Character from The First Law by Joe Abercrombie
The Union's most competent officer, rising from common birth through sheer ability — carrying the secret that he beats his sister and the knowledge that being good at war doesn't make you a good man.
West is the competent man in a world run by incompetent aristocrats. He's the one who actually wins the battles while the nobles take the credit. He's the commoner who rose through ranks designed to keep commoners down, and the resentment simmers under perfect military discipline. His secret — that he beats Ardee, his own sister, during fits of rage — is the series' most pointed demolition of the 'good soldier' archetype. West is capable, loyal, brave, and also a domestic abuser. Abercrombie refuses to separate these qualities, because people aren't that neat. He dies of radiation sickness from the Seed's use at Adua, and even his death is unglamorous — a slow wasting rather than a heroic last stand. The best soldier in the Union killed by his own side's weapon. You have to be realistic about these things.
Solid, unremarkable, and professional — the face of a career soldier who got promoted on merit. Dark hair, weathered features, the posture of a man who's always evaluating the tactical situation. His uniform is always correct. His composure is always maintained. The violence underneath is always invisible.
Also known as: West, Collem West, Colonel West, Marshal West