Character Analysis
As werewolves go, Brannoc is unquestionably the leader of the pack. He's dignified, authoritative, and commands respect. Sam doesn't meet him until the end of the book, when he's being held in the private werewolf hospital after killing Douglas, but even then, he's pretty astonished just by his presence: "As all things werewolf went, Brannoc was the toughest badass in the city. Just telling me he was Brid's father was enough to get my adrenaline going" (30.44). Consider yourselves lucky the next time you meet your date's dad, Shmoopers.
The cool thing about Brannoc is that he's not just one tough taoiseach—he's actually kind of the Atticus Finch of werewolves. He places a great deal of faith in Bridin and is confident that she'll be able to handle his leadership position once he goes to the Werewolf Great Beyond, but he's also not afraid to teach her tough lessons.
Not sure what we're talking about? Check out the part in Bridin's dream when she remembers Bran attacking her during practice. As it happens, Brannoc is the one who ordered him to do it, even though he knows Bridin is prone to beating herself up. Nonetheless, his belief that "Mistakes are our best teachers" (6.49) drives him to tough love in preparing his daughter for what the future holds for her. Thanks, Pops.