The novel follows Kvothe's adventures at the University and beyond, including his investigation of a wedding massacre potentially linked to the Chandrian. It concludes with Kvothe accidentally using powerful magic during a confrontation with a rival student, hinting at his growing abilities. Meanwhile, interludes show present-day Kvothe seemingly unable to access his former powers as dark forces close in around his remote inn.

Themes

• The power of names and naming

• The pursuit of knowledge and truth

• Coming of age and identity

• The nature of heroism and legends

• Loss and grief

• The duality of magic and science

• Social class and privilege

Setting

The Name of the Wind is set in a richly imagined fantasy world called Temerant. While the exact era is not specified, the setting evokes a medieval European-inspired atmosphere with its mix of rural villages, bustling cities, and centers of learning. The story unfolds across the “Four Corners of Civilization,” a sprawling landmass that comprises several nations and cultures.

At the heart of the novel's setting is the prestigious University, a bastion of magical and scientific knowledge where young scholars train in various arcane disciplines. This institution, with its vast Archives and eccentric professors, serves as a pivotal location for much of Kvothe's early adventures. In contrast, the gritty streets of Tarbean, a large port city where Kvothe spends his formative years as an orphan, offer a stark counterpoint to the academic world.

Beyond these central locations, Rothfuss paints a world of diverse landscapes, from the pastoral Waystone Inn in Newarre to the wild forests where mythical creatures like the draccus roam. The setting is further enriched by the presence of the Fae realm, a parallel world of supernatural beings that intersects with the mortal plane. This intricate tapestry of locations provides a compelling backdrop for Kvothe's epic tale, blending familiar fantasy tropes with unique and imaginative elements.

Characters

• Kvothe: The protagonist and narrator. A legendary figure known as the Kingkiller, now living in disguise as an innkeeper. Highly intelligent and skilled in magic, music, and combat. His quest for knowledge about the mysterious Chandrian drives much of the plot.

• Denna: A beautiful and enigmatic young woman Kvothe meets in his travels. She becomes his love interest but remains elusive. Denna is a talented musician with a mysterious past and patron.

• Bast: Kvothe's student and assistant at the Waystone Inn. He is revealed to be a prince of the Fae realm. Bast is devoted to Kvothe and hopes to restore him to his former glory.

• Chronicler: A traveling scribe who recognizes Kvothe and convinces him to tell his life story. He acts as the recorder of Kvothe's tale.

• Abenthy: An arcanist who joins Kvothe's troupe and becomes his first teacher in the magical arts. He introduces Kvothe to sympathy and naming.

• Ambrose Jakis: A wealthy noble student at the University who becomes Kvothe's rival and nemesis. He frequently attempts to sabotage Kvothe's efforts.

• Master Elodin: The eccentric Master Namer at the University. He takes an interest in Kvothe's aptitude for naming.

• Simmon and Wilem: Kvothe's loyal friends at the University. They support him through his struggles and adventures.

Quick facts

• Patrick Rothfuss devoted more than 14 years to writing and revising The Name of the Wind, his debut novel. 

• Rothfuss originally wrote the story as a single 1000-page novel before splitting it into a trilogy, The Kingkiller Chronicle.

• The Name of the Wind has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

• The audiobook version is narrated by Nick Podehl in the US and Rupert Degas in the UK.

• Lin-Manuel Miranda is producing adaptations of the book for film and television.

• The novel won the Quill Award for Science Fiction/Fantasy in 2007.

• Rothfuss wrote much of the book while working on his English degree.

• The fictional university in the book was inspired by Rothfuss's experiences in graduate school.

• The character Kvothe's name is pronounced similar to “quoth,” as in “quoth the raven."

About the Author

Patrick Rothfuss, born in 1973 in Wisconsin, is an acclaimed American fantasy author best known for his Kingkiller Chronicle series. His journey to literary success was unconventional, beginning with a diverse academic background that included studies in chemical engineering, psychology, philosophy, and medieval history before ultimately earning a degree in English.

Rothfuss's debut novel, The Name of the Wind, published in 2007, catapulted him to fame in the fantasy genre. The book and its sequel, The Wise Man's Fear, have garnered numerous awards and topped bestseller lists. His writing style, characterized by intricate world-building and lyrical prose, has earned him a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting the conclusion of his trilogy.

Beyond his literary pursuits, Rothfuss is known for his involvement in various creative endeavors. He has collaborated on game design, contributed to comics, and hosts podcasts. Additionally, he founded the charity Worldbuilders in 2008, which has raised millions of dollars for Heifer International, demonstrating his commitment to using his platform for philanthropic purposes.

Despite his success, Rothfuss has faced criticism for the long-awaited release of the third book in his Kingkiller Chronicle series. This has led to public discussions about the challenges of creative processes and the expectations placed on authors in the digital age. Nevertheless, Rothfuss continues to engage with his audience through various media and remains a prominent figure in contemporary fantasy literature.