I saw a post one time (it’s reblogged on here somewhere) talked about when using epithets can be used for narrative effect, specifically for contrast, and the example they gave was for comedy. But it can be used for serious stuff too, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better example than this line from The Traitor Baru Cormorant that is going to be burned into my head forever:
“What about [the imperial soldiers]?”
“Cut their tendons. Let Cattlson drown in his own cripples,” said the Fairest Hand.
Like, holy fucking shit. “Said the Fairest Hand.” The Fairest Hand. Now that is how you use an epithet for contrast.
(I could be wrong but this might be the only time Baru is referred to as her epithet in the whole book. And if I am wrong, it’s certainly not a common occurrence. Seth Dickinson knows how to make his punches count.)
