Alina Starkov

Alina Starkov is the protagonist of the Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. An orphan who believes herself to be nobody, Alina suddenly finds herself thrust into a world of magic and politics and expected to save the world.

Appearance
Alina Starkov is described as somewhat small, pale, and mousy, having often been frail and sickly as a child. As a teen, she is skinny with dull brown hair and eyes; once she begins training with her Grisha power, she becomes healthier, physically and in appearance.

She has a scar across her right palm. Through the later part of the series, she bears two amplifiers - a collar from Morozova's stag around her neck, and a bracelet made from serpent scales. At the end of Ruin and Rising when she gives up her powers, the amplifiers break and fall off.

Her brown hair turns to white after she uses Merzost.

History
Alina was raised alongside her best friend Malyen Oretsev in an orphanage in Keramzin. At the age of eight, she was tested for Grisha powers and revealed none. Prior to the start of the story, Alina joins Ravka's First Army as a mapmaker.

Shadow and Bone
In Shadow and Bone, Alina is with the First Army as they prepare to cross the Shadow Fold, reflecting on her crush on Mal. They are attacked in the Fold and she saves them by producing a flare of light; she is questioned by the Darkling, declared a Grisha, and whisked away to the palace in Os Alta. She discovers that she is the Sun Summoner and it is within her power to destroy the Shadow Fold and save Ravka. Alina is introduced to beauty-manipulator Genya Safin to be presented to the King and Queen; she then begins her training in the ways of the Grisha. [More Info Needed]

Siege and Storm
[info needed]

Ruin and Rising
[info needed]

Relationships

 * Malyen Oretsev - best friend, romance
 * Nikolai Lantsov - friend and ally with romantic tension
 * The Darkling - her leader and tutor, who professes feelings for her
 * Genya Safin - first friend in the Little Palace with romantic tension