Lord Nafaryus

Lord Nafaryus is the primary antagonist of the concept album The Astonishing from the progressive metal band Dream Theater. As with all the characters in the album, his voice is provided by James LaBrie.

Personality
Nafaryus is a brutal tyrant who rules the Great Northern Empire with an iron fist. He takes great pleasure in terrorizing and threatening the lowly citizens over which he rules, as evidenced by his maniacal laughter in the song Three Days, in which he threatens to burn down the village of Ravenskill if the people do not turn their savior Gabriel to them.

Despite his cold heart, he shows tremendous love for his family, who he values even more than the power he holds and the riches it provides him. At one point in time, he also had a love for music much like his kinder daughter Faythe.

Biography
After hearing rumors about the singing abilities of a man named Gabriel, who lives in the nearby town of Ravenskill, he and his family travel there to hear his voice. Despite being moved to tears by Gabriel's voice, he is nonetheless threatened by what an inspiration he is to the townspeople. He gives them three days to bring Gabriel to him or he will destroy Ravenskill.

Nafaryus's daughter, Faythe, who has since fallen in love with Gabriel, goes and meets him in Ravenskill. Upon returning to the palace, Faythe attempts to convince her father to spare Gabriel and to rule the empire in a more peaceful manner. Though hesitant, Nafaryus agrees to meet with Gabriel at an abandoned amphitheater called Heaven's Cove, intending to capture him himself.

Meanwhile, Daryus, Nafaryus's son, has been plotting to kill Gabriel himself to seek favor from him. Blinded by his hatred, he accidentally kills Faythe (mistaking her for Gabriel). Nafaryus and his wife, Arabelle, arrive at Heaven's Cove to find Faythe's slain body, the former lamenting over what his pride and arrogance has done to his family. He begs Gabriel to use his voice to save her. Though having lost his voice in a grief-stricken scream, Gabriel's voice is restored by the song of thousands of citizens, and he brings Faythe back to life. From that point on, Nafaryus accepts the love of Gabriel and Faythe and agrees to rule the nation in love and brotherhood.