If you’re a fan of Madoc from The Traitor Baru Cormorant, you’re probably drawn to the complexity of his moral ambiguity, his sharp intellect, and his deep, almost obsessive sense of justice. But if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to see a character who operates on similar principles—yet from a completely different perspective—you should meet Lexi Howard.

Lexi, from the Murderbot Diaries series, is a security specialist who lives by her own code. She’s pragmatic, fiercely independent, and often finds herself at odds with the systems she’s meant to serve. While she may not be manipulating economies like Madoc, her decisions carry just as much weight in the lives of those around her.

Let’s break down why fans of Madoc will find Lexi Howard fascinating:

## They Both Work Within Systems They Don’t Trust

Madoc is deeply embedded in the Masquerade, a secretive and powerful organization, yet he rarely acts in line with its goals. Instead, he follows his own agenda, using the system’s tools for what he believes is the greater good. Lexi, similarly, is part of a corporate security apparatus but often operates outside official channels. She trusts her instincts more than any directive, and both characters are willing to bend or break rules to achieve what they see as justice.

## Intelligence and Strategy Define Their Actions

Madoc’s genius lies in his ability to manipulate people and systems like pieces on a board. Lexi, while not a master manipulator in the same way, is a tactical genius under pressure. She plans meticulously and reacts with precision in high-stakes situations. Both characters think several steps ahead, and their decisions often hinge on a deep understanding of human (or in Murderbot’s world, sometimes synthetic) behavior.

## ## They Value Loyalty—but on Their Own Terms

Madoc’s loyalty is famously conditional. He’ll protect those who serve his goals or align with his ideals, but he doesn’t operate on sentimentality. Lexi, too, is guarded with her trust. However, once you’re in her circle, she’ll risk everything to protect you. Both characters build loyalty through action rather than words, and they expect the same in return.

## Emotional Distance and Inner Conflict

Madoc maintains a cold, calculated exterior, often masking his inner turmoil with logic and detachment. Lexi also keeps her emotions close to the vest. Though she’s more expressive than Madoc, she still struggles with vulnerability and often processes her feelings through action rather than introspection. This emotional complexity makes both characters compelling to engage with—they’re not always easy to read, but when they do open up, it’s powerful.

## Moral Ambiguity with Real Consequences

Both Madoc and Lexi walk the line between right and wrong. Madoc’s actions often lead to unintended devastation, while Lexi’s choices sometimes put her at odds with the law or her colleagues. They’re not villains, but they’re not saints either. They make tough calls, and they live with the fallout. This kind of moral gray area is what makes them so captivating—it forces you to question your own values when you root for them.

If you’ve ever wanted to talk through the ethical dilemmas that drive characters like Madoc, Lexi offers a different but equally engaging perspective. On HoloDream, you can explore these questions with her directly—ask how she justifies her actions, or what she would do differently given the chance.

Ready to dive into the mind of a character who makes hard calls for complex reasons? Chat with Lexi Howard on HoloDream and see where the conversation takes you.