The Lightwoods

Alexander "Alec" Gideon Lightwood is a Shadowhunter and the eldest of the Lightwood children. Alec is one of the few gay Shadowhunters. Since normally, homosexual Shadowhunters are shunned out of the Clave, Alec was skeptical about coming out, but he eventually does, letting everyone know of his relationship with Magnus Bane, inspiring other teenage closeted Shadowhunters to come out about their sexuality, as well.  Alexander Lightwood was the eldest child born to Robert and Maryse Lightwood. Two years after him, his sister, Isabelle, was born, and his younger brother Max was born when he was nine. When he was eleven years old, Jace Wayland was adopted into their family and Alec had an instant liking for Jace and they eventually became parabatai. It is not believed that Alec knows anything about his father being unfaithful just before his mother fell pregnant with Max.

Despite their similar looks, Alec is very much the opposite of his sister in the sense that he is self-conscious and serious. He is described as straightforward and blunt, as it is the only way he knew to be. Some perceive that Alec appears "uncomfortable in his own skin." This is possibly due to his fear of admitting to others that he is a homosexual. He convinces himself to believe he is in love with Jace as a way to escape his fear of being hurt by falling for Magnus. Alec is very protective of his family and assumes the most responsibility as the oldest of his siblings. He and Jace are parabatai, meaning that they are warriors who fight together and are closer than brothers.

Alec is often soft spoken and serious in most situations. He tries his best to act wisely, and is shown not be as brave as Jace is; but cautious. Up until recently, he had never killed a demon. However this is more because he puts Jace and his sister's safety before killing demons, frequently putting himself in danger to protect them. He shows himself to be extremely caring of the ones he loves, and is willing to do anything to save them, also he is said to be "easily guilted". Between the whole family, Alec is the most clever. Alec can also become extremely jealous. Alec is also afraid of spiders.

Nephilim Abilities

• Angel Blood: All Shadowhunters have some of the angel, Raziel's, blood in their veins. This gives Shadowhunters the ability to survive having runes marked on their skin.
• Marks: Alec has had several Marks placed on his skin, including healing, strength, stealth, and stamina runes as well as the eye shaped Mark that helps with weapons and the bonding Mark created by Clary in City of Glass.
• Superhuman Physiology: Shadowhunters have physical abilities superior to mundanes (humans), which are separate from abilities gained from runes.
  • Superhuman Strength
  • Superhuman Agility
  • Superhuman Stamina
  • Superhuman Coordination

With his Alliance rune bond with Magnus Bane, Alec gained access to Magnus' warlock spell casting ability, including the ability to create Portals, memory manipulation, healing and curing of others of demonic poison, levitation, in addition to other magical effects.

• Stele : Alec has utilized a stele, mostly for healing purposes for himself, his family and friends.

• Bow and Arrows: Alec uses a bow and arrows as his primary choice weapon in battle.
• Feather-Staff: Alec will utilize a feather-staff as a second choice for a weapon in battle.
• Seraph Blades: Alec has been seen using a seraph blade in battle.
• Dagger: Alec has also been shown to use a dagger.