Ariel

Ariel is a character in the Stoneheart Trilogy. She is a spit that comes from the top of the Bank of England. She meets George Chapman in Ironhand.

History
The statue Ariel is based off of the character of the same name from William Shakespeare's The Tempest. In the story, Ariel is the spirit of the wind.

Appearance
Ariel is described as a girl completely made of gold. When not moving, she stands balancing on one leg at the top of the Bank of England. She apparently enjoys singing.

(Awaiting completion)

Personality
(Awaiting completion)

Ironhand
Ariel is first seen singing on the top of the Bank of England as George and Spout fly past the area. George tries to ask Ariel for help, but the spit does not reply. Shortly after, as George clings on a roof that Spout left him on, Ariel reappears, floating in the air and leaning on the edge of the roof. She tells George that she is there to help him achieve his fate. She then tells George to come with her. George hesitates, but after looking up the roof at Spout, he agrees. Ariel grabs him and the two of them fly away.

After they escape Spout, Ariel flies George to the top of a building, all the while showing off her talented flying abilities. She tells George that she is a "minister of his fate". George does not understand what she means by this.

Later, when George duels the Last Knight for the first time, he tries to escape through a gate, but Ariel holds him in place, telling him that it is his fate to duel. Before the Knight can strike George with his lance, Spout swoops in and saves George, but in the process he exposes Ariel to the weapon. Ariel is struck by the lance, and she is left with a nearly fatal wound. The Knight solemnly marches an unconscious Ariel back to his plinth; on his way he is intercepted by the Red Queen and her daughters; they take Ariel from him to ensure that she is safe.

(Awaiting completion)

Trivia

 * Just as with its purpose in the Stoneheart trilogy, the theme of fate is central in The Tempest. Although the characters on the island are not aware of it, they are being manipulated by Ariel and his master, Prospero.
 * Interestingly, Ariel is often portrayed by a male performer during live performances of The Tempest. This has been true since the earliest days of Shakespearean performances in London, when men and boys played every character role, both male and female.