Once human, now an immortal High Fae, Feyre bears emotional scars from both worlds. Initially, Feyre is guilt-ridden and withdrawn, desperately seeking an escape from her nightmares. She hopes that by helping Tamlin protect his court, she can alleviate her guilt, but Tamlin keeps her cloistered inside his manor, a protective measure that only makes her mental health worse. Though Feyre begins the novel in love with Tamlin, she swears to destroy him by the end of the story.

Feyre’s character arc follows her growing confidence and discovery of self.  When she becomes part of Rhys’s Night Court, he gives her no special treatment and at first she resents the hardship. Her desires are paradoxical—as much as she detests her ornamental status with Tamlin, she relishes the spa-like accoutrements of the Night Court. Maas makes clear that Feyre’s true desire is for agency; she wants to learn to control her new powers and make meaningful contributions. Tamlin’s luxuries are coerced, and so she cannot enjoy them. She shows grit and tenacity in adapting to the Night Court, presided over by fierce Illyrian warriors. Ultimately, Feyre must find her true self on her own. After her solitude and reconnection to the art of painting, Feyre is able to accept both her love for Rhys and her destiny as a powerful warrior.