Lessa is a physically fit young woman working in disguise as a lowly maid in Ruatha Hold. As the secret surviving heir of Ruatha's royal bloodline, she harbors a deep resentment for the usurper who seized her home. She possesses latent telepathic abilities and uses them to manipulate her environment while waiting for an opportunity to strike back. Lessa is fiercely determined and hotheaded, willing to risk everything to reclaim her birthright.

F’lar is a pragmatic wingleader among the dragonriders of Benden Weyr. He rides the bronze dragon Mnementh and firmly believes in the old traditions regarding the Threads, an extraterrestrial spore that threatens the planet. Tasked with leading a Search to find a female candidate to bond with a soon-to-hatch queen dragon, F’lar is observant and tightly controls his emotions. He seeks to restore the reputation and readiness of the dragonriders.

Fax is the ambitious Lord of Ruatha and six other Holds. Ignoring the traditional rule of one Lord per Hold, he behaves imperialistically and extorts his subjects to amass personal power. He openly dismisses the old traditions regarding the Threads and views the dragonriders with contempt. Fax rules his territories through fear and intimidation.

F’nor is the rider of the brown dragon Canth and serves as F’lar’s wing-second. He possesses a more relaxed and affable demeanor compared to his highly disciplined sibling. F’nor supports F’lar’s ambitions to reform Benden Weyr and shares his concerns regarding the Holding Lords' lack of respect for the dragonriders' protective duties.

R’gul is the conservative Weyrleader of Benden Weyr, maintaining his status because his bronze dragon, Hath, mated with the previous queen. He adheres rigidly to literal interpretations of ancient laws and prefers to avoid conflict with the defiant Holding Lords. His cautious approach frustrates younger riders who wish to enforce traditional tithing rules.

Kylara is a beautiful and ambitious woman brought to Benden Weyr as a candidate to bond with a new dragon. She relies heavily on her attractiveness and flirtatious behavior to gain influence within the community. Her vanity and self-absorption often put her at odds with more serious-minded individuals in the Weyr.

Robinton serves as the Masterharper of Pern, functioning as the chief bard and keeper of the Teaching Ballads. He maintains a deep knowledge of the old songs and lore, defending the historical truth hidden within them. He acts as a sharp-witted advocate for the arts against the Holding Lords who dismiss such traditions as useless fiction.

Lady Gemma is Fax's wife, originating from the Ruathan bloodline. Despite suffering from her husband's cruelty, she maintains a quiet dignity and secretly supports the dragonriders. She endures Fax's mistreatment while attempting to protect those around her from his violent outbursts.

Lytol is a former dragonrider who suffered a devastating psychological blow when his dragon died in an accident. Currently serving as a Warder, he remains sympathetic to Benden Weyr and provides F’lar with crucial intelligence regarding Fax's abuses. He actively desires Fax's downfall and works to ensure Weyr-friendly leadership in the Holds.

Mnementh is a massive bronze dragon bonded to F’lar. He exhibits an empathetic connection to his rider and displays an immediate dislike for the cruel Lord Fax. Mnementh assists F’lar in assessing the potential of candidates during their Search.

Ramoth is a newly hatched, highly prized golden queen dragon. She possesses a rapid growth rate and a demanding appetite. As the only actively producing queen, her health and development are vital to the future of the Weyr.

Manora is the headwoman of Benden Weyr, responsible for managing the domestic affairs and supplies of the community. She offers practical advice and guidance to the younger members of the Weyr.

Jaxom is the infant son of Fax and Gemma. Due to his Ruathan bloodline, his birth creates an immediate political complication regarding who rightfully inherits control of the Hold.

The watch-wher is an elderly, nocturnal, reptilian creature chained at Ruatha Hold. Though considered ugly and lesser than true dragons, it acts as a loyal and sensitive companion to Lessa during her years of disguise.

Larad is the Lord of Telgar. He shares the general resentment among the Lords toward the Weyr's recent activities, viewing their laws as antiquated. However, he shows a willingness to listen to reason when presented with hard evidence.

Meron is the troublemaking Lord of Nabol. He is deeply hostile toward the Weyr and refuses to believe the warnings about the returning Threads, actively spreading dissent among his fellow Lords.

Fandarel is the Mastersmith of Pern. He is a practical artisan focused on inventing and building machinery to assist in the defense against the Threads. He relies on historical artifacts to reverse-engineer forgotten technologies.