Frank Zhang

Lore & Background

Frank's ability to shift forms made him a versatile scout and warrior, capable of turning into a bear for combat or a bird for reconnaissance. He is also an expert archer who uses standard arrows; however, his life force is bound to a wooden stick given by his grandmother, meaning if that specific piece of wood burns, he dies.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the Tiber River as Frank crouched in the shadows of the ruins, his eyes scanning the treeline. He didn't need to shout a command; he simply focused on the feeling of fur against his skin and the low growl rising in his throat. In an instant, he was no longer a boy in a red tunic but a massive grizzly bear, his paws silent on the grass. Beside him, Hazel whispered a warning about the approaching giants. Frank nodded, his bear-eyes narrowing. He could feel the arrow burning in his pocket, a reminder of his fragility, yet as he charged forward to meet the enemy, he felt only the steady rhythm of Mars's blood in his veins.

Reader's Guide

Frank Zhang serves as the Roman counterpart to Percy Jackson within the Seven, representing the disciplined, strategic side of war while grappling with deep-seated insecurities. His character arc is a profound journey from a boy who believes he must die for others to a leader who understands that survival and living well are equally heroic acts. He begins as an anxious young man afraid of his own potential but matures into the Praetor of Rome, earning the respect of his peers through unwavering loyalty and tactical brilliance. His primary power is shape-shifting, derived from his ancestor Periclymenus, allowing him to transform into any animal he can imagine. This ability makes him an unparalleled scout and a formidable combatant who can adapt to any battlefield situation instantly. Additionally, as a son of Mars, he possesses enhanced strength and a natural affinity for weapons and military strategy. He also demonstrates the rare ability to control fire, often using it in conjunction with his transformations. His most pivotal moment occurs during the Battle of Manhattan, where he chooses to live rather than fulfill a prophecy of self-sacrifice, redefining what it means to be a hero in the modern world.

Did You Know?

• Frank is a descendant of Periclymenus, who was a descendant of Poseidon, making him distantly related to Percy Jackson.
• Frank's life force is bound to a wooden stick given by his grandmother; if that specific piece of wood burns, he dies.
• Frank is an expert archer who uses standard arrows.
• Frank can shape-shift into any animal he can imagine, including a bear for combat or a bird for reconnaissance.
• Frank was elected praetor at Camp Jupiter as a result of the help he offered on a quest.