Questioner
...Really?
Brandon Sanderson
Yup. Most of what you see him doing, Renarin did in the original outline, much more awkwardly.
Questioner
Did you keep him in for longer because he has an important part to play?
Brandon Sanderson
Yes. remember, this is the draft I did in 2002, things were very different. Like in that draft Kaladin took the Shardblade and became a Shardbearer and stuff like this, and so it was a very different book, very different themes. I beefed up Adolin's part when I was doing this and eventually he developed into a stronger character. I need Adolin because Adolin is the guy who is not gaining all the magical powers and flying in the air and stuff. I need the guy who is more normal. As normal as the prince of Alethkar can be. I needed him and I really liked where he went after doing that, so.