Raistlin Majere
Character profile
Character profile
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Raistlin Majere was created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman as one of several characters to be involved in an epic *[Advanced Dungeons \& Dragons](/wiki/Advanced_Dungeons_%26_Dragons "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons")* campaign which they had written and designed. This was the beginning of the *[Dragonlance](/wiki/Dragonlance "Dragonlance")* saga. Raistlin was given to one of the players, Terry Phillips, to play. As Margaret Weis describes in the foreword of her prequel book, *[The Soulforge](/wiki/The_Soulforge "The Soulforge")*, Terry Phillips is the man responsible for much of Raistlin's sarcastic and caustic character, taking it to depths that neither she nor Hickman had ever imagined. Raistlin is also Margaret Weis's favorite character. According to Hickman in the foreword to *The Soulforge*, "\[we] were just settling in to the game when I turned to my good friend Terry Phillips and asked what his character was doing. Terry spoke...and the world of Krynn was forever changed. His rasping voice, his sarcasm and bitterness all masking an arrogance and power that never needed to be stated suddenly were real. Everyone in the room was both transfixed and terrified. To this day Margaret \[Weis] swears that Terry wore the black robes to the party that night." According to Weis, "People can identify with Raistlin. We can relate to feelings that nobody loves us, to the struggle for recognition and acceptance. I really understood Raistlin right off the bat."

Raistlin is best described as the archetypal [antihero](/wiki/Antihero "Antihero") or [tragic hero](/wiki/Tragic_hero "Tragic hero"). He is a Wizard of High Sorcery who first bears the red robes that mark him as a worshipper of Lunitari. During the five years in which the future [Heroes of the Lance](/wiki/Heroes_of_the_Lance "Heroes of the Lance") go their separate ways, Raistlin takes the Test of High Sorcery at the Tower of Wayreth, where he acquires golden skin and is cursed with hourglass eyes that cause him to see time as it affects all things. (This appearance was originally invented by *Dragonlance* cover artist [Larry Elmore](/wiki/Larry_Elmore "Larry Elmore"), "because it would look just great"). He also becomes even more frail and sickly than before. In Raistlin's vision, all things wither and die before him; however, long\-lived races such as [elves](/wiki/Elf_%28Dungeons_%26_Dragons%29 "Elf (Dungeons & Dragons)") only appear to age slightly, while the Irda do not appear to age at all. Raistlin views magic as a way to compensate for lacking the physical strength and personal charisma that his brother has, and for the inadequacy he feels about having to rely on others.

A torn individual, Raistlin exhibits a strong superiority complex (as far as his power in magic and his intelligence are concerned), and knows almost nothing of true loyalty to others (although, despite this, Raistlin usually keeps his promises and pays his debts). He only follows [Tanis Half\-Elven](/wiki/Tanis_Half-Elven "Tanis Half-Elven"), the unofficial leader of the companions, because he feels that doing so will ultimately benefit him (At one point, early in *[Dragons of Winter Night](/wiki/Dragons_of_Winter_Night "Dragons of Winter Night")* he tells [Laurana](/wiki/Laurana_Kanan "Laurana Kanan"): "I do not follow Tanis. We are merely traveling in the same direction... for the time being."). He is also condescending and extremely resentful regarding his lack of physical strength, especially as he is often forced to rely on his twin brother for support, generating feelings of jealousy towards his twin rather than feelings of affection and gratitude. Raistlin harbors a secret hate for his twin's physical power and easygoing manner, and for the attention and comradeship it seems to earn him, as Raistlin's own appearance and secretive nature causes others to be mistrustful and apprehensive. Caramon, conversely, holds Raistlin in high regard and tries to protect him.

These factors ultimately culminate in Raistlin's turn to evil. He dons the black robes worn by evil wizards (those who worship Nuitari) and eventually rises to become the most powerful mortal on [Krynn](/wiki/Krynn "Krynn") (through a deal he made with the ancient archmage [Fistandantilus](/wiki/Fistandantilus "Fistandantilus") during his test in the Tower of High Sorcery). 

Contrary to his usual nature, Raistlin holds a soft spot for others who are treated poorly because of weaknesses that are not their fault (such as gully dwarves). He befriends the gully dwarf Bupu through his kindness. He identifies with such people and is thus quick to help them as he is quick to help himself. There are also rare instances when Raistlin feels genuine regret that he cannot return to the times of his childhood when he was capable of feeling love, a common lament throughout the series.


Can someone overcome a superiority complex like Raistlin's?