You can’t have the other half of “Malec” without Alec Lightwood. Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments would not be the same without the mature, bow-wielding Shadowhunter. Alec is often overshadowed by Jace and Clary. However, I think the heart of the book in some ways is Alex discovering who he is and finding himself. His is one the most crushworthy characters in the book series.
Who is He?
Alec (Alexander) Lightwood is a Shadowhunter and Jace’s parabatai in Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments. He is played by Matthew Daddario on the television adaptation Shadowhunters and previously by Kevin Zegers in the film. Alec is the older brother of Isabelle and acts as the leader of the group. He is the quiet, broody type who always tries to do the right thing. He learns that doing the right thing isn’t always about following the rules. Alec grows during the course of the books and becomes an amazing character.
Fun Fact:
Alec has a fear of spiders and umbrellas.
Why So Crushworthy?
I was Team Alec from book one. Although I appreciate Jace’s showy and bold attitude, Alec always puts other people before himself. He puts his siblings, Jace, and the entire Clave before his own needs. This makes him quiet, a little grumpy, and anxious about whether he is doing the right thing. Alec has to hide himself from the world. He’s gay and he grew up learning that being a gay Shadowhunter was forbidden. Alec is so scared of disappointing people that he never gives himself a chance to shine. I think we’ve all had periods of time where we are scared to be who we really are. Alec shows us the true meaning of courage.
Alec changes when he meets Magnus Bane. He learns what it means to love and be loved in return. He becomes bolder and is more comfortable in his own skin. He smiles more in the book and opens himself up to his friends and family. Alec is like a butterfly stuck in its cocoon. Magnus helps him find a way out of his shell. Alec is a hero not only with his Shadowhunter bravery but his courage to defy custom. He stops comparing himself to Jace and realizes he is good enough as himself. His journey of transformation becomes more crushworthy with each book.
