Mistborn: The Final Empire

The Lord Ruler’s Final Empire was founded out of an act of betrayal when Rashek betrayed the Hero of Ages to take the power of the Well of Ascension. How does this act coincide with the novel’s theme of trust, betrayal, and friendship?

Faith and belief systems are fundamental characteristics of Scadrial society. Describe how the crew uses faith to achieve their goal of overthrowing the Final Empire.

Compare Vin’s and Kelsier’s views on the nobility. How does Vin defend the morality of her noble friends? How does Kelsier respond?

Would you characterize Kelsier as a hero or anti-hero? Explain why or why not.

Vin’s conception of trust is influenced first by her brother Reen and then by Kelsier. Compare their differing ideas of trust and discuss how Vin incorporates elements of each into her own understanding of friendship and love.

Mistborn explores the difference between objective and subjective morality. Is Kelsier’s killing of nobles different from the Lord Ruler’s killing of skaa? What form of morality does the crew follow? Do they ever decide on a “correct” perspective on the moral good?

Discuss the different ways that Kelsier and Marsh try to achieve change in the empire. How did their childhood influence these respective methods?

Do you agree with Kelsier’s motives and methods for achieving what he wants? Why or why not?