Fawnstar is Skyclan's young leader. Though she only attained leadership three moons ago, Fawnstar strives to do everything she can to stay in Skyclan, and the rest of the clans' favor. Why all this effort to keep everyone happy with her? Fawnstar has a deep fear of being punished like her parents were. Who are her parents? None other than Firefeather of Thunderclan, and Thornwing of Skyclan.

When the clans learned the truth of Fawnstar's parents, back when she and her sister were suckling kits, they demanded that punishment be given. It was decided that Fawnstar would go to Skyclan, to punish Firefeather (their mother), while Maplestream would stay in Thunderclan, to punish Thornwing. Both parents were punished by being treated as lower-than apprentices (they ate last, had several escorts whenever they went anywere, and both were forbidden from attending the gathering ever again.)

For several tense moons, it was wondered if Fawnkit and Maplekit ought to be punished too, but finally it was decided that the crimes of the parents should not hinder the growth of the kits. Still, even after being named Deputy by Fogstar (one of the cats responsible for deciding the kits should not be punished), and even after becoming leader, Fawnstar still has a deep-rooted fear that the clans will change their minds, and rise against her, stripping her leadership and treating her like her parents.