MoonShot Saga Character Breakdown

In The Moonshot Saga: Earthbound there are many key characters, all integral to the story. Meet some of them below to learn more about who they are!

Hazel:

Hazel Celam is a freshman at Luna Vista University and the main character of the story. An adventurous individual, she loves stargazing, mooncakes, and journals in her diary she carries with her. Hazel is loyal but impatient with the friends around her, and always works hard. 

She likes Astronomy, astrology, and Biology, and is currently focusing on those classes at university along with her best friend, Pearl.

“I remember craning my neck far back and pointing out the dazzling stars: the Big Dipper, Orion, Taurus, and other constellations that were sprinkled throughout the infinite abyss of the sky.” 

Although not the most academically gifted student, Hazel makes up the difference through her unending determination and grit. Hazel is not a natural leader. In her endeavors in The Moonshot Saga, she learns how to become a friend, a companion, and how to stay on top of unexpected hurdles and challenges all while guiding others towards a common goal. Her level head keeps her aware and alert of all things happening. 

Pearl:

Pearl Chian is Hazel's best friend and a key character in the story. Her personality is characterized by spontaneity and unpredictability, often leading her to make impulsive decisions. Pearl's fascination with magnets drives much of her interests and hobbies. From creating homemade magnets to experimenting with magnetic sand, she constantly seeks to understand and harness the power of magnetism, even competing in 3D printing and magnetic creativity competitions. Her passion extends to creating delicate models of maglev train stations.

“Out of the 125 trips from the Earth to the Moon, my best friend Pearl, too young to remember much, was on the 124th. She had made it here before the Dyson failure, before space debris made lunar travel impossible, before her mother, one of the few remaining NASA scientists, became trapped on Earth for the last 15 years. Pearl was a bright kid. Ever since she was little, the only thing stopping her from becoming a stunt performer was her obsession with magnets. For various science competitions, Pearl had created a magnetic levitation model of the newest train stations and even experimented with different suspension systems. Now, Pearl's primary hobby involved creating homemade magnets and experimenting with magnetic sand.”

Pearl's brilliance is evident throughout the story, but she can be stubborn and headstrong, often refusing to heed advice or consider alternative perspectives. This stubbornness occasionally leads her into risky situations, highlighting her need for guidance and grounding. Pearl's connection to space and science is deeply rooted, as evidenced by her mother's background as a NASA scientist and her own involvement in science competitions. Throughout the story, Pearl relies on Hazel's level-headedness and guidance to navigate challenges and temper her impulsive tendencies, allowing Pearl to pursue her passions and make new discoveries that alter the story completely. 

Cypress:

Cypress Arbor is initially introduced as the main competitor to Hazel and Pearl in the NASA Competition at Luna Vista University. With his intellect and extremely proactive nature, Cypress appears as a daunting adversary, especially with his tendency to come across as condescending.

“Mr. Arbor,” Dr. Joon chirped.

Cypress Arbor, the know-it-all brainiac whose face screamed, “Punch Me!” continued. The class knew what was coming. He had a tendency to explain things like everyone else was an idiot.

He turned from his seat in the front of the class.”

As the story unfolds, Cypress's character undergoes a significant transformation. Through his interactions with Hazel and Pearl, he begins to reveal a vulnerable side and a desire for friendship. Despite their initial rivalry, Cypress ultimately becomes an invaluable ally to Hazel and Pearl, forming a strong bond with them as they unite for a common goal, helping them find connections and new ideas that drive the plot forward. 

His adoption, similar to Hazel's own background, serves as a point of connection. With Cypress’s competitive nature, he allows Hazel and Pearl to reach their potential.