Shade is the runt youngling in his Silverwing bat colony. His desire to prove himself as brave and strong leads to the downfall of his colony’s roost, but he eventually develops true strength and bravery when he gets lost and must survive on his own. He uses his sharp wit to outsmart Goth, and during his journey, his instincts lead him home to his colony.

Shade has an inner desire for power that can at times be destructive but ultimately develops into honor. This desire initially leads him to trust Goth. He admires the larger bat’s strength and fearlessness, and he thinks that a friendship with Goth could allow him to be strong by proximity. Once he realizes Goth’s cannibalistic nature, he understands that true power doesn’t come by size but by the desire to do the right thing.

In the beginning of the novel, Frieda recognizes something unique in Shade. This prompts her to show him the echo chamber and share her secret about seeing the sun with him. Throughout his journey, he holds onto this idea that he’s special, even though difficult circumstances make him question it at times. By the end, he’s determined that he has a special part to play in the story of his colony: He wants to bring his father home and bring the sun to bats.