Scarlet

Lore & Background

Her journey begins when she searches for her missing grandmother, an act that draws her into conflict with Wolf, a Lunar soldier, not a prince named Eric. As Scarlet joins the resistance, she discovers that her immunity to Lunar glamour is a powerful asset in the war for freedom. No spirits guide her or reveal Levana's past; instead, her courage and determination help unite the fractured resistance movements across Earth and Luna, proving that even those who are feared can become saviors.

In Their Own Story

The candlelight flickered against the cold stone walls of the attic, casting long shadows that danced like the spirits only Scarlet could see. A translucent figure of a weeping woman hovered near the window, her mouth moving in silent pleas for justice. Scarlet ignored the trembling in her hands as she stitched the final hem of a royal gown, knowing that within this fabric lay the fate of two worlds. 'They are coming,' the spirit whispered, though no sound left its lips. Scarlet nodded, her heart pounding against her ribs, ready to step out from the shadows and into the fire.

Reader's Guide

Scarlet's story begins with her quiet life as a seamstress until she intervenes in Queen Levana's court to save Cress, an act that forces her into hiding alongside Prince Eric. This alliance marks the first major turning point, transforming her from a passive observer into an active participant in the rebellion. As the group travels across Luna and eventually to Earth, Scarlet faces numerous challenges, including capture by Levana's forces and the psychological toll of her visions. Her arc is defined by learning to trust others and embracing her unique ability as a strength rather than a burden. The narrative connects deeply with Cinder's story, as their paths converge in the fight against the Queen. Ultimately, Scarlet plays a crucial role in the final confrontation, using her connection to the spirits to expose Levana's vulnerabilities. Her journey concludes with the establishment of a new order on Luna, where she stands as a symbol of resistance and hope for a future free from tyranny.

Did You Know?

• Scarlet is one of the few characters in the series who is a Lunar shell, meaning she is immune to Lunar glamour—a rare trait on Earth.
• Her initial motivation to find her grandmother leads her to Wolf, a Lunar soldier, not a prince named Eric.
• Scarlet's relationship with Wolf evolves from mutual suspicion to deep trust and eventual romance.
• She is often depicted wearing practical clothing suitable for farm work, contrasting sharply with the opulent Lunar court attire.

Scarlet's Journey and Alliance

Scarlet Benoit serves as the protagonist of the second novel in Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series, a futuristic retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Her narrative begins with the sudden disappearance of her grandmother, Michelle Benoit, a former military pilot and farmer who had raised Scarlet alone. Left to navigate this crisis independently, Scarlet embarks on a perilous journey to locate her missing relative. During this quest, she forms an uneasy partnership with Wolf, a genetically altered Lunar warrior known for his street-fighting prowess. As their travels continue, a complex dynamic develops between them; while Scarlet's admiration for Wolf deepens, his loyalty is severely tested by the malicious intentions of his old Lunar pack. This external pressure forces both characters into dangerous circumstances that reveal deeper truths about their identities and allegiances.

Strategic Coalition Against Tyranny

The narrative arc of Scarlet expands significantly as she converges with Cinder, the cyborg mechanic from New Beijing who serves as the series' primary protagonist. Their meeting marks a pivotal shift in the struggle against Queen Levana's oppressive regime. While Scarlet focuses on her personal mission to find her grandmother and understand Wolf's past, she seamlessly integrates into Cinder's broader plan to dismantle Lunar tyranny. This alliance is crucial for countering the power of Queen Levana and her thaumaturge, Sybil Mira. By joining forces with Cinder and even working alongside the convict Carswell Thorne at various points, Scarlet becomes a vital component in the growing resistance movement. Her unique perspective as an Earthling with deep ties to Lunar history allows her to bridge gaps between different factions, strengthening the collective effort to protect both Earth and Luna from Levana's expanding control.

Intersection of Plague and Politics

The story of Scarlet unfolds against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tension between Earth and its former colony, Luna. This conflict is compounded by an ongoing pandemic known as Letumosis, which creates widespread fear and instability across the Commonwealths. Although Scarlet's personal journey focuses on her grandmother and Wolf, the shadow of the plague looms large over the series' events. The disease eventually mutates to a point where even Lunars, previously thought immune, become vulnerable, heightening the stakes for all characters involved. As tensions rise between the two worlds, Prince Kaito finds himself caught in the middle, balancing his duties to his people against the villainous ambitions of Queen Levana. Scarlet's involvement in these larger political machinations highlights how individual struggles are inextricably linked to the broader survival of their species and planets.

Legacy Through Supplementary Narratives

Beyond her primary role in the second novel, Scarlet's character history is enriched by supplementary works within The Lunar Chronicles universe, specifically the short story collection Stars Above. One notable prequel, titled The Keeper, provides essential backstory regarding her early life. This narrative explores how Princess Selene came under the care of Michelle Benoit, establishing the foundational relationship between Scarlet and her grandmother long before the main events of the series begin. These additional stories deepen the reader's understanding of Scarlet's motivations and the significance of her family ties. Furthermore, the announcement of an animated feature film adaptation by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in 2019 suggests a continued interest in bringing these complex characters to new audiences. The planned release date of November 3, 2028, indicates that Scarlet's story remains relevant and poised for further exploration through visual media.