Anna is the eldest daughter of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and the presumed heir to the Byzantine throne. The story introduces her while she is living in exile at a convent, where she uses practice supplies to write down her memories. In her youth at the imperial palace in Constantinople, she is highly educated, studious, and fiercely competitive. She views herself as superior to others and eagerly absorbs lessons about power and political strategy.

John is Anna's younger brother and a potential rival for the Byzantine throne. He frequently throws tantrums, acts entitled, and adamantly refuses to learn how to read. He uses his position as the only male child to challenge Anna's authority, often eavesdropping on conversations to gain political leverage in the palace.

Anna Dalassene is the emperor's mother and a highly influential political figure in Constantinople. Though illiterate, she possesses a ruthless, strategic mind for warfare and statecraft. She mentors her granddaughter, teaching her to rule without mercy, while simultaneously harboring a deep prejudice against her daughter-in-law's family.

Irene is the Empress of the Byzantine Empire and Anna's mother. Hailing from the Doukas family, she maintains strong religious convictions and believes a ruler should prioritize compassion and morality. She frequently clashes with her mother-in-law over how the imperial children should be raised and educated.

Alexios is the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire and Anna's father. He frequently leaves the capital to fight in military campaigns, delegating political authority in his absence. He openly admires military prowess and is easily amused by the stubborn natures of the women in his family.

Simon is an enslaved eunuch who serves as the head tutor for the imperial family. He manages the library and teaches literature, grammar, and mythology. He quietly tries to guide Anna away from arrogance by using classical myths, such as the story of Icarus, as cautionary tales for her life at court.

Sophia is a young Turkish girl who is captured by the Byzantine army and forced into enslavement at the imperial palace. Assigned to serve Anna, she struggles to adapt to her new status. She provides Anna with a direct view of the violence caused by the empire's military campaigns.

Constantine is a young soldier and the political protégé of Emperor Alexios. He is betrothed to Anna from birth to solidify an alliance between the Komnenos and Doukas families. He participates in military campaigns alongside the emperor and shares romantic moments with Anna during palace celebrations.

Nikephoros is a renowned soldier and widely respected historian within the Byzantine Empire. Simon considers him an emerging scholar who will be recognized for his historical records. He crosses paths with Anna in the imperial library, sharing her deep interest in historiography.

Malik is a young Turkish man who was previously engaged to Sophia before their capture. He works to save money to secure her freedom from enslavement and takes on labor around the palace to remain close to her.

Sister Thekla is a senior nun at the convent who supervises the scriptorium. She strictly enforces the rigid routine of document production and provides Anna with practice writing materials, though Anna initially views her as an adversary to be defeated.

The head of the convent where Anna lives in exile. She is an educated, empathetic leader who treats the nuns like daughters and frequently invites Anna for intellectual conversations about history and current events.

Maria is Anna and John's younger sister. She is anxious about breaking rules and fears the consequences of Anna's mischievous behavior, such as when Anna steals a church chalice to play with her dolls.