Madame Taisha is the chieftain of the Mud Whale at the beginning of the story, having taken on the role sixteen years prior at the age of twenty-six. As an Unmarked, she does not possess thymia, the psychic ability that shortens the lives of the Marked population. She is described as kind and caring toward all the inhabitants of the Mud Whale, and she holds a deep love for the vessel and its people. However, she harbors some resentment over how the elders treat her as a ceremonial figure rather than granting her real authority. Her motivations center on the well-being of her community, but she is often constrained by the decisions of the elders' council. In the story, she serves as the nominal leader during the initial encounter with the outside world. When the Empire attacks the Mud Whale, Madame Taisha is among those killed in the assault, making her death a pivotal early event that spurs others into action. Her key relationships include her aide Kuchiba and the young archivist Chakuro, whom she regards with maternal concern. Because she dies early in the series, her character does not undergo significant development, but her initial doubts about the elders' rule hint at a potential for change that is cut short. Her notable abilities are not related to combat or thymia; instead, she relies on her empathy and gentle leadership to guide her people, even though she lacks the power to enact meaningful change.