Daryus

Daryus is the secondary antagonist in 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
Daryus, while sharp-minded and cunning, is envious about the attention his father Nafaryus gives to his sister Faythe. He is a man desperate for positive attention from his family, namely his father, and will go to wicked lengths to prove that he can be the tyrant his father is, going as far to force the Gabriel's brother, Ahrys, into assisting him with capturing or killing his brother by holding his young son's live over his head.

Biography
Daryus travels to the town of Ravenskill with his father and king Nafaryus, mother and queen Arabelle, and sister and princess Faythe to hear the voice of Gabriel, who is rumored to be a savior among his people. After Nafaryus orders the people of Ravenskill to bring Gabriel to him, Faythe travels back to Ravenskill alone to see Gabriel again. Arabelle sends Daryus to look after her, but he uses the opportunity to find the home of Gabriel's brother, Ahrys, breaking in and capturing his son Xander before Ahrys discovers the two. Daryus promises a cozy life of wealth and security for Xander if Ahrys helps him and threatens to kill him if he refuses. With Xander his only living link to his deceased wife Evangeline, Ahrys accepts.

Upon learning that Gabriel is to meet with Nafaryus at an abandoned amphitheater called Heavens Cove, Daryus and Ahrys plan to ambush him there. After Ahrys has a change of heart, he double-crosses Daryus and the two have a fierce sword fight that ends with Daryus killing Ahrys. Upon seeing a shadow of a person approaching him, he assumes the shadow belongs to Gabriel and stabs the person approaching him, only to discover it was Faythe. Gabriel, in his immense grief, lets out a scream loud enough to render Daryus deaf. After Faythe is healed and Nafaryus states his intention to be a fairer ruler, Arabelle forgives her son of his actions.