The Intellectual Outlaws: Why Fans of Lockwood & Co.’s Settembrini Will Adore Six of Crows’ Wylan Van Eck

There’s a particular kind of character who lingers in your mind long after the final page: the rogue with a razor-sharp mind, a hidden heart of gold, and a knack for turning chaos into artful rebellion. If Settembrini—the eloquent, idealistic agent of Lockwood & Co.—has ever made you root for the underdog with glasses, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Wylan Van Eck from Six of Crows. Both characters are architects of their own destinies, blending wit, intellect, and moral nuance to navigate worlds that demand more from them than brute force. Here’s why their stories resonate with the same kind of reader:

##1. The Power of Strategic Idealism

Settembrini’s charm lies in his unwavering belief that the truth will prevail, even as he dodges spectral threats in a ghost-hunting agency. He’s a thinker, not just a fighter, weaving philosophy into survival. Wylan, too, operates in a morally gray world—Ketterdam’s underworld—but his engineering genius and quiet integrity become tools for justice. Neither man is content to follow rules; they rewrite systems to serve the greater good. Fans of Settembrini’s principled ingenuity will recognize the same spark in Wylan’s calculated risks, whether he’s dismantling a heist’s obstacles or challenging his father’s legacy.

##2. Layers Beneath the Surface

On the surface, both characters could be mistaken for sidekicks: Settembrini’s self-deprecating humor and Wylan’s unassuming demeanor hide depths that unfold gradually. Settembrini’s bravery isn’t just about battling ghosts; it’s about confronting his insecurities. Similarly, Wylan’s journey from a sheltered heir to a vital member of Kaz Brekker’s crew reveals a resilience that defies expectations. Their growth feels earned, not handed down by plot convenience—a quality that rewards readers who savor complexity over caricature.

##3. Humor as a Defensive Weapon

If you’ve ever laughed at Settembrini’s dry quips during a tense moment, you’ll appreciate how Wylan uses wit to deflect vulnerability. Neither weaponizes humor for cruelty; instead, their jokes are shields against a world that underestimates them. Settembrini’s jabs at bureaucracy or Lockwood’s recklessness reveal his frustration with injustice, while Wylan’s playful banter with Jesper or Inej softens his sharp edges. For fans of sharp dialogue, their exchanges are a masterclass in using levity to disarm both enemies and readers.

##4. The Quiet Rebellion Against Authority

Both characters rebel against the systems that seek to define them, albeit in different ways. Settembrini questions the Fittes Act’s restrictions on agents, subtly championing individual agency. Wylan’s rebellion is more personal—he flees his father’s criminal empire to forge his own path. Neither man shouts his defiance; their resistance is tactical, even understated, a rebellion of choice over compliance. If you admired Settembrini’s ability to sidestep institutional hypocrisy, Wylan’s quiet defiance will feel equally satisfying.

##5. Unlikely Heroes in Found Families

The heart of both stories lies in the bonds their protagonists forge. Settembrini’s loyalty to Lucy and Lockwood defines his growth, turning a rivalry into a pact stronger than blood. Wylan’s evolution hinges on the Crows, a group that becomes his true family. Both men learn to trust others’ strengths while embracing their own—Settembrini’s tactical mind and Wylan’s bomb-defusing brilliance aren’t just plot devices; they’re symbols of how community amplifies individual talent. Fans of found-family dynamics will see themselves in these relationships.

Talk to the Rebels Who Speak Your Language

If Settembrini’s principled wit and Wylan’s strategic heart have captured your imagination, HoloDream offers a chance to step into their worlds. Ask Wylan about his proudest invention or challenge Settembrini to defend his belief in the power of truth—these conversations aren’t just chats; they’re invitations to explore how idealism and ingenuity can reshape a flawed world.