Evie is a perky and optimistic young woman who becomes the assistant to the kingdom's most notorious criminal. She is the primary caretaker for her ailing father and younger sister. Desperation for an income drives her to accept this highly unconventional job. Despite her sunny disposition, she struggles with self-worth and carries an unhealed, magically inflicted wound from her previous employer.

Trystan is the dark and widely feared Villain of the kingdom. Despite his terrible reputation and habit of hanging severed heads in the office entryway, he runs a highly organized operation. He shows unexpected care for his employees and finds himself unusually drawn to his new assistant's cheerful demeanor.

The King is the beloved ruler of the realm and Trystan's sworn archenemy. He constantly sends guards and assassins to thwart the Villain's operations. He represents the officially sanctioned authority in the kingdom's ongoing conflict.

Becky is the head administrative assistant at the Villain's manor. She is a strict enforcer of office rules and dresses conservatively. She harbors an immediate, unexplained dislike for Evie and constantly issues reprimands for minor infractions.

Blade is a muscular and warm-hearted dragon tamer employed at the manor. He struggles with human interaction but forms a fast friendship with Evie. His gentle nature directly opposes the typical dark atmosphere of a villain's lair.

Tatianna is the resident office healer who trades her medical services for personal secrets. She intentionally wears bright pink clothing to control how others perceive her. This fashion choice ensures people see her bold personality before they make demands of her magical abilities.

Evie's father is a former member of the king's guard who suffers from a mystic illness sweeping the kingdom. Because there is no known cure, he remains mostly housebound. Evie works tirelessly to support him and hides the dangerous reality of her new job to keep him from worrying.

The Blacksmith is a tradesman in Evie's village and her former employer. After Evie rejected his advances, he attacked her with an enchanted dagger. The assault left her with a painful injury that flares up in his physical presence.

Malcolm is a tavern owner and Trystan's estranged brother. He has a history of violent disagreements with Trystan and occasionally deals in dangerous mechanical devices, such as bomb timers.

Trystan's estranged sister is a magic user who specializes in crafting enchanted inks with unique properties. She lives independently from her brother's villainous enterprise.

Arthur is Trystan's estranged father, renowned as a nearly mythical "core healer" capable of healing even the soul. He operates independently of his son's dark reputation.

Evie's younger sister is a bright, observant girl living in the village. She is largely shielded from the kingdom's darker realities by Evie's tireless efforts to provide for their family.