Fitz is the young son of Prince Chivalry, born outside of marriage. Raised in the stables by Burrich, he struggles with extreme loneliness and his unrecognized royal status. He possesses a natural, forbidden mental bond with animals called the Wit, which he must hide from those around him.

Burrich is Prince Chivalry’s loyal marshal and the master of the royal stables at Buckkeep. He serves as Fitz's mentor and guardian, providing strict but consistent care. He harbors a deep hatred for the Wit, a forbidden magic, and forces Fitz to suppress his natural abilities to maintain respectability.

Chade is a scarred, pockmarked old man who lives in the hidden quarters of Buckkeep. He serves King Shrewd as a secret royal assassin. He takes Fitz under his wing to teach him the covert arts necessary to survive and serve the Farseer line.

Verity is the gruff, straightforward second son of King Shrewd and the king-in-waiting following Chivalry's abdication. He focuses heavily on defending the kingdom's borders from raiders. Unlike many in the royal family, he treats Fitz with genuine kindness and respect.

Regal is the youngest child of King Shrewd and Queen Desire. He resents his older half-brothers and views Fitz as a dangerous stain on the royal bloodline. Vain and ambitious, he prioritizes his own comfort and political power over the safety of the kingdom.

The Fool is King Shrewd's mysterious, pale-skinned court jester. He speaks in riddles and cryptic prophecies that few understand. Despite his strange appearance and mocking demeanor, he observes the court closely and takes a particular, watchful interest in Fitz.

Galen is the royal Skillmaster, tasked with teaching the kingdom's telepathic magic to the royal household. He holds an intense, fanatical devotion to the absent Prince Chivalry but harbors a vicious hatred for Fitz. He is a harsh and abusive teacher who uses his position to torment his students.

King Shrewd is the pragmatic ruler of the Six Duchies and Fitz's grandfather. He views everyone around him, including his children and grandchildren, as tools to secure and stabilize his kingdom. He brings Fitz into his service, demanding absolute loyalty.

Molly is the fiery and capable daughter of a candlemaker in the town near Buckkeep. She gives Fitz the nickname "Newboy" and introduces him to the practical realities of town life. As she grows older, she proves herself strong-willed and fiercely independent despite her difficult home life.

Chivalry is the eldest son of King Shrewd and the former king-in-waiting. When the existence of his child born outside of marriage is revealed, his rigid sense of honor causes him to abdicate his throne and retreat to a quiet province, never meeting his son.

Lady Patience is the eccentric, highly intelligent widow of Prince Chivalry. She has a deep love for nature and various odd crafts like tattooing and pottery. Despite the scandal of Fitz's birth, she takes a keen interest in his upbringing and insists he receive a proper royal education.

Nosy is a hound puppy from the royal stables who shares Fitz's first mental bond. Through their forbidden telepathic connection, Nosy experiences the world alongside Fitz, teaching the young boy about loyalty and the intense, unspoken communication of the Wit.

Smithy is a spirited terrier puppy who forms a deep, secret mental bond with Fitz. The dog becomes the center of Fitz's emotional world, offering unconditional love and stability when Fitz faces abuse and isolation in his daily life.

Princess Kettricken is the strong, dignified daughter of the Mountain Kingdom's ruler. She is chosen to marry Prince Verity to unite their lands against coastal raiders. She respects her people's harsh traditions and prioritizes the greater good of her kingdom.

Rurisk is the crown prince of the Mountain Kingdom and Princess Kettricken's older brother. Though rumored to be sickly, he proves to be robust, pragmatic, and welcoming to the Duchies' delegation.

Cob is a young dog boy and stable hand working under Burrich at Buckkeep. He assists with the daily chores of the royal stables and accompanies the Farseer retinue on their journeys.

Fedwren is the keep's scribe, responsible for teaching the royal household. He recognizes Fitz's talent for illustration and offers him an apprenticeship, hoping to improve the kingdom's paper-making and educational resources.

Kerry is a town boy who befriends Fitz shortly after his arrival at Buckkeep. Along with Molly, he helps Fitz learn the layout of the coastal town and the practical trades of the common people.

Hod is a stern, capable woman who serves as the weapons master at Buckkeep. She trains Fitz in the martial arts expected of someone attached to the royal household.

Lord Kelvar is an aging duke in charge of defending Neatbay. He neglects the staffing of his watchtowers, instead spending his resources trying to impress his young, newly ascended wife.

Lady Grace is the young, socially insecure wife of Lord Kelvar. Recently elevated to nobility, she wears too much jewelry to compensate for her background and deeply loves her sickly pet dog.

Queen Desire is King Shrewd's second wife and the mother of Prince Regal. She heavily favors her own son, seeking to bypass traditional inheritance laws to ensure Regal ascends the throne.