Power plays a huge role in Empire of Storms, for the degree of power that each character wields drastically changes the interactions, dialogue, and outcomes of each scene. The most powerful character in Empire of Storms, with the exception of the Valg King Erawan, is Aelin Galathynius, and her power can be divided into two categories that stem from political theory: soft power and hard power. Soft power involves using persuasion rather than force or coercion to gain allies and supporters. Aelin’s soft power can be seen in her diplomacy, her kindness, and her appeals to historical precedent. For example, she manages to win Ansel of Briarcliff and the Silent Assassins to her cause because of the kindness and mercy she showed them in her past as Celaena Sardothien (events detailed in the prequel novellas of The Assassin’s Blade). She also attempts to utilize soft power to win over Rolfe by reminding him of the Mycenians’ failure to help Terrasen: a failure that she wants Rolfe to remedy. However, when this approach proves insufficient, she uses hard power, which traditionally involves coercion and force, often in a military