Valentine Morgenstern is a fictional character from the young adult series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. He is portrayed as a complex antagonist, known for his ruthless ambition and desire to create a world where only the strongest survive. Valentine is a former member of the Shadowhunters, a group dedicated to protecting humans from demons. Valentine is also the father of Clary Fray, the series' protagonist, which adds a personal conflict to the story. His actions and beliefs challenge the values of the Shadowhunters, leading to significant tension and conflict throughout the series.