Minor Characters of For Steam and Country
The following characters appear in For Steam and Country in supporting or incidental roles. Though none are central figures, each contributes meaningfully to the events surrounding Zaira von Monocle's journey. Characters are listed alphabetically by the name or designation used in the text.
The Bearded Soldier
A soldier of the Wyranth Empire encountered by Zaira von Monocle and Matthias du Gearsmith on the road in For Steam and Country. He was distinguished by a scraggly beard and eyes that appeared unnaturally dark, with fuller-than-normal pupils—a detail that suggested something was amiss.
The bearded soldier threatened to commandeer the horseless carriage in the name of the Iron Emperor and leveled his gun at Mr. du Gearsmith's head. After pausing in a strange, mechanical manner, he ultimately permitted the two to pass, citing the mercy of Ivan, the Iron Emperor. His parting words were: "Remember the Iron Emperor's mercy."
His unnatural eyes and oddly mechanical hesitation may be connected to the ether use observed in his companion, the Corporal.
The Corporal
A Wyranth soldier encountered alongside the bearded soldier on the road in For Steam and Country, addressed as "Corporal" by his companion. During the encounter, the Corporal fumbled with a vial of blue glowing liquid identified as ether, losing the stopper in the process. He allowed a small amount of the substance to fall onto his tongue, after which he shook and grinned in an eerie fashion. Following consumption, "his eyes had an almost glowing quality to them."
The Corporal's behavior offered one of the earliest glimpses in the novel of vitality ether and its unsettling effects on Wyranth soldiers.
The Innkeeper
The innkeeper of the Loveridge Inn, encountered by Zaira von Monocle during her stay in For Steam and Country. He noticed Zaira at the stairs and informed her that Mr. du Gearsmith had not yet come down. He was observed holding a rag and wiping down a counter, and was noted to mumble to himself while Harkerpal spoke at length. His greeting to Zaira was: "Morning, miss. May I help you?"
Lightning
The Gentry family horse, described in For Steam and Country as milky-gray in color, a cart horse of sweet temperament—anything but what her name implied. She was saddled by James Gentry and ridden west toward Rislandia City with Zaira von Monocle.
Despite her gentle nature, Lightning protested even a slower trot, bucking her head and snorting. She was tied to a tree when James and Zaira made camp. Lightning was later commandeered by Wyranth soldiers when the protagonists were captured and was left behind when The Liliana rescued Zaira and James. Talyen von Cravat offered the reassurance that someone would find her and give her a nice home.
"She had a milky-gray color to her, a cart horse, sweet temperament, anything but what her name implied."
Mrs. Everley
Zaira von Monocle's former teacher in Plainsroad Village, recalled briefly in For Steam and Country. Mrs. Everley was remembered for keeping a large map in the back of her classroom, which left a lasting impression on her pupil. She does not appear in person during the events of the novel; she is referenced only through Zaira's recollection: "I could still recall Mrs. Everley's large map in the back of her classroom."
The Private
A Wyranth soldier serving under Major Anton in For Steam and Country, addressed as "Private" by his superior officer. During the search of Zaira von Monocle, the private groped her inappropriately during a frisk, for which he was reprimanded by Major Anton, who shamed him by referencing his own daughter. In response to the reprimand, the private pushed Zaira with his rifle.
When the sounds of The Liliana were heard, the private rushed to find Major Anton. In the major's absence, he took charge of the soldiers present.
The Serving Girl
A young woman present in the common area of the Loveridge Inn during the early morning hours in For Steam and Country. No further details about her role or identity were provided in the text.
The Wyranth Soldier (Boarder)
An unnamed Wyranth Empire soldier who boarded The Liliana during the enemy airship battle in For Steam and Country. He entered Baron Theodore von Monocle's quarters and encountered Zaira von Monocle, who was wearing her father's cape. Mistaking her for the Baron himself, he exclaimed: "Baron von Monocle himself? But he was captured!"
He drew a pistol, but was killed by Zaira using Baron von Monocle's sword before he could fire accurately. His shot missed Zaira and shattered the mirror in the quarters.