Content Warning: This section includes references of child abuse, incest, domestic violence, sexual assault, suicide, and cannibalism.

Born with a curved spine and twisted arm, Marek is the product of incest and rape, the child of Agata and her brother. Marek is raised by Jude, the sheepherder of Lapvona, who captured and held Agata captive after she was exiled from her home. Jude raises Marek to self-flagellate and to see Suffering As Salvation. However, Marek is more sensitive than Jude and struggles with some of the more violent aspects of village life, choosing to look away rather than face the hanging of the bandit (who he doesn’t know is biologically his father). Marek has a deep need and desire for parental love. Since Jude does not give this to him, instead lavishing all his affection on his sheep, Marek tries to fill this void by nursing from Ina long after her milk has dried up.

When Marek kills Jacob, his life suddenly changes. Villiam demands Marek as a replacement for Jacob, and Marek finds himself enjoying bounty and privilege, with a servant who attends to his every need and desire. Marek also enjoys Villiam’s attention, finally filling that deep need for a parental figure.