Sparrowhawk/Ged, born Duny, is a highly skilled, quick-witted young wizard from a poor village on the island of Gont. His immense innate magical abilities quickly become apparent when he protects his home from an invading tribe. However, his impatience and desire for recognition often cause friction with his mentors. He struggles with the responsibilities that accompany his power and the consequences of his own pride.

The Shadow is an unnatural, shapeless entity called into the living world through an act of dark magic. Initially appearing as a featureless, terrifying presence, it actively hunts its summoner across the ocean and islands. It acts outside the laws of the natural world, representing a dangerous, untamed threat to any who cross its path.

Vetch/Estarriol is a kindly, steady student at the school for wizards on Roke. Coming from a simple background in the East Reach, he maintains an unpolished but deeply genuine demeanor. He lacks the arrogance common among some of the other students and provides a stabilizing presence.

Ogion is a humble but immensely powerful traveling wizard from Re Albi. Also known as "Ogion the Silent," he lives a sparse, quiet life, rarely displaying his formidable abilities. He values patience and observation, teaching that magic should only be used out of absolute necessity.

Jasper is a talented, highborn student at the school for wizards on Roke. He carries himself with an air of superiority and frequently uses subtle mockery to challenge others. His aristocratic background and refined manners clash with Ged's rougher upbringing.

Ged's Aunt is a simple village witch living on the island of Gont. She uses practical, low-level magic for everyday needs and village defense. While she recognizes her nephew's innate power, her own abilities are limited, preventing her from guiding him beyond basic spells.

The Archmage is the venerable leader of the wizard school on the island of Roke. He is a deeply wise and aged figure who recognizes both the great potential and the significant danger in his students. He feels a heavy responsibility to protect them and maintain the balance of magic in the world.

Pechvarry is a hardworking boatbuilder living on the remote island of Low Torning. He lives a practical life focused on his trade and his family. He becomes one of the first ordinary people to connect with the town's newly appointed wizard on a personal level.

Yevaud is an ancient, massive dragon residing on the island of Pendor. He poses a massive threat to the nearby human settlements of Low Torning. Highly intelligent and cunning, he is capable of human speech and negotiation.

Serret is the beautiful and enigmatic lady of the Court of the Terrenon on the wintery island of Osskil. She oversees a perpetually cold castle that holds an ancient, magnetic stone. She acts as a hospitable hostess while harboring an intense interest in finding a wizard to unlock her castle's secrets.

Benderesk is the Lord of the Court of the Terrenon. He rules over the cold, isolated castle on Osskil. He lacks the innate magical skill required to control the ancient forces housed within his fortress, making him watchful and suspicious.

Skiorh is a gruff oarsman on a ship traveling through the northern waters. He begins as an ordinary sailor who asks prying questions. His transformation demonstrates the vulnerability of ordinary men to supernatural dangers.

The Doorkeeper is the ninth Master at the wizard school on Roke. He guards the exit to the school, ensuring that only those who have truly learned the necessary lessons of wizardry are permitted to leave the island.