Predicting How Wheel Of Time Season 3's New Characters Fit Into The Story

Multiple characters associated with the source material will be joining the fold in The Wheel of Time season 3, raising the question of where they fit into the show's narrative. While it would be natural to assume that their roles in Wheel of Time's third season will match those of their book counterparts, it's important to note that the series isn't averse to changes to Robert Jordan's novels. How the show has handled key figures like Min, Logain, Mat, and Aviendha demonstrates its willingness to carve out different introductions and storylines for Wheel of Time's characters.

What's more, some major differences between the source material and the TV series are likely inevitable regardless. After all, the third book in the series - The Dragon Reborn - doesn't appear to be getting a full-season adaptation, as the show will be skipping straight from book 2 (The Great Hunt) to book 4 (The Shadow Rising). That'll understandably set up a number of additional adjustments, which could lead to some of the upcoming additions to the cast getting brand-new introductory arcs. Some on the other hand, may have storylines that perfectly honor the books.

Faile Bashere Will Join Perrin's Adventure As His New Love Interest

Faile Bashere Is Sure To Be A Part Of The Supporting Cast For The Two Rivers Storyline

The Shadow Rising saw Perrin return to the Two Rivers and battle Whitecloaks and Trollocs, alongside a small company of characters. His group included Gaul, Loial, Bain, Chiad, and his main love interest, Faile Bashere. Two of these characters haven't been introduced yet, but at least one - Faile - is confirmed for season 3's cast. That makes it all but guaranteed that the TV version of the Two Rivers plotline will feature Faile, played by Isabelle Bucceri, in a major role. Chances are, she'll help Perrin move on from the loss of his wife while also supporting him in the fights against the Trollocs and the Whitecloaks.

As for the circumstances of her arrival, that's unclear. In the books, Perrin met Faile while she was looking for the Horn of Valere. That may or may not be the catalyst for her adventure in the TV version of these events. Since the Horn is unlikely to be relevant to the plot in season 3, it may make a different artifact the root of her role in the show.

Elaida Will Become The New Amylrin Seat

Elaida May Fuel The Dissent In The White Tower

Another character poised to get their book story in The Wheel of Time season 3 is Elaida. The Expanse actress Shoreh Aghdashloo will bring the Red Sister to life when the show returns. In the source material, she first appeared in book 1 in the presence of Queen Morgase when Rand was apprehended by the palace guards. Theoretically, this debut could still happen, but Rand doesn't appear to be headed anywhere near Caemlyn since his next story will bring him to the Aiel Waste. Instead, it makes sense that the show will skip ahead to Elaida's rise to power.

In the books, Elaida usurps Siuan Sanche as the Amyrlin Seat. It's not hard to imagine this happening in the TV show, especially since Siuan failed to stop Lanfear escaping Cairhein with Rand in tow. Siuan was the one who brought the Aes Sedai in the first place, so Siuan losing influence in the White Tower and subsequently, her position as Amyrlin Seat, looks to be the direction the show is taking. That would set the stage for Elaida to take over.

Gawyn Trakand Will Begin His Book Romance With Egwene, Despite Siding With Elaida

Elaida's Aes Sedai coup seemingly being on the horizon makes a clear space for Gawyn Trakand in season 3. Although generally regarded as a "good" character, the book version of Gawyn memorably sided with Elaida and killed two Warders during the conflict. Due to the timing of his introduction coinciding with this event, there's good reason to suspect that Gawyn will be involved in this story in some capacity.

If Egwene is at the White Tower for at least a portion of The Wheel of Time season 3, that'll allow the show an opportunity to create some interesting tension between the two characters. In Jordan's books, Gawyn is Egwene's primary love interest. If Egwene is at the White Tower ahead of the coup and the two have opposing viewpoints on Siuan and Elaida, the two could see their romance hit a roadblock.

Galad Damodred Will Clash With Perrin & Mat In The Wheel Of Time Season 3

Galad Damodred May Join The Whitecloaks Early

Unlike Elaida and Faile, Galad could receive a storyline that differs considerably from the book character in The Shadow Rising. Based on the Galad reveal in The Wheel of Time season 3 trailer, he'll be wherever Elayne and Egwene are. In the books, he does appear at the White Tower, where he trains with the Warders. In The Dragon Reborn, both Galad and Gawyn help facilitate one of Mat Cauthon's best moments by dueling him - and losing. Considering how popular this scene is, it has good odds of making it into the show. That does seem likely, especially since season 3 images have confirmed that Mat will spend time with Nynaeve and the others.

This may not be the extent of Galad's role. Because he ultimately becomes very involved in the activities of the Whitecloaks, it wouldn't be a surprise if he wound up with the Whitecloaks as well. To better integrate him into the Whitecloak storyline, the show could change the books by having him join the group that travels to the Two Rivers and clashes with Perrin.

Morgase Trakand Will Reunite With Thom Merellin

While Being An Unsuspecting Pawn In Rahvin's Plan

Similar to Gawyn, Galad, and Elaida, Queen Morgase Trakand is a character who would have appeared in season 1 had the show followed the books to the letter. But since Rand's incident in Caemlyn and consequential first meeting with Elayne was skipped, Morgase's debut was delayed. As a result, the show will have to find a way to introduce her in season 3, where she'll be played by Olivia Williams. Morgase not being in The Shadow Rising complicates that, but her roles in The Dragon Reborn and book 5 (The Fires of Heaven) gives the series plenty to work with.

The two books established that Morgase was under the spell of Rahvin, one of the 13 Forsaken in The Wheel of Time. Nuno Lopes has been cast as "Lord Gaebril," which was the alter ego Rahvin took when he was manipulating Morgase. That indicates he'll be pulling the same scheme in the show. And with Thom Merrelin - a past lover to Morgase - the books - confirmed to return for season 3, a love triangle could be in the cards. If so, Thom could be the one who helps Morgase come to her senses and thwarts Rahvin's assassination plot in The Wheel of Time.