Argan of Phars Character Analysis in Till We Have Faces

Argan is a prince of Phars, a neighboring kingdom. He and Trunia, his brother, fight a civil war over who should succeed to the throne. Argan is disliked by the people of Phars because he’s known as a coward. Orual plays on this weakness when she proposes that Argan duel her for Trunia’s life. Argan proves a poor swordsman, and Orual kills him, securing her own position on the throne and making Trunia King of Phars.

Argan of Phars Character Timeline in Till We Have Faces

The timeline below shows where the character Argan of Phars appears in Till We Have Faces. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

The King of Phars has named his third son, Argan, as his heir, which has angered the second son, Trunia. Trunia and his followers are... (full context)

...worse, and he can’t speak. The Fox tells her that he’s just received word that Argan of Phars is ten miles away with cavalry, seeking Trunia. Orual feels shocked and reveals... (full context)

...Fox agree that Trunia will probably rule Phars in the end, since most people hate Argan and think him a coward. Furthermore, Trunia will treat Glome well in the future if... (full context)

Orual has an idea and asks Bardia how good Argan is with a sword. Bardia replies that he and Orual are both better than Argan.... (full context)

...proposes that their champion must be someone so low that it would be shameful for Argan to refuse to fight. The Fox and Bardia are skeptical. Orual clarifies that she means... (full context)

...her, but Orual has made her decision. She orders them to send a messenger to Argan to inform him of the place and time of the combat. If she dies, he... (full context)

...She’s amazed at what the Queen has done and no longer believes she can kill Argan. She worries her courage will fail when she has to fight, and imagines everyone being... (full context)

...sick and Psyche seemed like her enemy. She begins to think the gods have sent Argan to kill her, and this will be a good way to die. For the past... (full context)

...apologizes for using Orual’s love for him to try to force her not to fight Argan. Bardia enters with news that a messenger has come from Argan. They go into the... (full context)

...he killed someone. He worries that she might pause at a critical moment and let Argan get the upper hand. Orual imagines killing her father and says she doesn’t think she’ll... (full context)

...the least time, Orual says. It takes very long to prepare for Orual’s battle with Argan, even though the battle itself is short. Orual wants the Fox to come well-dressed, but... (full context)

Once at the appointed place, Arnom must sacrifice a bull. Argan sits with his men on the other end of the field. Orual finds it strange... (full context)

Argan doesn’t begin to respect Orual until she skins his hand with her sword. She isn’t... (full context)

Everyone runs to Argan, but he can’t be saved. Orual suddenly feels weak and different, perhaps the way women... (full context)