Menolly is a 14-year-old girl living in Half-Circle Sea Hold. A musical prodigy with perfect pitch, she is forbidden from pursuing her talent due to her community's restrictive gender norms. She finds comfort in her music and develops a connection with elusive fire lizards, leaving her home to survive on her own rather than abandon her art.

Yanus is the Sea Holder of Half-Circle and Menolly's father. A fiercely traditional and brutally practical leader, he prioritizes the Hold's fishing and survival operations over personal fulfillment. His rigid adherence to patriarchal norms drives him to forcefully suppress his daughter's musical gifts, viewing female Harpers as a disgrace.

Mavi is the Sea Holder's Lady and Menolly's mother. She strictly enforces the community's gender roles, actively seeking to stop Menolly's musical ambitions to maintain tradition and avoid her husband's anger. She assigns her daughter the most tedious chores and takes advantage of a hand injury to discourage her from playing instruments.

Elgion is a young, progressive professional musician assigned to Half-Circle Sea Hold. Tasked with shifting the community's stagnant traditions, he actively searches for the mysterious songwriter whose compositions Petiron sent to the Harper Craft Hall. He enjoys sailing and remains unaware of the hostility Menolly faces within her own family.

Masterharper Robinton is the silver-haired leader of all professional musicians on Pern. Gracious, progressive, and unassuming, he advocates for reform across the Holds. He recognizes true musical talent regardless of gender and corresponds with Harpers across the planet to discover new songmakers.

Mirrim is a young nurse at Benden Weyr with a dark, prim appearance and a mature demeanor. She masks her anxiety over her foster mother's depression with a bossy, officious bedside manner. Despite her strict instructions while tending to injuries, she proves to be a deeply caring and supportive friend.

Petiron is the former Old Harper of Half-Circle Sea Hold. As Menolly's mentor, he is the only person in her early life who encourages her musical abilities. Before passing away, he forwards her compositions to the Harperhall, directly initiating the central search of the story.

Alemi is Menolly's older brother. Unlike his parents, he possesses a great curiosity about the world beyond the Hold and defends Menolly's intelligence when others criticize her. He teaches the new Harper how to sail and develops a close friendship with him.

Sella is Menolly's older sister. She generally conforms to the Hold's expectations and occasionally threatens to report Menolly's musical activities to their parents. However, she also performs practical tasks, such as providing sweets to calm their elderly relative during a feast.

Old Uncle is Menolly's great-grandfather and a former Sea Holder. Elderly and highly talkative, he requires constant attention and management during social events to prevent him from causing disturbances or demanding inappropriate songs.

T'gran is a dragonrider who rescues Menolly when she is caught outside during a deadly spore shower. Initially mistaking the tall, lanky teenager for a boy, he ensures her safe transport to the Benden Weyr infirmary.

T'gellan is a dragonrider bonded to a dragon named Monarth. He bridges the gap between Benden Weyr and the Holds by assisting in the search for fire lizard eggs and offering transportation and friendship to those in need.

Manora is the headwoman of Benden Weyr. She provides a welcoming presence for Menolly, offering her sanctuary and advising the Masterharper to treat the traumatized girl gently due to her past experiences.

Brekke is a weyrwoman who suffers severe psychological distress following the death of her queen dragon. The community rallies around her, hoping she will recover her will to live during an upcoming hatching event.

Lessa is a prominent dragonrider at Benden Weyr who previously saved the planet through time travel. She manages the affairs of the Weyr and takes a keen interest in the fire lizards' potential to unite the different factions of human society.

Oharan is the resident Harper at Benden Weyr. He welcomes Menolly's musical contributions when she harmonizes with his performances and acts as a liaison for the Masterharper.

Felena is a kindly weyrwoman who steps forward to mentor Menolly, providing the teenager with emotional support and fresh clothing upon her arrival at the Weyr.

F'lar is a renowned dragonrider whose aerial mastery deeply inspires Menolly. Watching him fly prompts her to secretly compose new music capturing the majesty of the dragons.

N'ton is a dragonrider who recognizes the strategic importance of fire lizards. He initiates a search by asking the local Harper to look for the creatures, indirectly pushing Elgion closer to discovering Menolly.

Jaxom is a boy present at the Benden Weyr Hatching. He steps in to help a struggling white dragon break out of its shell, shocking the attending adults with his spontaneous intervention.

Beauty is a tiny, golden fire lizard queen. Imperious and demanding, she forms the core of a protective, affectionate flock that helps a lonely girl survive outside the Holds.