Etoile

Ester de la Fano (エステル・デ・ラ・ファーノ) is a major character in The Heroic Legend of Arslan. Wanting to participate in her homeland's beliefs and protect Balcacion, she disguises herself as a male soldier named Etoile (エトワール). She has no real battlefield experience and is held prisoner when Saint Emmanuel Castle falls against Arslan's forces. Ester refuses to join Arslan yet intellectually challenges and bonds with him during her loose captivity.

Her personality and role are rewritten in Hiromu Arakawa's adaptation. She regularly exploits her dual disguises to serve within the ranks and infiltrate Pars for information. Ester first meets Arslan during their childhood, replacing a slave boy within the original narrative. Her boldness and declarations inspires Arslan to be decisive for his own beliefs. When she matures, Ester is captain of her own patrol unit and trains with weaponry, but she still has no experience in war.

Personality
Ester is a tough zealot of Lusitania's teachings. She truly believes that her country's invasion is a god given right and treats any foreigners as "uncouth barbarians". Any other religion is heresy and must be purged under "the enlightenment" of Lusitania's rule. Anyone who dies for their cause will ascend to their god's graces, even if they are child soldiers or innocent bystanders. Though she is harsh, serious and strict in her duties, Ester has faith that her actions are for the good of humanity.

Arslan is a curiosity to her. At times, he seems pathetic and witless; then, he surprises her with his renewed resolve. Her interactions with the prince prompts her to consider the virtues of her cause.