Kesari Devi

Kesari Anji Devi (Nepali: केसरी अन्जी देवीपा; born 17 March 2008) is the central protagonist of a dying, living world by Orion, first appearing in Catpaw. She is a British–Nepali teenager whose accidental transportation to the otherworldly realm known as The Bush initiates the events of the series. Kesari is known for her cynical worldview, defiant temperament, and deeply human struggle between survival, guilt, and self-acceptance.

Overview

Kesari serves as the reader’s lens into the strange ecology and metaphysics of The Bush. Her arc is one of growth from rebellion without purpose to rebellion with purpose — a coming-of-age narrative framed through war and survival. Orion has described her as “punk spirit incarnate, dropped into a myth too old for her to understand.”

Fictional Biography

Early Life (Pre-Bush)

Born and raised in a quiet English town to a working-class family of Nepali heritage, Kesari’s upbringing was marked by friction — between two cultures, between authority and autonomy, and between apathy and passion. She excelled in art and literature but clashed with authority, developing a fierce sense of independence.

The Arrival

While serving detention, Kesari discovers the writings of E.E.E. (Eddy Edwin Edison) and reads a spell that transports her and her classmate Elio into The Bush. The two must quickly learn to survive in this living, sentient wilderness.

Meeting Sierra (“Lucilia”)

In Chapter 7: The Girl with the Red Mark, they meet Sierra (under the alias Lucilia), adopted daughter of Araceli’s ruler, Gerald. Their antagonistic first encounter evolves into mutual fascination and eventual love.

The Rebellion

Kesari joins Reginald’s rebel faction and begins harnessing her instinctual magic, strengthened through her bond with her familiar, Motley — a black cat with no shadow. Her impulsive actions bring both victory and tragedy.

The Fall of Gerald

In Book III: The Bonefire Requiem, Gerald’s empire collapses after his own antimagic weapon backfires. Kesari witnesses the destruction firsthand, haunted by her choices.

Antimagic War and Beyond

The later books explore the emotional and metaphysical fallout: Edwin’s rise, the fading of magic, and Kesari’s internal war between survival and peace. The series closes with her standing in the rain, holding Motley once again.

Personality and Traits

• Defiance: Refuses control or destiny.
• Empathy disguised as apathy: She cares deeply but hides it.
• Curiosity: Her curiosity both saves and endangers her.
• Anger as survival: Her rage is armour.

Appearance

• Age: 16 (Book I)
• Height: 5’4”
• Hair: Black, streaked with fading dye
• Eyes: Amber-gold, reflective
• Style: Torn jacket, combat boots, punk trinkets

Powers and Abilities

• Wild Magic: Emotion-fueled spellcraft.
• Familiar Bond: With Motley, enhancing agility and intuition.
• Instinctive Spellcraft: Subtle manipulation of roots, sound, and shadows.
• Antimagic Resistance: Partial immunity following exposure.

Relationships

• Elio: Her rational foil and loyal friend.
• Sierra (Lucilia): Rival turned lover — mirrors of defiance and restraint.
• Roni: Her found sister after tragedy.
• Reginald: Mentor and guiding force.
• Gerald and Edwin: Antagonists embodying corrupted order.

Symbolism and Themes

Kesari embodies duality: life and decay, belonging and exile, love and rage. Motley symbolizes the part of her that survives through instinct rather than hope.

Creation and Development

Orion drew from punk culture, diaspora identity, and postcolonial fantasy. Kesari evolved from an apathetic drifter into an emotionally raw, driven heroine.

Reception

Critics have compared Kesari to Lyra Belacqua and Ellie Williams, praising her complexity and realism.

Legacy

Kesari became a symbol of rebellion and grief within the series’ fandom. The line “She burns, therefore she lives” is an unofficial motto among readers.

Trivia

• Her name means “lion” or “saffron” in Nepali.
• Dislikes tea despite being from England.
• Favourite band: The Clash.
• Orion joked she’d “punch a god and apologise halfway through the swing.”

Quotes

“I don’t want to be a hero. I just want to be right, for once.”

“You think I’m angry? I’m terrified. This is just what it looks like on me.”

“The world isn’t dying — it’s just tired. Like me.”

“You can’t save something by owning it, Gerald.”