Malik is a 17-year-old emancipated minor who spent the last decade in various foster homes following his mother's mysterious disappearance. Haunted by the fiery awakening of his own magic during that childhood trauma, he suppresses his abilities and struggles to trust authority figures. He is fiercely protective of his foster brother, Taye, and slowly learns to harness his ancestral magic after relocating to Louisiana to attend Caiman University.

Alexis is a highly intelligent student at Caiman University and Malik's childhood friend from the foster system. Having been adopted into a supportive magical family years earlier, she confidently advocates for using magic to help the non-magical Black community. She serves as a guide for Malik as he enters the magical world, though her frustration with the ruling magical class pushes her toward extreme measures.

Mama Aya is Malik's grandmother and a legendary conjurer who is nearly two hundred years old. Having searched for Malik for a decade, she finally brings him to her home to teach him about his ancestral magic. She is a stabilizing, loving presence who attempts to break through Malik's defensive bitterness with patience and historical wisdom.

Kumale is a young history professor at Caiman University who quickly establishes himself as a mentor to Malik. Bonding over shared experiences of traumatic loss, Kumale encourages Malik to embrace his intense magical power rather than fear it. He teaches his students about the deep historical roots of Black magical ancestry, focusing on historical revolts and survival.

Lorraine is Malik's mother, a formerly brilliant student at Caiman University who disappeared during a violent magical incident when Malik was seven. Her memory haunts Malik, and her past ties to a secret society at the university drive much of his search for answers. Faculty members remember her as an exceptionally gifted conjurer whose research pushed boundaries.

Taron is the stern Chancellor of Caiman University and a powerful conjurer. He frequently clashes with Malik due to his strict adherence to the university's rules and his apparent inaction regarding missing students. He carries a heavy burden of responsibility in maintaining the safety and secrecy of the magical community under the watchful eye of his mother.

Taye is Malik's 12-year-old foster brother and primary emotional anchor. Managing his diabetes while adapting to a new life in Louisiana, Taye is optimistic and adaptable. He provides Malik with a crucial sense of family and belonging outside of the immediate magical community.

Bawan Samedi is a Loa—a spirit in Haitian Vodou—who dresses in a purple suit and transports souls to the afterlife. He assists Mama Aya in locating Malik and acts as a mysterious but helpful guide in the magical world. He possesses immense power over life and death boundaries.

Donja is a privileged and arrogant student at Caiman University who immediately rubs Malik the wrong way. Coming from a wealthy magical family, he flaunts his abilities and often engages in reckless behavior. He serves as a frequent rival to Malik in both classes and social settings, holding deep-seated anger regarding his past.

Empress Bonclair is Taron's mother and the imposing leader of the Kwasan tribe, the ruling body of the local magical community. She prioritizes the safety and secrecy of the magical world over intervening in non-magical affairs, a stance that puts her at odds with younger activists on campus.

D Low is Malik's welcoming roommate at Caiman University. Openly bisexual and proud of his identity, he helps Malik adjust to campus life and the politics of the magical community, providing a grounded perspective on the school's social dynamics.

Dr. Green is a professor at Caiman University who teaches students about the history of ancestral magic. She recognizes Malik's raw power and encourages him to practice without shame, giving him reading material to catch up with his peers.

Antwan is a local police officer who attended Caiman University alongside Malik's mother and Taron Bonclair. He acts as a bridge between the magical and non-magical authorities, providing Malik with cryptic warnings about the dangers hidden within the community.

Savon is a student at Caiman University who uses they/them pronouns. They are actively working to build the Black Queer Conjurer Initiative on campus and form part of Alexis's core friend group.

Elijah is a student at Caiman University studying sports medicine. Alongside his twin, he welcomes Malik into their social circle.

Ms. Faye is the school librarian who provides Malik with crucial access to his mother's old university notebook. She holds knowledge about the history of the secret society known as the Divine Elam.

Carlwell is Malik's former foster father who continues to foster Taye. He is physically abusive and aggressive, prompting Malik's desperate rescue attempt at the beginning of the story.