PJO - Frank Zhang

basic infofull name: frank zhang (also called fai zhǎng in chinese)godly parent: Mars (roman version of Ares)camp: Camp Jupiter legion cohort: originally the fifth cohort weapon of choice: a bow, though he later gets better with other weapons too

personality

frank is basically the definition of gentle giant energy.

key traits:

kind and loyal – he cares deeply about his friends and will do anything to protect them awkward and shy – especially at the beginning, he second-guesses himself constantly insecure – he feels like he doesn’t live up to expectations as the son of mars protective – once someone is his friend, he’s fiercely loyal quietly brave – even when he’s scared, he still steps up when it matters

he’s also surprisingly softhearted. he likes animals, doesn’t enjoy hurting people, and often feels uncomfortable with the idea that he’s supposed to be a warlike demigod because of his father.

however, when he finally accepts who he is, frank becomes a very strong leader—calm, dependable, and willing to sacrifice himself if needed.

backstory

frank has one of the most unusual family histories in the series.

his mother, emily zhang, was a decorated officer in the canadian military. she died in battle when frank was young, leaving him to be raised by his strict but loving grandmother.

his family line traces all the way back to an ancient hero named Periclymenus, who was blessed by Poseidon with the power to shapeshift into animals. that ability eventually passed down through the generations—until it reached frank.

but there’s a catch.

when frank was born, the three fate goddesses The Fates tied his life force to a small piece of firewood. if that stick ever burns completely, frank dies. so his entire life is literally connected to this fragile piece of wood that his grandmother protects.

because of this, frank grows up knowing his life could end if that firewood burns.

powers and abilities

1. shapeshifting frank can transform into any animal he has seen before. early on he struggles to control it and sometimes changes accidentally, but later he becomes extremely skilled with it.

examples include:

bears, eagles, dragons (sort of), basically anything animal-shaped

2. roman combat skills being the son of Mars, frank is naturally strong and becomes an excellent soldier and strategist.
3. archery. he’s especially good with a bow and often fights as an archer. character growth

frank’s arc is basically about learning to believe in himself.

he starts out feeling like:

he’s not brave enough, he’s not strong enough, he’s not a real son of mars

but over time he proves himself again and again. by the end of the war against Gaea, frank becomes one of the most reliable leaders in the legion, showing courage, intelligence, and compassion.

he never turns into the aggressive warrior stereotype people expected.

instead he becomes something better:a strong leader who still keeps his kindness.

Appearance: frank is described as very large and physically imposing, especially compared to most demigods his age. he’s tall, broad-shouldered, and naturally strong. early in the series he’s a bit chubby and soft-looking, which makes him insecure because he doesn’t think he looks like the typical “son of mars.”he has short black hair, dark eyes, and features that show his chinese heritage. as the series goes on and he gains confidence and trains more, he leans out and becomes more muscular, looking much more like a classic roman soldier.even though he looks intimidating at first glance, his expressions and body language usually give away that he’s actually pretty gentle and awkward.