Amanda Morgan (also ap Morgan for generations after the First Amanda -- "ap" is a Welsh Patronymic similar to "Mac" in Gaelic) is the name of several fictional characters appearing in Gordon R. Dickson's Childe Cycle series of novels and stories. This includes the protagonist of the novella "Amanda Morgan" in the The Spirit of Dorsai and The Dorsai Companion.
Within the Childe Cycle there are several characters that have a triple nature which manifests itself in different ways (see: Welsh Triads) Amanda Morgan is one of them, and as a unique character she is a single character written as three entirely separate people. The three characters are referred to as The First Amanda, The Second Amanda, and The Third Amanda. The Third Amanda is also sometimes referred to as Hal's Amanda. "Amanda" as a name is appropriate, as its definition is "One fit to be loved."
Unlike the Donal Graeme - Paul Formain - Hal Mayne trinity (all of whom are actually one person), the three Amanda Morgans do not comprise one entity or can be considered reincarnations. Each of the characters has a subtly different personality and motivation, while sharing a common name, appearance, and family. In addition, each of their personal stories can be considered important to the overall narrative while at the same time being background or color. Only the Third Amanda is a main character in the Childe Cycle proper.
Each of the Three Amandas can also be looked at as an evolution of the previous character. This evolution can be equated with that of The Dorsai culture. The first Amanda's responsibility is directly related to her family and immediate community. The Second Amanda's responsibility is for The Dorsai as a whole. The Third Amanda's responsibility transcends the other two and encompasses the whole of humanity. Paralleling this, The Dorsai as a people begin as simple mercenary soldiers interested in making a living. By the Second Amanda's life they have developed a moral code and reputation as a society that protects them as a whole. Finally, as embodied by the Third Amanda, The Dorsai become the protectors of all humanity and its potentiality.
All three Amandas are at some time in their lives members of the Grey Captains. (The First Amanda belonged to a proto-group that does not share this name, but is clearly the predecessor of the Grey Captains.) This informal group of important individuals are what amounts to government on The Dorsai. The fact that the Third Amanda and to a certain extent the Second Amanda are significantly younger than most of the Grey Captains is some insight into the importance of the Morgan family on The Dorsai as a whole. As a final evolution of the character The Third Amanda becomes what amounts to the single leader of a very individualistic culture. Something that Donal Graeme never wanted or managed to do.
Famous quotes containing the word morgan:
“The best protection parents can have against the nightmare of a daycare arrangement where someone might hurt their child is to choose a place that encourages parents to drop in at any time and that facilitates communication among parents using the program. If parents are free to drop in and if they exercise this right, it is not likely that adults in that place are behaving in ways that harm children.”
—Gwen Morgan (20th century)