'Shadowhunters': Jace Herondale's melancholic backstory makes him more mysterious than his dashing looks and cold exterior

Jace reveals a part of his childhood to Clary and suddenly it becomes clear just why this sarcastic, snarky teen grew up to be the greatest warrior of his time.

When it comes to Freeform's fantasy show 'Shadowhunters,' there's an ongoing debate about who the main character is. The low hanging fruit, of course, is Clary Fray/Fairchild (Katherine McNamara) as she happens to be the protagonist of sorts in the original 'The Mortal Instruments' books by Cassandra Clare that the show is based on. But while Clary goes through the horrors and woes that every troubled main character of a young adult novel/show usually does, our other hero, Jace Wyland (Dominic Sherwood) somehow emerges as a counterpart - whose backstory and personality is every bit as riddled with troubles and conflicts as Clary's.

The fact that Jace pretty much resembles a ripped Greek-God is surely nothing to complain about. And right from the start, he comes off as a strong, sexy, somewhat damaged shadowhunter - fighting dangerous creatures, and laughing while doing so, even though he knows they could take him out in a snap. It's like the holy trinity for everyone with a soft spot for the brooding, cocky archetypical hero like Edward Cullen from 'Twilight,' or even Heathcliff from the age-old classic, 'Wuthering Heights.' 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Sean Reagan’s past shapes a rescue in ‘Boston Blue’ Season 2 Episode 6 as Mika Amonsen discusses continuing the character’s ‘Blue Bloods’ story.
2026-11-14T19:02:59.000Z
Left Bank Pictures has responded to a tragic incident at the Edinburgh studio used for ‘Dept. Q’ as police inquiries into the circumstances continue.
2026-11-14T15:25:47.000Z
A fan-favorite ‘Matlock’ star shares a behind-the-scenes update as the CBS drama prepares for its Season 3 return.
2026-11-14T14:08:57.000Z
‘Gilmore Girls’ documentary ‘Drink Coffee, Talk Fast’ brings back familiar cast members, including Jared Padalecki and Scott Pattersonts
2026-11-14T10:08:21.000Z
'CSI' veteran Marg Helgenberger was once one of the highest-paid small-screen actresses
2026-11-14T09:17:43.000Z
Dexter sets his sights on the Jaw Splitter in Season 2, Episode 3, while a fan theory links the mysterious killer to actor Jack Dylan Grazer.
2026-11-14T07:37:35.000Z
‘Law & Order: SVU’ showrunner Michele Fazekas addresses Benson and Stabler’s future after their emotional reunion in the milestone 600th episode
2026-11-14T07:25:13.000Z
‘Station 19’ alum Jay Hayden joins ‘Fire Country’ Season 5 as Mason Ellis, whose return to Edgewater sparks a new conflict between Bode and Jake
2026-11-14T06:34:18.000Z
CBS brings ‘Marshals’ and ‘Tracker’ back to its Sunday lineup on November 15 with new episodes following a one-week break for ‘Cupertino.’
2026-11-14T05:54:18.000Z
Boone and Mickey's relationship gets complicated with Emmy's arrival in 'Sheriff Country'
2026-11-14T04:43:33.000Z