In Wind and Truth, Sanderson asserts that self-acceptance and forgiveness are fundamental pillars for achieving and maintaining mental health. Shallan’s character arc is the most explicit exploration of the importance of self-acceptance, and her struggle with this idea becomes overt with the appearance of the symbolic figures that embody her alter egos: Veil, Radiant, and Formless. In the previous novels in the series, Shallan created these alter egos as versions of herself who were capable of doing the things that she needed to do; both strong fighters, Veil and Radiant are strong when Shallan feels weak and brave when she feels afraid. Formless, on the other hand, is a more negative manifestation: an embodiment of the pain and harsh memories that Shallan longs to avoid. The author uses these alter egos as a device to enact Shallan’s internal conflict; the alter egos interact as characters in their own right, even adding to the dialogue. As Shallan interacts with her disparate parts, this dynamic highlights her progress toward self-acceptance. By conversing with Veil and Radiant and overcoming Formless, Shallan learns to accept the fact that all parts of her have value and that her past actions do not have to define her future choices.