melanie stryder  – melanie is a human rebel who was captured and implanted with a soul after years of evading the seekers. she is wanderer's host body. melanie's consciousness survives and resists wanderer's control as best she can. she likes the feeling of being physically strong and berates wanderer for neglecting to keep her that way. she has a temper and is often quick to use threats of violence, much to wanda's displeasure. melanie is passionately in love with jared and shares a strong bond with her brother, jamie, of whom she is fiercely protective. despite initial anger at wanderer for stealing her life, their shared love of jamie and jared turns them into unwilling allies. their relationship grows to the point where melanie tearfully begs wanda not to give her body back, knowing the alien plans to kill herself once removed. melanie is described as having hazel eyes, dark hair and tan skin and is half latina on her mother's side.