The dragon in the Wheel of Time novel is Rand al'Thor. He discovers his identity and abilities as the story progresses, facing many challenges and making difficult choices along the way.
The main characters include Rand al'Thor, who has the heavy burden of the prophecies on his shoulders. Egwene al'Vere, who rises through the ranks of the Aes Sedai. Mat Cauthon, a very complex character with his own story arc that involves his special connection to the One Power in a different way compared to others. Perrin Aybara is another main character. He has a special bond with wolves and is also involved in the fight against the Dark One.
Rand al'Thor is extremely important as he is the Dragon Reborn. Then there are the Aes Sedai, like Moiraine Damodred who plays a significant role in guiding Rand at the start. Perrin Aybara, a wolfbrother, and Mat Cauthon are also important. Egwene al'Vere, who becomes a powerful Aes Sedai herself. Lan Mandragoran, a warrior bound to Moiraine, is also a key character.
Rand al'Thor is identified as the Dragon Reborn. His journey and development throughout the story are crucial. He faces numerous challenges and has to fulfill a significant destiny.
Well, first you could go to a bookstore or library and physically compare the thickness of the books. But more accurately, you can look at the word count or page count information available online. 'A Memory of Light' is likely to be the longest. It's the culmination of the entire series, so it has to bring together all the different elements from the previous books. There are multiple storylines involving different regions, magical abilities, and political intrigue, and they all converge in this one long novel.
First, you should be really familiar with the 'Wheel of Time' series. Read the books multiple times to understand the world, the characters, and the magic system. Then, start with a simple idea, like a new adventure for one of the main characters. Outline your story, including the beginning, middle, and end. Don't be afraid to put your own spin on things, but also stay true to the essence of the 'Wheel of Time' world.
The short stories can expand the world by delving deeper into the cultures. Maybe there are stories about the unique traditions and beliefs of a particular tribe that we only got a glimpse of in the main series. They also might show how different cultures interacted in the past, which adds more layers to the overall world - building. For example, stories about trade relations between different regions that were not explored much before.
Egwene al'Vere is quite popular. She rises from a small - town girl to become a powerful leader among the Aes Sedai. Her story of growth, learning, and taking on great responsibilities makes her a favorite. Lan Mandragoran, the stoic and skilled warrior, is also beloved. His loyalty and his role as a protector are some of the reasons why readers like him.