calliopes_pen (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
calliopes_pen) wrote2006-05-01 09:39 am
calliopes_pen) wrote2006-05-01 09:39 am
Entry tags:
Inara Serra
Title: Grace Personified
Fandom: Firefly
Character: Inara Serra
Author:calliopes_pen
E-Mail: julia_hoffman2003 at yahoo dot com
Spoilers: The entire series, and the Serenity movie.
Notes: Written foridol_reflection. Thanks to seandc for beta reading.
A companion chooses her own clients; that’s Guild Law. But physical appearance doesn’t matter so terribly. You look for compatibility of spirit. There’s an energy about a person that’s difficult to hide.
--Inara to Kaylee, on what a companion is. From The Train Job.
Introduction
This essay will discuss Inara Serra, a very mysterious woman on the ship of Serenity. She is strong and confident. Due to a premature cancellation, many things remain a mystery about this woman. In spite of this, I will describe the little we know of her life, her personality, her loves, and her sorrows. As the title suggests, she handled everything she did with grace and dignity.
History Of A Companion
While Inara’s childhood and early years are shrouded in mystery, her life after arriving on board Serenity is probably the clearest thing about her.
Once she boards Serenity, she basically becomes the Mother figure of the crew. A sister to Kaylee, when she was in need of one. She is something to everyone, even though she is truly close to only a few, if any. She provided comfort when it was needed and a lecture even when someone wasn’t willing to listen.
Oh, and as a sidenote? One of the terms of her tenure on Serenity was that she had “complete autonomy.” This was routinely ignored as Mal always barged into her shuttle unannounced. She never had complete privacy, one must assume.
While Inara remained on Alliance controlled planets, she had her pick of the cream of the crop of clients. She left the Companion House on Sihnon so that she could explore the outer rim, possibly to sample other cultures and add to her continually growing list of clients. Her reasons, whatever they may have been, were entirely her own.
As the series began, and Inara boarded Serenity, it was obvious to everyone that opinion was divided about her. Some thought she was sophisticated, elegant, and worldly. This would primarily be Kaylee’s view towards Inara. Others called her a hooker in fancy clothes, and used phrases worse than that to describe her. As you can probably guess, that opinion was held by Jayne and Mal. Book was content to leave her alone. He didn’t tell her what she should or shouldn’t do with her life.
Inara: So. Would you like to lecture me the wickedness of my ways?
Book: I brought you some supper, but if you'd prefer a lecture, I've a few very catchy ones prepped. Sin and hellfire...one has lepers.
Inara: I think I'll pass. I thank you for this.
In Bushwacked, Inara provided Simon with some advice, and perhaps a bit of insight into her personality.
Simon: Yes. And I'm grateful. Very grateful that Captain Reynolds has allowed us to remain on board. I just...I don't know if I'll be able to help her here. And I need to help her.
Inara: Simon. You are. I think your sister understands what you risked to rescue her from that place...leaving your whole world behind. That was incredibly selfless.
Simon: Yeah. I selflessly turned us both into wanted fugitives.
Inara: Well. We're all running from something, I suppose.
Could she be running from her former life? Possibly. More than likely it’s a desire for freedom and something beyond the Alliance, too. Only she (and Joss) knows for sure.
Whatever her reasons and motivations, she always came through. When Mal decided to defend her honor (Shindig) after Atherton insulted her--causing the equivalent of a bar room brawl in the process--it was Inara who taught Mal how to use a sword. She did her best to make sure he wouldn’t get himself killed come morning. Knowing Mal, he could have done a pretty thorough job of that, too, if Inara hadn’t intervened. In the end, she realized he was trying to protect her, and chose to remain on Serenity.
Inara: I am grateful, you know, for the ill-conceived and high-handed attempt to defend my honor, although I didn't want you to.
Mal: Gracious as that is, looking back, I probably should have stayed out of your world.
Inara: My world? If it is that. I wasn't going to stay, you know.
Mal: Yeah? Why is that?
Inara: Oh, someone needs to keep Kaylee out of trouble. And all my things are here. Besides, why would I want to leave Serenity?
Mal: Can't think of a reason.
In each episode she appeared, she usually managed to keep herself above the chaos, and be a casual observer. Most of the time, at any rate. And she showed just how observant she was when she realized that Saffron wasn’t quite what she appeared to be, during Our Mrs. Reynolds. Until that point, she had been stunned and hurt that Saffron had somehow become Malcolm Reynold’s wife.
At this point, she finally realized there was duplicity and deceit involved, and saw through the sweet, timid newlywed act. At first, the casual observer thinks Inara may be falling for it. Their discussion isn’t quite what it seems, as this quote proves.
Inara: I guess we've lied enough.
Saffron: You're good.
Inara: You're amazing. Who are you?
Saffron: Malcolm Reynold's widow.
A brief tussle followed, and Saffron got away. When Inara saw that Mal had been knocked out, she actually kissed him on the lips before she went for help. This proved to be a mistake, as Saffron had drugged Mal with a kiss. Predictably, Inara was soon unconscious as well. Despite being partly drugged out of her mind, Inara manages to explain to the others (whilst trying to cover that she fell for it too...) that Saffron must have been trained as a Companion at the Companion Academy. How else could she be such a master of seduction?
Since the woman was a master of deceit, it’s doubtful that one will ever learn the truth.
The next episode to feature an interesting moment for Inara was Trash. There is a wonderful moment for the woman when she again confronts Saffron and gets the upper hand. For you see, Saffron is digging through the garbage (a metaphor for her, obviously) in search of an antique laser pistol. Inara is quickly able to trap her there, with little to no muss or fuss. Her exact words to Saffron were as follows.
“You know, I put on this big act and storm away in a huff, then I fly off, wait for you to double cross Mal, beat you to the rendezvous spot and grab the loot before you can get to it. What, you didn't see it coming?
Earlier, what seemed like a spat between Mal and Inara, was now revealed to be merely an act. Inara herself is good at duplicity when up against Saffron. She is not a woman to be trifled with.
And finally, the episode that holds the loss of a friendship to death for Inara. Heart of Gold. In this episode she has also made her decision to leave. In the beginning of the episode, Nandi calls her and asks for help.
By the end, Mal has slept with Nandi, and caused Inara to be devastated. Soon after, Nandi is killed. The culmination of everything is more than likely what finally pushed her to make her choice, and leave. No matter how much it hurt her, and everyone else.
Inara: I learned something from Nandi. Not just from what happened, but from her. The family she made, the strength of her love for them. That's what kept them together. When you live with that kind of strength, you get tied to it, you can't break away. And you never want to. There's something that I... that I should have done a long while ago. And I'm sorry -- for both of us -- that it took me this long. I'm leaving.
And with that, her plans were told. She managed to stay around for one more episode (Objects In Space) and then, presumably, left. She was not seen again until the movie.
One thing is certain: Everyone on board that ship missed her. Even if they refused to admit it to themselves, they missed her. She isn’t the type of person one can forget.
The Movie, And Beyond
In Serenity, (the movie) Inara did not play as much of a pivotal role as she had in the series. She had left the ship after the end of Objects In Space, and apparently refused to return until someone she loved was in danger.
While she was gone, she returned to her profession as a Companion, teaching the next generation in the ways of love. She was the talk of the place because of the fact that she had dared to leave the protection of The Alliance. Rumors were rife among the recruits, and the gossip was apparently juicy.
Needless to say, Inara was not pleased at this development. The following is the discussion that resulted with Sheydra. It was also, sadly, a deleted scene.
Sheydra: You’ve seen so much. You’re a figure of great romance to them.
Inara: Great romance has nothing to do with being a Companion, Sheydra. You should know that.
Sheydra: I’m not the one who had a torrid affair with a pirate.
Inara: A who? With a what?
Sheydra: It’s the talk of the house. The girls all trade stories in the dorms at night.
Inara: I didn’t have a pirate.
Sheydra: In one of the stories, you made love in a burning temple. I think that’s my favourite.
Inara: This is unbearable. Captain Reynolds is no pirate. He’s, well, he’s a petty thief. And he never laid a finger on me. All he ever did was rent me a shuttle, and be very annoying.
Sheydra: Don’t worry. The stories will fade. And your Captain Reynolds has probably gotten himself blown up by this time.
Because of the fact that the women were not quite ready to become Companions, and the fact that The Operative later tried to hold her hostage until Mal arrived, Inara eventually left the temple and returned to Serenity. For her, a ship that roams the galaxy in search of another heist was more of a home than The Alliance’s other Companions, and the strict scrutiny she was put under.
Let’s back up a moment, shall we? While she was held hostage (albeit very briefly) by The Operative, Inara craftily outwitted him. As he tried to kill Mal, Inara managed to distract The Operative.
The Operative: [to Mal] You are fooling yourself, Captain. Nothing here is what it seems. You are not the plucky hero, the Alliance is not an evil empire, and this is not the grand arena.
Inara Serra: And that's not incense.
[He turns to look: the incense stick burns away - rather like a fuse - and FLASHES in an explosion of light and sound]
While she does not have as much of a role as she did in the series, she is still a powerful woman who will not desert her friends--her family. Looking much like Athena, she raises her bow and arrows and shoots at the attacking Reavers. She continues to fight, despite how hopeless the situation seems. She refuses to fall until Mal has gotten the signal out. Even if it means the possibility of her death. A very likely possibility, too, since at one point it appears as if there will be a massive slaughter. And with Joss Whedon, you can never tell what will happen next. It could have been a slaughter of everyone.
Relationships
Kaylee: So how many fell madly in love with you and wanted to take you away from all this?
Inara: Just the one. I think I'm slipping.
--A brief discussion on love from Serenity. The episode, not the movie.
At the top of the rung for relationships would have to be Malcolm Reynolds. They fought and insulted each other so often, but always came to each other’s rescue. They love each other, and are terrified to admit it, lest something happen to one or the other of them. During the course of the series, the unresolved sexual tension was so great, that it was only a matter of time before they went for it, and who cared for the consequences.
The fact that Mal slept with Nandi in Heart of Gold almost destroyed her. In the privacy of her room, she allowed her devastation to be known, as she sobbed her heart out.
Thus proving to anyone who didn’t already notice that she had very, very deep feelings for him. The death of Nandi did not cause happiness in Inara, as Mal had now lost a lover and she had lost a friend.
Another relationship that must be mentioned is Atherton Wing. While he was one of Inara’s richest clients, he was certainly not rich in courtesy or the simplest amounts of respect. He continuously insulted and degraded Inara, until Mal finally caused a fist fight in the middle of a ball. When last seen he had lost a duel to Mal and was, presumably, seething with hatred for both Mal and Inara.
Throughout the series and movie, no other serious romantic relationships occurred for Inara. Note that I said serious. Her clients don’t really count, since they are merely part of her job as a Companion.
On the friendship front, it appears that Inara let very few actually get close to her. Due to Mal’s flippant disregard to her job, she would periodically become angered if she thought she was in for a lecture. Since there was a Shepherd on board the good ship Serenity as well, this is an understandable assumption.
The last time we see Inara, she is painting the outside of the ship. Putting right the horrors done to it, and healing the wounds. Covering the scars of battle. As usual, piecing things back together.
While it is unknown what the future will bring, one can only hope there will at least be happiness in store for her.
Why Do I Love Inara? Let Me Count The Reasons…
The first time I ever saw Inara, was after I was finally convinced to buy and watch the series. It only took a few months of my friends list gushing over it, before I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about.
Soon after, Inara became one of my favorite characters from Firefly. Actually, all of the characters were so well developed, that they were all wonderful. Inara stood out, though. Graceful. Elegant. Confident.
Most of my favorite characters tend to be of the quirky and/or geeky persuasion. Obvious examples include Willow, Tara, and Fred from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, respectively. Kaylee from the selfsame series as Inara is another.
Inara actually broke the mold for my favorite characters. From her first scene, she was fascinating. An almost exotic, mysterious woman who is brave and courageous; while at the same time a tender and motherly character. The complexity itself causes one to want to know more about her.
Joss Whedon makes the possibility of what may be in store for her very intriguing. Her story is definitely not over at this point, but it is in limbo. And the fanfic writers have done an excellent job of continuing to explore her story.
What Keeps One Interested In The Character?
While the series met an untimely end at the hands of Fox executives, one person that never became dull was Inara Serra. The complexity of her character alone was astounding.
While Inara appears to be the epitome of serenity in her own right at times, she still retains that unique air of mystery. She was a woman who was graceful and elegant one minute, and trading snarky remarks with a man who annoyed her the next. She is also very spiritual, judging by the short appearance of her Buddhist worship in Serenity. The movie, not the episode.
Due to her lack of background, there is ample fuel for many, many stories to be written about her. And a ton of essays to boot, judging by the amount of writings there are out there--including the Finding Serenity essay book, which I have mentioned below in the recommended reading section.
Wherever she is in fiction and movies, one thing is clear. Inara will remain an interesting character as long as there are writers to take the reins of the character.
Recommended Reading
Finding Serenity: Anti-heroes, Lost Shepherds And Space Hookers In Joss Whedon’s Firefly, edited by Jane Espenson. This is a wonderful Firefly related book, which contains variously thoughtful and humorous essays. Included within its pages are quite a few essays and mentions of Inara and how she relates to the mythology of Firefly. Pages of relevance to Inara include: 68-70; 113-129; 136-137; 164; and 212.
Serenity: The Official Visual Companion. This book contains the shooting script of Serenity, as well as interesting bits of trivia on how the actors view the characters they play. The deleted scene between Inara and Sheydra can be found within its pages.
Links
Fanlistings
Ambassador: The Inara Serra Fanlisting.
Family: The Official Firefly Fanlisting.
Heart of Gold.
Can’t Take The Sky.
Inara Related Groups
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crack_van--This group has some wonderful Firefly recs.
mal_inara
morena_baccarin
Non-fiction: The Discussion Of Inara In Other Places
Wikipedia Entry For Inara Serra.
Fan fiction That’s Worth A Look
What Might Be, written byhonorh. What could Inara possibly regret? Very beautifully written, and perfectly explains Inara’s past and how she feels as a Companion. Rated PG-13.
Her Last Gift, written bybashipforever. A lovely ficlet that is set as Inara leaves to become a Companion. It isn’t rated, but would probably qualify as a PG.
Fear Is In The Knowing, written bybrowncoat_2x2. Short ficlet in which Inara explains what she fears the most. Rated G.
Hook, Line, Sinker, written by BK The Irregular. A weekend in the life of a Companion. The author perfectly captures Inara’s thought processes. Rated PG.
White Knight, written by Maystone. This is a beautifully written story that shows the aftermath when a client gets out of hand. A bit of Mal/Inara is thrown in for good measure. Rated R.
A Companion’s Lot, written bymarag. This is a wonderful story set shortly after Inara first boarded Serenity. I can’t describe it properly, so I’ve included the summary. From the summary: “Shortly after Inara joins the crew of Serenity, she has a run-in with Jayne, which makes her think about her career and her place in the crew.” Rated PG. The story can also be found here.
Before The Gates, written byrinalin. This is a beautiful and very well-written short story involving a young Inara choosing to become a Companion. Rated PG.
Fandom: Firefly
Character: Inara Serra
Author:
calliopes_penE-Mail: julia_hoffman2003 at yahoo dot com
Spoilers: The entire series, and the Serenity movie.
Notes: Written for
idol_reflection. Thanks to seandc for beta reading.A companion chooses her own clients; that’s Guild Law. But physical appearance doesn’t matter so terribly. You look for compatibility of spirit. There’s an energy about a person that’s difficult to hide.
--Inara to Kaylee, on what a companion is. From The Train Job.
Introduction
This essay will discuss Inara Serra, a very mysterious woman on the ship of Serenity. She is strong and confident. Due to a premature cancellation, many things remain a mystery about this woman. In spite of this, I will describe the little we know of her life, her personality, her loves, and her sorrows. As the title suggests, she handled everything she did with grace and dignity.
History Of A Companion
While Inara’s childhood and early years are shrouded in mystery, her life after arriving on board Serenity is probably the clearest thing about her.
Once she boards Serenity, she basically becomes the Mother figure of the crew. A sister to Kaylee, when she was in need of one. She is something to everyone, even though she is truly close to only a few, if any. She provided comfort when it was needed and a lecture even when someone wasn’t willing to listen.
Oh, and as a sidenote? One of the terms of her tenure on Serenity was that she had “complete autonomy.” This was routinely ignored as Mal always barged into her shuttle unannounced. She never had complete privacy, one must assume.
While Inara remained on Alliance controlled planets, she had her pick of the cream of the crop of clients. She left the Companion House on Sihnon so that she could explore the outer rim, possibly to sample other cultures and add to her continually growing list of clients. Her reasons, whatever they may have been, were entirely her own.
As the series began, and Inara boarded Serenity, it was obvious to everyone that opinion was divided about her. Some thought she was sophisticated, elegant, and worldly. This would primarily be Kaylee’s view towards Inara. Others called her a hooker in fancy clothes, and used phrases worse than that to describe her. As you can probably guess, that opinion was held by Jayne and Mal. Book was content to leave her alone. He didn’t tell her what she should or shouldn’t do with her life.
Inara: So. Would you like to lecture me the wickedness of my ways?
Book: I brought you some supper, but if you'd prefer a lecture, I've a few very catchy ones prepped. Sin and hellfire...one has lepers.
Inara: I think I'll pass. I thank you for this.
In Bushwacked, Inara provided Simon with some advice, and perhaps a bit of insight into her personality.
Simon: Yes. And I'm grateful. Very grateful that Captain Reynolds has allowed us to remain on board. I just...I don't know if I'll be able to help her here. And I need to help her.
Inara: Simon. You are. I think your sister understands what you risked to rescue her from that place...leaving your whole world behind. That was incredibly selfless.
Simon: Yeah. I selflessly turned us both into wanted fugitives.
Inara: Well. We're all running from something, I suppose.
Could she be running from her former life? Possibly. More than likely it’s a desire for freedom and something beyond the Alliance, too. Only she (and Joss) knows for sure.
Whatever her reasons and motivations, she always came through. When Mal decided to defend her honor (Shindig) after Atherton insulted her--causing the equivalent of a bar room brawl in the process--it was Inara who taught Mal how to use a sword. She did her best to make sure he wouldn’t get himself killed come morning. Knowing Mal, he could have done a pretty thorough job of that, too, if Inara hadn’t intervened. In the end, she realized he was trying to protect her, and chose to remain on Serenity.
Inara: I am grateful, you know, for the ill-conceived and high-handed attempt to defend my honor, although I didn't want you to.
Mal: Gracious as that is, looking back, I probably should have stayed out of your world.
Inara: My world? If it is that. I wasn't going to stay, you know.
Mal: Yeah? Why is that?
Inara: Oh, someone needs to keep Kaylee out of trouble. And all my things are here. Besides, why would I want to leave Serenity?
Mal: Can't think of a reason.
In each episode she appeared, she usually managed to keep herself above the chaos, and be a casual observer. Most of the time, at any rate. And she showed just how observant she was when she realized that Saffron wasn’t quite what she appeared to be, during Our Mrs. Reynolds. Until that point, she had been stunned and hurt that Saffron had somehow become Malcolm Reynold’s wife.
At this point, she finally realized there was duplicity and deceit involved, and saw through the sweet, timid newlywed act. At first, the casual observer thinks Inara may be falling for it. Their discussion isn’t quite what it seems, as this quote proves.
Inara: I guess we've lied enough.
Saffron: You're good.
Inara: You're amazing. Who are you?
Saffron: Malcolm Reynold's widow.
A brief tussle followed, and Saffron got away. When Inara saw that Mal had been knocked out, she actually kissed him on the lips before she went for help. This proved to be a mistake, as Saffron had drugged Mal with a kiss. Predictably, Inara was soon unconscious as well. Despite being partly drugged out of her mind, Inara manages to explain to the others (whilst trying to cover that she fell for it too...) that Saffron must have been trained as a Companion at the Companion Academy. How else could she be such a master of seduction?
Since the woman was a master of deceit, it’s doubtful that one will ever learn the truth.
The next episode to feature an interesting moment for Inara was Trash. There is a wonderful moment for the woman when she again confronts Saffron and gets the upper hand. For you see, Saffron is digging through the garbage (a metaphor for her, obviously) in search of an antique laser pistol. Inara is quickly able to trap her there, with little to no muss or fuss. Her exact words to Saffron were as follows.
“You know, I put on this big act and storm away in a huff, then I fly off, wait for you to double cross Mal, beat you to the rendezvous spot and grab the loot before you can get to it. What, you didn't see it coming?
Earlier, what seemed like a spat between Mal and Inara, was now revealed to be merely an act. Inara herself is good at duplicity when up against Saffron. She is not a woman to be trifled with.
And finally, the episode that holds the loss of a friendship to death for Inara. Heart of Gold. In this episode she has also made her decision to leave. In the beginning of the episode, Nandi calls her and asks for help.
By the end, Mal has slept with Nandi, and caused Inara to be devastated. Soon after, Nandi is killed. The culmination of everything is more than likely what finally pushed her to make her choice, and leave. No matter how much it hurt her, and everyone else.
Inara: I learned something from Nandi. Not just from what happened, but from her. The family she made, the strength of her love for them. That's what kept them together. When you live with that kind of strength, you get tied to it, you can't break away. And you never want to. There's something that I... that I should have done a long while ago. And I'm sorry -- for both of us -- that it took me this long. I'm leaving.
And with that, her plans were told. She managed to stay around for one more episode (Objects In Space) and then, presumably, left. She was not seen again until the movie.
One thing is certain: Everyone on board that ship missed her. Even if they refused to admit it to themselves, they missed her. She isn’t the type of person one can forget.
The Movie, And Beyond
In Serenity, (the movie) Inara did not play as much of a pivotal role as she had in the series. She had left the ship after the end of Objects In Space, and apparently refused to return until someone she loved was in danger.
While she was gone, she returned to her profession as a Companion, teaching the next generation in the ways of love. She was the talk of the place because of the fact that she had dared to leave the protection of The Alliance. Rumors were rife among the recruits, and the gossip was apparently juicy.
Needless to say, Inara was not pleased at this development. The following is the discussion that resulted with Sheydra. It was also, sadly, a deleted scene.
Sheydra: You’ve seen so much. You’re a figure of great romance to them.
Inara: Great romance has nothing to do with being a Companion, Sheydra. You should know that.
Sheydra: I’m not the one who had a torrid affair with a pirate.
Inara: A who? With a what?
Sheydra: It’s the talk of the house. The girls all trade stories in the dorms at night.
Inara: I didn’t have a pirate.
Sheydra: In one of the stories, you made love in a burning temple. I think that’s my favourite.
Inara: This is unbearable. Captain Reynolds is no pirate. He’s, well, he’s a petty thief. And he never laid a finger on me. All he ever did was rent me a shuttle, and be very annoying.
Sheydra: Don’t worry. The stories will fade. And your Captain Reynolds has probably gotten himself blown up by this time.
Because of the fact that the women were not quite ready to become Companions, and the fact that The Operative later tried to hold her hostage until Mal arrived, Inara eventually left the temple and returned to Serenity. For her, a ship that roams the galaxy in search of another heist was more of a home than The Alliance’s other Companions, and the strict scrutiny she was put under.
Let’s back up a moment, shall we? While she was held hostage (albeit very briefly) by The Operative, Inara craftily outwitted him. As he tried to kill Mal, Inara managed to distract The Operative.
The Operative: [to Mal] You are fooling yourself, Captain. Nothing here is what it seems. You are not the plucky hero, the Alliance is not an evil empire, and this is not the grand arena.
Inara Serra: And that's not incense.
[He turns to look: the incense stick burns away - rather like a fuse - and FLASHES in an explosion of light and sound]
While she does not have as much of a role as she did in the series, she is still a powerful woman who will not desert her friends--her family. Looking much like Athena, she raises her bow and arrows and shoots at the attacking Reavers. She continues to fight, despite how hopeless the situation seems. She refuses to fall until Mal has gotten the signal out. Even if it means the possibility of her death. A very likely possibility, too, since at one point it appears as if there will be a massive slaughter. And with Joss Whedon, you can never tell what will happen next. It could have been a slaughter of everyone.
Relationships
Kaylee: So how many fell madly in love with you and wanted to take you away from all this?
Inara: Just the one. I think I'm slipping.
--A brief discussion on love from Serenity. The episode, not the movie.
At the top of the rung for relationships would have to be Malcolm Reynolds. They fought and insulted each other so often, but always came to each other’s rescue. They love each other, and are terrified to admit it, lest something happen to one or the other of them. During the course of the series, the unresolved sexual tension was so great, that it was only a matter of time before they went for it, and who cared for the consequences.
The fact that Mal slept with Nandi in Heart of Gold almost destroyed her. In the privacy of her room, she allowed her devastation to be known, as she sobbed her heart out.
Thus proving to anyone who didn’t already notice that she had very, very deep feelings for him. The death of Nandi did not cause happiness in Inara, as Mal had now lost a lover and she had lost a friend.
Another relationship that must be mentioned is Atherton Wing. While he was one of Inara’s richest clients, he was certainly not rich in courtesy or the simplest amounts of respect. He continuously insulted and degraded Inara, until Mal finally caused a fist fight in the middle of a ball. When last seen he had lost a duel to Mal and was, presumably, seething with hatred for both Mal and Inara.
Throughout the series and movie, no other serious romantic relationships occurred for Inara. Note that I said serious. Her clients don’t really count, since they are merely part of her job as a Companion.
On the friendship front, it appears that Inara let very few actually get close to her. Due to Mal’s flippant disregard to her job, she would periodically become angered if she thought she was in for a lecture. Since there was a Shepherd on board the good ship Serenity as well, this is an understandable assumption.
The last time we see Inara, she is painting the outside of the ship. Putting right the horrors done to it, and healing the wounds. Covering the scars of battle. As usual, piecing things back together.
While it is unknown what the future will bring, one can only hope there will at least be happiness in store for her.
Why Do I Love Inara? Let Me Count The Reasons…
The first time I ever saw Inara, was after I was finally convinced to buy and watch the series. It only took a few months of my friends list gushing over it, before I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about.
Soon after, Inara became one of my favorite characters from Firefly. Actually, all of the characters were so well developed, that they were all wonderful. Inara stood out, though. Graceful. Elegant. Confident.
Most of my favorite characters tend to be of the quirky and/or geeky persuasion. Obvious examples include Willow, Tara, and Fred from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, respectively. Kaylee from the selfsame series as Inara is another.
Inara actually broke the mold for my favorite characters. From her first scene, she was fascinating. An almost exotic, mysterious woman who is brave and courageous; while at the same time a tender and motherly character. The complexity itself causes one to want to know more about her.
Joss Whedon makes the possibility of what may be in store for her very intriguing. Her story is definitely not over at this point, but it is in limbo. And the fanfic writers have done an excellent job of continuing to explore her story.
What Keeps One Interested In The Character?
While the series met an untimely end at the hands of Fox executives, one person that never became dull was Inara Serra. The complexity of her character alone was astounding.
While Inara appears to be the epitome of serenity in her own right at times, she still retains that unique air of mystery. She was a woman who was graceful and elegant one minute, and trading snarky remarks with a man who annoyed her the next. She is also very spiritual, judging by the short appearance of her Buddhist worship in Serenity. The movie, not the episode.
Due to her lack of background, there is ample fuel for many, many stories to be written about her. And a ton of essays to boot, judging by the amount of writings there are out there--including the Finding Serenity essay book, which I have mentioned below in the recommended reading section.
Wherever she is in fiction and movies, one thing is clear. Inara will remain an interesting character as long as there are writers to take the reins of the character.
Recommended Reading
Finding Serenity: Anti-heroes, Lost Shepherds And Space Hookers In Joss Whedon’s Firefly, edited by Jane Espenson. This is a wonderful Firefly related book, which contains variously thoughtful and humorous essays. Included within its pages are quite a few essays and mentions of Inara and how she relates to the mythology of Firefly. Pages of relevance to Inara include: 68-70; 113-129; 136-137; 164; and 212.
Serenity: The Official Visual Companion. This book contains the shooting script of Serenity, as well as interesting bits of trivia on how the actors view the characters they play. The deleted scene between Inara and Sheydra can be found within its pages.
Links
Fanlistings
Ambassador: The Inara Serra Fanlisting.
Family: The Official Firefly Fanlisting.
Heart of Gold.
Can’t Take The Sky.
Inara Related Groups
crack_van--This group has some wonderful Firefly recs.mal_inaramorena_baccarinNon-fiction: The Discussion Of Inara In Other Places
Wikipedia Entry For Inara Serra.
Fan fiction That’s Worth A Look
What Might Be, written by
honorh. What could Inara possibly regret? Very beautifully written, and perfectly explains Inara’s past and how she feels as a Companion. Rated PG-13.Her Last Gift, written by
bashipforever. A lovely ficlet that is set as Inara leaves to become a Companion. It isn’t rated, but would probably qualify as a PG.Fear Is In The Knowing, written by
browncoat_2x2. Short ficlet in which Inara explains what she fears the most. Rated G.Hook, Line, Sinker, written by BK The Irregular. A weekend in the life of a Companion. The author perfectly captures Inara’s thought processes. Rated PG.
White Knight, written by Maystone. This is a beautifully written story that shows the aftermath when a client gets out of hand. A bit of Mal/Inara is thrown in for good measure. Rated R.
A Companion’s Lot, written by
marag. This is a wonderful story set shortly after Inara first boarded Serenity. I can’t describe it properly, so I’ve included the summary. From the summary: “Shortly after Inara joins the crew of Serenity, she has a run-in with Jayne, which makes her think about her career and her place in the crew.” Rated PG. The story can also be found here.Before The Gates, written by
rinalin. This is a beautiful and very well-written short story involving a young Inara choosing to become a Companion. Rated PG.