearning she can’t hide in her expression as she watches Xaden and Garrick. | ” |
–Imogen watching the sparring match, Fourth Wing | ||
During the same sparring gym scene, when Jack Barlowe threatens Violet, Garrick, Liam and Imogen inch closer in case they would have to intervene to protect her - arguably, not entirely because they care about her at that point, but because they care about Xaden[11].
After the sparring trial of the Squad Battles, Imogen is seen taking part in the short moment of celebration along with the rest of the squad - "I’m pretty sure I even see Imogen in this little melee"[12] - right before they notice the absence of leadership in the room and Commandant Panchek informs them about the last task. In the absence of their Squadleader, Dain Aetos, and their Executive Officer, Cianna,, Imogen steps up and takes command of their squad - although Nadine, one of the first years transferred to their squad after Threshing, has a visible reluctance around marked ones. Heaton and Emery defends Imogen's suitability for the role. As they discuss the plan to steal the map with information on all the outposts of Navarre from General Sorrengail`s office, Imogen's signet is revealed as the ability to mind-wipe recent memories - just like Dain's, it is a classified signet as we learn in Iron Flame[13]. To recognize Violet`s pivotal contribution, Imogen nudges her to present and take credit for the idea., which ultimately wins them a trip to Montserrat.
As a reward for winning the Squad Games, Imogen's squad spends a few days in Montserrat. The cadets are divided into two groups - some spending the day with professor Devera and then going on patrol, while the other half of the squad spends two hours flying around the surrounding area and then discussing battle strategy in the briefing room of the outpost[14]. Imogen is not mentioned as part or either group.
| “ | “Why do you think riders wear black anyway?”
“Because it’s badass,” Ridoc answers from behind me. “So it’s harder to see when we bleed,” Imogen chimes in. “Forget I asked,” I mumble. |
” |
–Imogen and Ridoc's banter before War Games, Fourth Wing | ||
Imogen is also mentioned helping her team during the War Games and during the last challenge, she is part of the team Xaden Riorson assembles to fly to Athebyne, along with Garrick Tavis, Bodhi Durran, Liam Mairi, Eya, Masen Sanborn, Soleil Telery, Ciaran and Violet Sorrengail. It is obvious that she knows about the venins and has been part of the secret weapon smuggling as she, like the other marked ones on the team, is not surprised at the apparition of gryphon fliers one day earlier than expected for the weapon shipment[15]. After the gryphon fliers leave, Imogen leaves Violet and Xaden to sort out the
| “ | “Good luck, Riorson.” Imogen tucks a piece of her pink hair behind her ear, her rebellion relic peeking out above the sleeve of her flight leathers as she turns to give us space. | ” |
–Imogen Cardulo after Violet learns about the venins, Fourth Wing | ||
Upon arriving at the outpost, the group is divided to search for clues as to why such a strategically important outpost ("the post they do the yearly trades at" and where there are more than three hundred civilians[16]) would be deserted. Imogen and Garrick are the ones to find the missive with instructions left by Colonel Aetos. Learning that the whole village was left defenseless, Imogen is the first to state her intentions of fighting to defend the civilians when they are given the choice to run away to safety.
| “ | “We’re riders,” Imogen says as another explosion sounds. “We defend the defenseless. That’s what we do.” | ” |
–Imogen to Xaden, Fourth Wing | ||
Before going into battle to protect the civilians in Resson against the venin, Xaden gives everyone the chance to turn around and fly for Eltuvan where the rest of the Wing was sent for the War Games. None of them changes their mind, preferring to die doing the right thing rather than run away from danger. Even when they learn about the additional danger of the wyverns created by the venins, Imogen's courage is unwavering.
| “ | “Well, there went our air superiority,” Imogen says across from us, then shrugs. “Fuck ’em. They can die, too.” | ” |
–Imogen upon seeing the wyverns for the first time, Fourth Wing | ||
Violet is not able to keep tabs on what everyone is doing during the battle, but there are sporadic mentions of her and the others, everyone doing their best to save as many civilians as possible and struggling against the hordes of wyverns. At some point during the battle Imogen gets a lip injury[17], but otherwise makes it out of the melee unharmed.
After the battle, Imogen is described as crying and worried for Violet`s life as she has been stabbed by the venin and the poison is spreading through her body. She argues with Garrick when he points out that bringing Violet to Aretia puts everything they have been working for in danger, noting that Tairn doesn`t seem to agree with his line of thought, but also that it is only Violet`s life at stake, but Xaden`s as well. The two seem to bicker on the subject all the way to Aretia as Garrick is heard snapping at her again when they land.
| “ | “You’re sure about this?” Imogen asks.
“Stop fucking asking him that,” Garrick snaps. “He made his decision. Support him or get the fuck out, Imogen.” |
” |
–Imogen and Garrick after landing in Aretia, Fourth Wing | ||
Imogen is one of the eight survivors of the battle at Resson and she is first seen in Iron Flame as listening on the Assembly meeting from the hallway along with Bodhi and, later on, Violet Sorrengail joins them. Violet notes that both Imogen and Bodhi are comfortable around Riorson House and in the days since the battle, they have found the time to touch on their hair - Imogen had her hair dyed a brighter shade of pink and Bodhi got a new haircut[17]. The only signs of having been in battle recently are Bodhi's broken arm and Imogen's split lip.
| “ | Imogen puts her finger to her lips, then motions at me to join in the empty place between her and Bodhi. I take it, noticing Imogen’s half-shaved hair has been recently dyed a brighter pink while I’ve been resting. Clearly she’s comfortable here. Bodhi, too. | ” |
–Violet Sorrengail about Imogen and Bodhi, Iron Flame | ||
When the Assembly members figure that the three cadets have been listening on the meeting about whether or not they should return to Basgiath, Imogen and Bodhi don`t show any remorse and defend Violet`s right to also be there, hinting towards the fact that Xaden had taken responsibility for Violet the same way he did for the 106 children of the leaders of the Tyrrish Rebellion - by inflicting a wound deep enough to leave a mark on himself, a Tyrrish custom that Imogen expresses her disapproval to.
| “ | “Xaden has already taken responsibility for her.” Imogen sidesteps, moving slightly closer to me. “As brutal of a custom as it may be.” | ” |
–Imogen about Violet, Iron Flame | ||
After the meeting is over, Imogen leaves along with Bodhi and Xaden, aiming for the valley nearby where the eight of them will decide, in spite of the Assembly, what they want to do from that point. Garrick points out that it is crucial that they return, not only for the whole weapon smuggling operation but also because the lives of the marked ones left in the Quadrant depend on it - in the end everyone agrees that it is best they return, even though Violet's inability to shield her mind completely is a huge risk.
Upon returning to Basgiath, they find out that no one really knows where they have been and some cadets even tease them for losing the War Games. The group divides for a while before formation is called that morning, but they regroup just before the death roll is read. Imogen is present while Xaden and Violet recount an altered version of the events at Athebyne to General Sorrengail.
Upon returning to their squad, Imogen teases Violet for the tension between her, Xaden and Dain, much to Violet's chagrin[18]:
| “ | “Love triangles can get so fucking awkward, don’t you think?” Imogen says.
I shoot a glare over my shoulder at her for going along with Xaden’s implication—or assumption, but she shrugs unapologetically. |
” |
–Imogen Cardulo, teasing Violet Sorrengail, Iron Flame | ||
After Xaden returns to the front of his Wing and Dain gets back to his position in front of his squad, Imogen and Violet resume their positions in their usual positions within formation and Quinn warmly welcomes Imogen back[18], admitting to having missed her during the War Games.
| “ | “Gods, I missed you.” The blue streak in Quinn’s short blond curls bobs as she shoulder-bumps Imogen. “War Games sucked. You didn’t miss much.” | ” |
–Quinn to Imogen Cardulo, Iron Flame | ||
Third Year
During the graduation party in the gathering hall, Imogen and Quinn join the rest of their squad for the celebration and chime in to highlight the perks of being a second-year rider - no duties within the Quadrant, letter privileges, trips to Chantara, slightly more downtime and permission to fraternize with other Quadrants.
| “ | “Second year is the best,” Quinn says, pouring ale from the pitcher into a pewter mug. “All the privileges and only some of the responsibility of the third-years.”
“But fraternizing between quadrants is definitely the best perk,” Imogen adds, forcing a smile and wincing before touching her finger to the split in her lip. |
” |
–Quinn and Imogen on the perks of being a second year, Iron Flame | ||
Imogen's minor injury prompts Nadine and the rest of the squad to ask Imogen and Violet about the battle at Resson, all of them in awe of the fact that their squadmates actually saw active combat. Violet struggles to find an answer without lying to her friends or outing the truth of what went on in Athebyne, but Imogen highlights Violet and Xaden's role into getting them all out alive, without giving away too many details. Violet notes the genuine respect and gratitude in Imogen's compliment before the third year proposes a toast to Liam[19].
| “ | “It fucking sucked,” Imogen says before throwing back her drink and slamming her glass on the table. “You want the truth? If it wasn’t for Riorson and Sorrengail, we’d all be dead.” [...] “And as much as I wish none of it had happened, at least those of us who were there truly know the horror of what we’re up against.” | ” |
–Imogen Cardulo on the Battle of Athebyne, Iron Flame | ||
On Conscription day, Imogen is present during formation and observes the nervous first-years along with the rest of her squad, reminding them that it is not wise to get attached to the new cadets before Threshing, echoing Quinn's advice from the night of the graduation party. When Sloane Mairi contests her placement in the same squad as Violet, Imogen steps in to get the younger marked one to stop making a scene[20].
| “ | “Stop disrespecting your squad leader and get in formation, Sloane,” Imogen hisses. “You’re acting like a spoiled aristocrat.”
“Imogen?” Sloane startles. |
” |
–Imogen and Sloane on Conscription Day, Iron Flame | ||
Along with Ridoc and Quinn, Imogen makes comments on the frightened first-years and the likelihood of them surviving the Quadrant before Solas aims to incinerate the cadets who broke formation, the flames engulfing a large part of the Flame Section of Fourth Wing. Quinn and Imogen rush to help Third squad and Imogen notices that Ciaran, one of the third-year riders who fought with them at Resson was among the casualties. The realisation leaves both Imogen and Violet shaken.
| “ | Looking back at what remains of Third Squad, I see Imogen staring at a pile of cinder. As if she can feel me staring, she slowly drags her numbed gaze to mine.
She staggers forward and I meet her halfway, grabbing hold of her elbows. “Imogen?” “Ciaran,” she whispers. “Ciaran’s dead.” |
” |
–Imogen and Violet on Ciaran's death, Iron Flame | ||
The next morning, Imogen meets Violet preparing for her morning run in the courtyard and asks her about this new strange habit, reassuring her that the fact that she noticed this has nothing to do with Xaden putting her on guard duty. Sharing the fear of not being fast enough to run from danger, Imogen decides to join Violet for morning runs before formation[21].
| “ | “So, why are we running, Sorrengail?” Imogen asks, finishing her stretches.
“Because I generally suck at it,” I answer. “I’m good in short bursts, but anything longer than that—and I won’t make it.” Not to mention it’s hell on my joints. Imogen’s gaze snaps to mine, her eyes widening. |
” |
–Imogen and Violet Sorrengail, Iron Flame | ||
The idea of Violet and Imogen - who are friendly, but not exactly friends - is shocking and suspicious to Rhiannon, but Bodhi intervenes before she can ask too many questions.
| “ | “Yet,” Imogen says, yanking the door to the tunnel open. “We’re not fast enough yet. But we will be. Let’s go.” | ” |
–Imogen Cardulo, Iron Flame | ||
After discussing a recent gryphon attack that happened near Montserrat during Battle Brief, Violet tries to convince Bodhi and Imogen to allow her to take part in the weapon runs, but they shut her down swiftly. Before leaving to join Quinn for lunch, Imogen tells Violet that she doesn't have to accept the reality of the situation, but act as if she does - similarly to how all the marked ones agreed to do after the Apostasy as part of the deal with General Sorrengail[22].
Unlike the previous year, during assessment Day, Imogen sits on the sidelines with Quinn and she laughs at rather than encourages Sloane's desire for revenge against Violet[21]. After the assassination attempt, Imogen volunteers to take care of Violet (reassuring Professor Emetterio of her good intention unlike the previous year) and the two of them briefly discuss the fact that everyone who was at Resson is being targeted. Imogen also expresses her concern for Sloane as the first year clearly shows that she lacks the fighting abilities her brother had due to not having been fostered by fighters[21].
Physical Description
| “ | "One of the riders with two stars on her uniform and half-shaved, half-pink hair has a rebellion relic that winds around her forearm, from her wrist to above her elbow, where it disappears under her uniform, but I look away so she won’t catch me staring." | ” |
–Violet's first description of Imogen, Fourth Wing | ||
Imogen is described as having pale green eyes and chin-length half-pink, half-shaved hair that she braids or pins back before battles. As the child of a separatist, she carries the rebellion relic - a set of dark, winding lines that cover most of her left arm. Violet also notes that Imogen is about a head taller than herself[6] and has a toned body, considering her the kind of woman "whose beauty is only outmatched by her brutality".
For the most part of the first book, Violet describes Imogen`s expression as scornful, snarky, vicious and mocking, but during the secret meeting, she notes on the uncharacteristic softness in her features when she's around her friends:
| “ | "Her profile in the moonlight is almost unrecognizable as the same person who shredded my shoulder. That Imogen is cruel, vicious even. But the way she’s looking at Xaden softens her eyes, her mouth, her whole posture as she tucks a short strand of pink hair behind her ear." | ” |
–Imogen`s description during the secret meeting of the marked ones, Fourth Wing | ||
After the battle at Resson, Violet notes that Imogen has a split in her lip and, while they were staying at Riorson House to wait for Violet to recover, she has managed to dye her hair a brighter shade of pink.
Personality
Judging by the way she easily lost control during her fight with Violet on assessment day, it is safe to assume that Imogen is easily riled up and holds a grudge against General Sorrengail, whom she considers responsible for the execution of her mother and sister after the apostasy. In the same fight but also during other interactions with Violet, Imogen is vicious, ruthless and snarky.
However, during the secret meeting scene, we get a glimpse of a whole different side of her - more open, almost caring around her friends and seeing as she is one of the few people who talk during the meeting and is tasked with looking after the first years, it is safe to assume that she is respected and pretty high in the chain of command of the marked ones. Xaden also notes that she is far more patient than Garrick.
We also see that Imogen is able to overcome her own feelings and prejudices, putting the well-being of her friend and the duties she has within the rebellion above herself. She accepts to train Violet out of loyalty to Xaden and gradually warms up to her as she admits in Iron Flame.
There is also a playful, mischievous side of Imogen as she doesn`t pass on any opportunity to tease and challenge her friends or to make a sarcastic comment - see, for example her teasing Xaden during the secret meeting or Violet on the "love triangle" with Dain and Xaden, but also on her uncertain relationship status with Xaden throughout Iron Flame. However, she is visibly uncomfortable talking about feelings and relationships with Violet and immediately shuts down the possibility of talking about her own romantic life with anyone but her best friend, Quinn.
| “ | “Can you love someone who refuses to be open with you?” I challenge.
“One,” she blatantly mimics me, “we’re not talking about my love life. I have Quinn—my actual friend—for that.” She pins back the longest section of her pink hair with quick, efficient movements. “Two, we keep information classified all the time. You’d have the same problem with any rider you dated.” [...] “You didn’t want normal. If you did, you’d be in a relationship with Aetos.” She shudders. “Or hell, anyone else in this place. But you wanted Riorson. If you didn’t think the man was hiding more than a few battle-axes, then you’re mad at the wrong person, because you lied to yourself.” [...] “Oh, look, our time is up.” She sighs in obvious relief. |
” |
–Discussion between Imogen and Violet Sorrengail, Iron Flame | ||
It is also worth noting that Imogen actually gives Violet sound advice about her relationship with both Xaden and her squad (encouraging her to talk to Rhiannon and the rest and stop avoiding them), but also on school related stuff regarding Rider Survival Course (RSC).
Along with Bodhi, she also sneaks in to listen to the Assembly meeting in Aretia, further proving her mischievous side.
| “ | “We have dragons,” Imogen says, her pitch rising. “Surely that has to count for something. We’re not afraid to fight.” | ” |
–Imogen, Fourth Wing | ||
As seen both in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, Imogen doesn't shy away from battle and faces danger head on. She feels it is her duty as a rider to protect the defenseless and like all the other marked ones, prefers a honorable death in battle, fighting against the danger their parents lost their lives trying to prevent.
Power and Abilities
Powers
Lesser Magic
Every rider is capable of using Lesser magic once their dragon begins channeling through them after Threshing. With this channeling, riders are able to; open doors without touching them, preternatural speed, manipulating mage lights, and powering ink pens.[23] Lesser magic also allows riders to place runes.
Signet
Recent Memory Erasure
With the ability to erase recent memories, Imogen is one of the few known riders with a classified signet. She is seen using it to cover their tracks, erasing the memory of their presence there, when her, Violet, Xaden and Aaric break into the Scribe Quadrant to steal the diaries of two of the First Riders. Varrish also mentions Imogen and her signet, hinting to the fact that leadership is aware of her ability and might be using it in a similar way as Dain is used for interrogations.
Abilities
Combat
Imogen is seen as a capable fighter and Xaden even describes her as just as good of a fighter as Garrick. Her talent on the sparring mat also makes her the best person to train others (some marked kids, Violet Sorrengail, Sloane Mairi).
Speed
It is mentioned multiple times throughout the books that Imogen is very fast in combat and otherwise, second only to Xaden and the venin Violet faces during the battle at Athebyne. She highlights her speed herself during the Squad Games when they all talk about the powers and abilities they have at their disposal for completing the task.
During her third year, Imogen also takes up running in the morning with Violet to raise endurance, both of them still haunted by the memory of Soleil not being able to get to Fuil in time.
Relationships
Violet Sorrengail
| “ | "I can explain. You see, I didn't like you last year, remember? You're kind of an acquired taste." - Imogen to Violet about their relationship in the beginning of Fourth Wing [24] | ” |
“Finish the turkey,” Imogen orders. “I’ll see you tonight.” She and Quinn clear their trays, taking them back to the window for scullery. “Is she any nicer when she’s training you?” Rhiannon asks. “No. But she’s efficient.”
| “ | She moves her bag, twisting her wrist so her rebellion relic is front and center between us. “And like it or not, you’re one of us now. Well, as close as you can get without one of these.” | ” |
–Imogen Cardulo to Violet Sorrengail, Iron Flame | ||
Xaden Riorson
WIP
| “ | “That’s a tough one,” Imogen responds, turning to look at Xaden. Her profile in the moonlight is almost unrecognizable as the same person who shredded my shoulder. That Imogen is cruel, vicious even. But the way she’s looking at Xaden softens her eyes, her mouth, her whole posture as she tucks a short strand of pink hair behind her ear. | ” |
–Violet's description of Imogen's demeanor around Xaden, Fourth Wing | ||
Garrick Tavis
WIP
| “ | “Like you have any room to talk about stable relationships,” Imogen counters from behind him, the squad formation obviously having broken to ready for the mission.
“I’m going to skip the obvious pun to be made about plenty of mares in my stable.” He flashes a grin, then turns and heads toward the path at the end of the valley. “Seeing as I’m no longer a cadet but a mature, responsible officer.” She scoffs as he walks by. |
” |
–Imogen Cardulo arguing with Garrick Tavis , Iron Flame[25] | ||
Imogen Cardulo, Bodhi Durran and Quinn
Quinn
WIP
Bodhi Durran
WIP
Quotes
| “ | "Meetings are open to whoever wants to attend." | ” |
–Imogen to Violet about the Assembly, Iron Flame | ||
Gallery
Trivia
- During her third year, Imogen's room is located just above Violet's.[22]
- She has a favorite dagger.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Fourth Wing, Chapter 7.
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 46.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 36.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 3.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 4.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Fourth Wing, Chapter 5.
- ↑ Bonus Content, Xaden's POV of Chapter 9.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 11.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Fourth Wing, Chapter 17.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 18.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Fourth Wing, Chapter 22.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 25.
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 32.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 37.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 35.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 36.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 1.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 4.
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 5
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 8.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Iron Flame, Chapter 9.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 9.
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 4
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 9
- ↑ Iron Flame, chapter 52