Characters
Aniruddh "Tony" Edward Stark
- Age: 42 (as of 2012)
- Heritage: Half Italian-American (Howard Stark), Half Indian-Telugu (Maushmi Kanala Stark)
- Position: CEO of Stark Industries, Iron Man, Member of the Avengers
Born into wealth and genius, Tony Stark distinguishes between two cultures, though few know of his Telugu heritage. After his parents' deaths, he reclaimed his actual birth name, Aniruddh, which his mother used in private, though he maintains "Tony" publicly. Despite his playboy reputation and seemingly carefree attitude, Tony harbors deep connections to his cultural roots, which he maintains through quiet temple visits and private practices.
His life unexpectedly turns in 1997 after a night with his best friend's wife (also his best friend and actual love), Sandhya Raavi. Two years later, the revelation that he has a daughter tests his loyalty to his best friend, Arun, and his own conscience. Though he can only be "Tony Uncle" to Sara for years, he pours his love into weekend science lessons and subtle guidance, all while carrying the weight of their secret. After Arun died in 2012, Tony must learn to be a mentor and a father, balancing his duties as Iron Man with supporting a daughter who's discovering her own extraordinary powers.
Arun Raavi
- Age: 40 (at death in 2012)
- Heritage: Indian-Telugu
- Position: MIT graduate, Vice President of Engineering, Stark Industries
A brilliant engineer from Telangana, Arun built his American dream through determination and integrity. Beginning in their MIT days, his friendship with Tony Stark led to his position at Stark Industries and his marriage to Sandhya. Though unknowingly raising Tony's biological daughter, Arun's love for Sara was pure and unconditional, encouraging her intellectual growth and artistic pursuits. His steady presence balanced the chaos in Sara's early life, especially as she began developing her pyrokinetic abilities. His death during the Battle of New York marks a turning point in Sara's journey and the family's dynamics.
Sandhya Raavi
- Age: 38 (as of 2012)
- Heritage: Indian-Telugu
- Background: MIT graduate, Business Analyst
Sandhya carries the weight of secrets with grace and strength. Raised in a traditional Telugu family before pursuing her American education, she balances cultural expectations with modern realities. Her one-time affair with Tony, born from unspoken feelings dating back to MIT, results in Sara – a secret she carries for years while maintaining her marriage to Arun. When Sara's firebending powers emerge, Sandhya becomes her daughter's first teacher and protector, drawing on community resources to help Sara understand her abilities. After Arun's death, she faces the challenge of helping her daughter navigate her powers and identity, eventually deciding to let Sara live with Tony.
Saranika "Sara" Kuvira Raavi (Later Stark-Raavi)
- Age: 14 (as of 2012)
- Alias: Inferna
- Heritage: Quarter Italian-American, Three-quarters Indian-Telugu
A prodigy caught between worlds, Sara inherits Tony's brilliant mind and unknown mystical abilities that manifest as firebending. Raised in a loving Telugu household, her life carefully balances cultural traditions and hidden truths. Her powers emerge at age 10, adding another layer of secrecy to her already complex life. Though homeschooled to manage her abilities, she excels academically and shows particular aptitude in engineering and sciences. The Battle of New York in 2012 reshapes her world entirely – losing Arun, discovering her true parentage, and beginning her journey toward becoming Inferna, all while processing her grief and anger.
Harsha Chaitanya Raavi
- Age: 18 (as of 2012)
- Heritage: Indian-Telugu
- Interests: Engineering, Kamputar Science
The older of the twins, Harsha, represents the perfect fusion of his parents' ambitions. Protective of his younger sister Sara but often absorbed in his studies, he remains unaware of the family's deeper complexities. His analytical mind and focus on academics echo his father's dedication and Tony's technical brilliance, though he doesn't know the latter's significance.
Sesha Mahati Raavi
- Age: 18 (as of 2012)
- Heritage: Indian-Telugu
- Interests: Business, Piano, Visual Arts
Sesha balances artistic passion with academic excellence. The quieter twin, she shares a special bond with both Sara and their mother, though she remains unaware of Sara's powers or true parentage. Her gentle nature often serves as a mediating force in family discussions, though she becomes more withdrawn after losing her father. Her artistic pursuits provide an escape and a connection to her cultural heritage.
*Note: Ages listed are as of 2012 when the Battle of New York occurred, and Arun died.*