Ping is an eleven-year-old enslaved girl living a bleak existence at the Huangling palace. She spends her days enduring mistreatment and secretly caring for the remaining imperial dragons. She holds a simplistic view of the world, assuming that the beautiful places depicted in palace paintings are purely fictional. She is highly resourceful and observant despite her severe isolation.

Long Danzi, often called Danzi, is an ancient Chinese dragon kept in captivity by the emperor. He possesses the ability to communicate psychically and has a deep knowledge of celestial creatures. He harbors a strong desire to reach the fabled Ocean to heal himself from his prolonged captivity.

Diao is a ruthless hunter who seeks to capture the few remaining dragons in the empire. He dresses in rough furs that contrast with the imperial court's finery. He views dragons purely as a source of valuable body parts to sell for profit.

Liu Che is the newly ascended ruler of China, coming into power while still a boy. He feels isolated by his supreme authority and desires companions his own age. Unlike his father, he shows a keen interest in changing old traditions.

Wang Cao is an herbalist residing in Chang'an who practices alchemy and medicine. He is left-handed and possesses an unusual ability to hear psychic communication. He holds a deep connection to the ancient history of dragons.

Jiang Bing is a capable boatwoman who works on the Yellow River. She dresses in practical men's clothing to perform her demanding job. She takes passengers aboard her vessel to make a living after the death of her husband.

The Necromancer is a mysterious and dangerous magician residing in Wucheng, a city known for its dark practices. He collects strange objects and is highly interested in acquiring magical artifacts.

Master Lan is an aging, lazy overseer tasked with guarding the emperor's banished dragons at Huangling. He resents his remote posting and consistently neglects his duties, forcing a young girl to do his work instead.

Hua is a rat who lives at the Huangling palace and serves as Ping's only companion during her isolation. He stays hidden within her clothing to avoid detection by the cruel overseers.

Lao Ma is an elderly woman who works at the remote Huangling palace. She assists Master Lan in his tasks, though she is reluctant and frightened of the consequences of their neglectful actions.

Tian Fen is the grand counselor to the emperor, carrying over his duties from the previous ruler's reign. He is a strict traditionalist who prioritizes imperial law and protocol.