C L A R Y F R A Y
Clary is the protagonist of the series. A 16 year old girl, Clary sees things that no one else seems to be able to. She finds herself immersed between two very different worlds after witnessing what she believes to be a murder. Clary has to deal with the acceptance of this new world while also trying to find her mother, who has been kidnapped by an unknown force. She has a very brave, strong personality, despite all the adversity that she faces. In the film, Clary is played by Lily Collins.
J A C E W A Y L A N D
Jace is a Shadowhunter, a warrior who remains invisible to the mortal world while fending off demons. He is one of the first Shadowhunters that Clary meets. He is incredibly vain and self-centered; however, he has an uneven tendency for acts of incredible kindness. In the film, Jace is played by Jamie Campbell Bower.
S I M O N L E W I S
Simon has been Clary's best friend ever since the third grade. He is dragged into the world of Shadowhunters and demons because of his generally unwavering friendship with Clary. He remains a largely selfless personality, doing anything and everything he can to accommodate Clary. In the film, Simon is played by Robert Sheehan.
A L E C L I G H T W O O D
Alec, a fellow Shadowhunter, is Jace's best friend. The two have been inseparable since a very young age and are considered parabatai, or Shadowhunters who fight together. Alec is overwhelmed with an urge to protect Jace from the many dangers that the two encounter. He is a conflicted character who is dealing with many of his own personal issues. In the film, Alec is played by Kevin Zegers.
I S A B E L L E L I G H T W O O D
Isabelle, Alec's sister, is also a Shadowhunter. She grew up alongside Alec and Jace; however, she does not share a bond like they do. She is a more independent personality, though she still feels a strong connection to both her fellow Shadowhunters. Isabelle enjoys toying with others and maintains a somewhat bully persona throughout the novel. In the film, Isabelle is played by Jemima West.
V A L E N T I N E M O R G E N S T E R N
Valentine is the primary antagonist in the novel. A former Shadowhunter who wishes to rebel against the old ways, Valentine is a dangerous enemy with no limits. He is driven by a particular set of morals that complicate the perception that he is pure-evil. Valentine finds himself inextricably connected to the heroes as their goals stand in direct interference with his own goals. He is largely indifferent throughout the novel, a persona driven by his goals and--seemingly--nothing else. In the film, Valentine is played by Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.