As the novel’s protagonist and antihero, Kaz propels the plot forward. The 17-year-old lives in the dog-eat-dog world of the Barrel, and he learns to hide his weaknesses behind an invulnerable suit of armor at a young age. Even more than his proclivity toward physical violence, Kaz’s enemies fear his scheming mind. The plot twists and turns as Kaz devises one plan after another to avenge himself upon Van Eck and Rollins. Bardugo adds suspense and surprises to the novel by revealing several details of Kaz’s schemes long after he implements them, such as the forged will he places in Van Eck’s safe. Readers aren’t the only ones the secretive Kaz keeps guessing. Kaz’s mission to avenge his brother drives him, yet Jesper, one of his closest friends, does not even know Jordie’s name.

If Kaz’s friends are in the dark about his past and intentions, they can nevertheless trust him to protect them. After the silo scheme falls apart, Kaz offers to sacrifice himself so that his crew has a chance to escape. He repeatedly states that he only cares about annihilating his enemies and making his fortune, but he saves over a dozen refugees and helps to avert a war.