Mistborn · Character

Telsin Ladrian

Also known as Telsin

Major
First seen · Book 4 · Ch. 1

Telsin Ladrian is a major character in Mistborn (Book 4).

Gender: female
First appears: Book 4 · Ch. 1
Books: 2

Telsin Ladrian emerges in The Lost Metal as a poised, sharply dressed woman whose refined features belie a ruthless ambition. Once Waxillium’s sister, she has become the chosen avatar of the Shard Autonomy, wielding red-tinted Investiture and spearheading the Set’s plan to annihilate Elendel. Across the novel her relationship with Wax fractures from familial betrayal into open enmity, while her bond with Autonomy deepens from aspirant to empowered agent, even as rivals like Gave Entrone circle and Harmony struggles to sever her divine connection.

Description

A woman with dark hair framing a face whose rugged build contrasts sharply with delicate features like a small nose and prim lips. She dresses in a sharp formal suit consisting of slacks, a buttoned white shirt, jacket, and cravat, projecting an air of confident authority. A woman with dark hair, a rugged build, a small nose, and prim lips. She wears slacks, a buttoned white shirt, a jacket, and a cravat. Her eyes glow faintly red at times, becoming bright red when her power is active; the mists stay away from her.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Waxillium Ladrianconflicting source relationships
Originally siblings, their bond deteriorates into bitter enmity as Telsin’s betrayal and campaign against Elendel force Wax to stand against her, their shared history giving each intimate insight into the other’s tactics.
Autonomyconflicting source relationships
Telsin transitions from an ambitious aspirant granted initial Investiture to Autonomy’s fully empowered avatar on Scadrial, carrying out the Shard’s will while still learning the true nature of its power.
Marasi Colmsadversary
Marasi works to dismantle the Set’s operations, directly countering Telsin’s leadership and the existential threat she poses to Elendel.
Sazedadversary
Harmony becomes Telsin’s divine adversary, briefly able to interrupt her connection to Autonomy but uncertain he can fully strip her power or prevent the destruction she plans.
Steris Ladriansource of assistance
Telsin’s assault on Elendel places Steris in mortal danger, and Steris’s evacuation efforts become a direct rebuttal to Telsin’s scheme, highlighting their opposing goals despite their tenuous family tie.
Wayneenemy
Wayne’s previous violent encounter with Telsin escalates into an active threat when he confronts her for information, though she remains unshaken by his presence.
Gave Entroneconflicting source relationships
Entrone outwardly supports Telsin’s leadership while secretly plotting to replace her if she fails; Telsin dismisses him as a coward, yet remains aware of his ambitions.

Story so far

BOOK 4The Lost Metal (The Mistborn Saga)
- Telsin is formally introduced as a woman of striking authority, dressed in a tailored suit and projecting unyielding confidence.
- She is revealed as an avatar of Autonomy, granted Investiture and tasked with proving her worth to the Shard.
- Her long-standing betrayal of Waxillium Ladrian is confirmed, establishing her as a direct antagonist to her brother.
BOOK 7Mistborn 07 - The Lost Metal
- On a mist-shrouded rooftop, Telsin’s eyes flare red, visibly repelling the mists and demonstrating her growing divine power.
- She orchestrates the deployment of Allomancers to assist Steris at the docks, a calculated move that underscores her complex web of influence.
- Telsin advances the Set’s cataclysmic plan to destroy Elendel, directly opposing Wax, Marasi, and Harmony.
- Autonomy publicly elevates her as the Shard’s chosen avatar, confirming her authority while hinting that she still has more to understand about the power she wields.
- Wayne confronts and threatens her, recalling having shot her previously, yet she remains defiant and confident in her position.