Relationship identification

"He can see the relationships or connections people have to one another. For example, in a group situation he can easily pick out the leader, or sense the strength of the bond between mates or friends. He can also see where those bonds are weak."

- Entry on Marcus's gift

Relationship identification is Marcus's power to sense the relationships, or connections, between people.

Description
Marcus uses this ability to see the relationships of his opponents on the battle field. Allowing him to see who would die for another or turn traitor, given incentive. He also uses it to sense how someone feels about the Volturi if they refuse contact with Aro. When utilizing this skill in a fight, Marcus is quite dangerous. This gift is unaffected by Bella's mental shield, as he is able to read the intensity of her and Edward's relationship in New Moon.

"Marcus's gift is actually quite valuable in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. For example, imagine Marcus on the battle field. He sees the binding ties between the enemy the guard faces. He can tell who the leader is just by watching the way the others are tied to him/her. He can see how to destroy the resistance simply by picking off a few key people. He doesn't just see romantic relationships, but also ties of family and friends, loyalty and devotion. He can tell if any given person would die for another. Off the field of battle (as the Volturi rarely leave their home), Marcus's gift is valuable politically (for lack of a better word). It's an amazing gift in a diplomatic situation. Plus, when you're sitting on an empire, it's nice to be able to see when someone's loyalty starts wavering. Or if anyone is getting too fond of anyone else. Can you see the potential now? Marcus didn't get where he is with some fluff skill."

- Stephenie Meyer's description of Marcus's gift.

Similar abilities

 * Eleazar can identify a person's gift by being in close proximity with them.


 * Edward Cullen's telepathy works by being in close proximity with a person.