Onyx Storm Must Expand On Fourth Wing's Most Underused Iron Squad Member

Summary Sawyer is the least-developed character in Fourth Wing's Iron Squad and deserves more character moments.

Sawyer's few defining moments highlight his strength, loyalty, and potential as a character.

Sawyer's character could be further explored in Onyx Storm through bonding with Violet and the rest of The Iron Squad.

Fourth Wing's Iron Squad must be expanded on in the series' upcoming third installment, Onyx Storm, especially one member who has been underused so far. The Iron Squad is the unofficial name of Violet Sorrengail's military section at Basigath, which is Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing. She and her section earned the moniker and corresponding patch during their first year as they were the squad that lost the fewest people since Parapet.

The remaining members of the Iron Squad at the end of Book 2, Iron Flame, are Violet herself and her three friends, Ridoc, Rhiannon, and Sawyer. Ridoc, throughout the series, is the clear comic relief while Rhiannon, as Violet's best friend, takes on the role of squad leader once the previous squadron seniors graduate. Sawyer, however, besides being the straight man in Ridoc's comedy, has a very limited role in the Iron Squad, making him the least developed character in Fourth Wing's immediate cast.

Related Onyx Storm Updates: Next Fourth Wing Sequel Release Date, Story & Everything We Know Fourth Wing fans are eager for another book after Iron Flame’s ending, and Rebecca Yarros is already working on the next Empyrean sequel: Onyx Storm.

Sawyer Has The Least Development Of Fourth Wing's Iron Squad

Sawyer Gets Few Chances To Develop Outside Of The Iron Squad's Scenes

While some parts of Sawyer's personality do get to shine in both books, Sawyer gets few chances to stand out as a character in Fourth Wing. Audiences meet Sawyer early on when it is revealed that he is repeating his first year at Basigath due to not being selected by a dragon. He is revealed to be determined and focused, but that particular arc does not get explored thoroughly, solving it quickly when Sawyer bonds with the powerful dragon Silseag in Fourth Wing. Sawyer then spends quite a bit of the remaining story in tandem with the Iron Squad.

Sawyer spends most of his appearances with Ridoc at his side, either acting as his straight man, as seen during the snakes conversation in Iron Flame, or going along with his antics. Sawyer does get a stronger connection to Rhiannon when he is named her second, but their interactions as well as the loss of that position are also never really explored, Sawyer simply accepting it with mild disappointment. One of the few times audiences get to see Sawyer have his own arc is the reveal of his crush on Jesinia, which is also mostly there for humor.

Sawyer's Best Moments In Fourth Wing Make Us Want More Of His Character

Sawyer's Character Moments Highlight His Strength, Loyalty, And Potential

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Though they are few and far between, Sawyer's individual moments reveal a strong and loyal character who deserves more exploration in The Empyrean Series' third book, Onyx Storm. Sawyer's ease as he goes up the Gauntlet during practice in Fourth Wing not only showcases his determination to bond but also his potential battle prowess. Pairing this with his metal bending signet, which he wields easily to assist in several heists in the series, showcases his potential to be a great rider and fighter, as that signet can have so many creative uses to make battles more dynamic.

Sawyer, when paired with Ridoc, often assists in making his friends laugh, lightening their burdens for just a moment.

Sawyer's emotional moments also highlight his strength as a character. Sawyer, when paired with Ridoc, often assists in making his friends laugh, lightening their burdens for just a moment. He is also fiercely loyal, as seen during the group's first interrogation scene, often putting his friends first in dangerous situations. His few moments discussing Jesinia also make Sawyer compelling, as his clear care for her speaks to his kind heart. These small glimpses make Sawyer a character audiences should get to see more of, especially as Sawyer's determination and grit are tested after the events of Iron Flame.

How Onyx Storm Can Expand On Sawyer's Character & Role In The Iron Squad

The Iron Squad Should Bond More With Sawyer In Onyx Storm

Sawyer's role in Onyx Storm should not only expand to showcase his character but also shift, as he now needs his friends' support. After the loss of his leg, Sawyer and Violet should get to bond more in future Fourth Wing books, as Violet can empathize with him as he learns to adjust to it. Violet could not only reveal some of her thoughts on her own (unnamed) Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome but also be there to listen as Sawyer potentially voices his struggles with being a rider and his feelings about his journey, giving audiences more of that particular arc.

The Iron Squad, as a whole, can also assist with this, as Sawyer's role has been relegated to being a helper to others in any way they need. Now, with Sawyer in need of his friends, they can rally and repay that kindness to him, allowing him to bond further with the other characters. Through this, more of his determination can be revealed as he tries to ride again with their support. This can also shift his relationship with Jesinia as he could assist her in her studies, showcasing more of Sawyer's gentler side as Fourth Wing continues.