Sand dan Glokta is a former champion fencer who suffered severe torture during two years of captivity in the Gurkish Empire. He now works as a Superior in His Majesty's Inquisition, relying on a cane to walk due to his permanently damaged leg. Operating with a deeply cynical mindset, he extracts confessions through the same brutal methods he once endured. He is assigned to root out a traitor within Dagoska's ruling council while organizing the city's defenses against an impending Gurkish siege.

Logen Ninefingers is a massive Northern warrior bearing numerous battle scars and missing a finger. He travels with a small group heading toward the edge of the world, carrying a dark reputation from his violent past. He occasionally loses control to a dangerous alter ego known as the Bloody-Nine during intense combat. Despite his terrifying history, he actively attempts to act peacefully and shares practical survival advice with his less experienced companions.

Jezal dan Luthar is a young nobleman and officer in the King's Own regiment. He initially cares mostly about fencing tournaments, his social standing, and his physical appearance. Forced into a grueling journey far from the comforts of Adua, he finds himself entirely unprepared for the harsh realities of wilderness survival and real combat. The extreme physical toll of the journey slowly forces him to reconsider his selfish priorities.

Collem West is a commoner-born officer who earned his rank of Colonel through tactical competence and hard work. He serves in the Union army's campaign against Northern invaders in Angland. He struggles to maintain his professional integrity while working under aristocratic superiors who possess no actual military skill. His strict adherence to rules conflicts with the raw brutality required to survive in the northern wilderness.

Ferro Maljinn is a fierce former enslaved woman seeking total vengeance against the Gurkish Empire. She possesses demonic ancestry, which grants her yellow eyes, enhanced vision, and unnatural physical abilities. She views almost everyone with extreme suspicion and prefers to sleep away from the rest of the camp. Her inclusion in the expedition is vital because her bloodline allows her to handle ancient magical artifacts safely.

Bayaz is an ancient, bald wizard who holds the title of First of the Magi. He leads a dangerous expedition into the ruins of the Old Empire in search of a relic known as the Seed. He projects an aura of immense authority and expects total obedience from his companions. When pushed to anger, he can unleash devastating magical force, though doing so drains him physically.

Lord Marshal Burr is the seasoned commander of the Union army stationed in Angland. He attempts to organize a competent defense against Northern invaders while managing the egos of his politically connected generals. The massive stress of his command physically manifests as chronic indigestion. He recognizes military talent regardless of social class, making him a rare practical leader in the Union.

Crown Prince Ladisla is the vain and heavily entitled heir to the Union throne. He views his military posting in Angland as a stage to win personal glory rather than a serious conflict with real casualties. He consistently ignores the pragmatic advice of his seasoned officers, preferring flashy tactics that endanger his poorly supplied soldiers.

The Dogman is a veteran scout known for his exceptional tracking abilities and heightened sense of smell. He fights alongside a small crew of Northern warriors who have defected to join the Union against the warlord Bethod. He serves as a grounded, observant soldier who worries about the endless fighting and values the loyalty of his companions above all else.

Rudd Threetrees is the grey-bearded, stoic leader of a small band of Northern Named Men. Known widely as the Rock of Uffrith, he commands deep respect from his violent crew through his practical leadership and unyielding nature. He flatly refuses to serve Bethod, choosing instead to offer his tactical experience to the disorganized Union army.

Black Dow is an infamous, highly dangerous Northern warrior traveling with Rudd Threetrees' crew. He possesses a notoriously volatile temper and openly expresses his contempt for the poorly organized Union soldiers they are forced to assist. Despite his constant complaints and brutal methods, he remains an highly effective fighter in close combat.

Carlot dan Eider serves as the Magister of the Guild of Spicers in the city of Dagoska. She is an intelligent and pragmatic merchant operating within a highly corrupt political system. Recognizing the city's inability to survive a Gurkish siege, she employs her considerable wealth and influence to maneuver for a peaceful resolution that would prevent mass slaughter.

General Kroy is an austere, rigid traditionalist serving as a division commander in the Union army in Angland. He treats military strategy as an avenue for personal aggrandizement. He actively undermines the overall war effort by prioritizing his bitter, ongoing feud with his peer over the actual battle against Bethod's forces.

General Poulder is a flamboyant cavalry commander in the Union army. He is deeply arrogant and views the war primarily as a vehicle for his own glory. His refusal to cooperate with other divisions causes significant logistical and tactical breakdowns during major engagements in the North.

Cathil is a young woman who travels from a penal colony to the chaotic Union military camp. She works as a smith, fixing armor and horseshoes for the army. As the lone woman in a massive military encampment, she must navigate constant threats to her safety, relying on her own resilience and the protection of a few trusted individuals.

Pike is a heavily scarred convict recruited to maintain weapons and horseshoes for the Union army in Angland. His face and body are marked by severe burns from his past. He acts as a quiet but formidable presence in the camp, staying close to Cathil to ensure they both survive the brutal military environment.

Arch Lector Sult is the ruthless head of His Majesty's Inquisition in Adua. He directs political maneuvers and investigations across the Union, treating entire cities and his own officers as disposable assets in his pursuit of domestic authority. He communicates with his subordinates primarily through curt, demanding letters.

Practical Vitari is a fierce Inquisition enforcer serving under Sand dan Glokta. Originally from Styria, she always wears a mask to conceal her face while working. She executes Glokta's orders with physical precision and violence, though she eventually shows signs of desperation regarding her assignment in the besieged city.

Nicomo Cosca is a charming but notoriously unreliable mercenary captain hired to defend Dagoska. He openly admits to his employers that he will betray anyone if offered enough money. Despite his constant drinking, he possesses a sharp tactical mind and a cynical understanding of siege warfare.

Ardee West is Collem's sister, currently residing in the Union capital of Adua. Her social position is precarious due to her commoner background, leaving her isolated and vulnerable to financial ruin. She relies on her sharp wit and limited alliances to survive in a city dominated by ruthless nobles and moneylenders.