Pern’s dragons are different from most. Analyze Anne McCaffrey’s portrayal of dragons. What is their origin story? What features do they share with dragons in other fantasy works? How are they different?

With the character of Lessa, Anne McCaffrey turns the concept of a damsel-in-distress on its head. Is Lessa a likable character? Why or why not? Does her likability matter for the story?

The most authoritative leaders in the text are the Holding Lord Fax and the dragonman (and eventual Weyrleader) F’lar. Compare Fax and F’lar’s styles of leadership. Who is the more effective leader? What personality traits make a leader effective? What is the measure of a leader’s success?