Dust

Juliette, or Jules, is one of the protagonists and narrators of Dust. As the mayor of Silo 18 and the primary protagonist of the first novel in the trilogy, she typically narrates the sections that take place in Silos 18 and 17. Juliette is hardened but kind; she has a great deal of affection and empathy for the people around her despite her trauma. Her burn scars, received from returning to Silo 18 in Wool, are crucial to her characterization; they signify her willingness to face danger. Juliette is also described as intelligent and muscular, which helps characterize her as a leader.

Juliette’s relationships to others are complex, establishing her as a rounded character. Juliette’s political power and self-assured decision-making inspire some, like Jimmy and Raph, and infuriate others, like Father Wendel. Her closest friends, Shirly and Courtnee, are frustrated with her choices yet remain loyal to the end; Shirly even sacrifices herself in Juliette’s place. Though Juliette attempts to make the right decisions, the constantly shifting social web around her makes “right” and “wrong” hard to define.

Juliette wavers between hope and despair, particularly after the deaths of her beloved Lukas and Shirly. She regularly doubts her actions, which leads to both great loss and great victory—often simultaneously, as in the evacuation to Silo 17.