Aza is a 15-year-old girl with pale skin and dark hair, traits considered highly unattractive in the kingdom of Ayortha. She possesses an extraordinary singing voice and secretly teaches herself how to mimic sounds and project her voice, a skill she calls "illusing." Abandoned at a local inn as a baby, she longs for a way to alter her appearance and escape the harsh judgments of her society.

Ivi is a 19-year-old commoner from the nation of Kyrria who becomes the queen of Ayortha. Though exceptionally pretty by the kingdom's standards, she feels out of place at court and quickly bonds with Aza over their shared outsider status. She depends heavily on external validation and fears losing her new position, making her increasingly erratic as she attempts to secure her royal authority.

Prince Ijori is the 17-year-old nephew of King Oscaro and a prominent figure at Ontio Castle. He is handsome and known for his playful sense of humor and gentle demeanor. Unlike many in the Ayorthian court, he judges people by their character rather than their physical appearance, quickly forming a genuine connection with Aza over a composing game.

Skulni is a mysterious creature who resides inside a magic mirror that Ivi brings to Ontio Castle. He possesses a spiderlike body and serves as an advisor to the young queen. The mirror he inhabits can show the viewer a stunningly altered reflection, a power he uses to prey heavily on the insecurities of anyone who looks into it.

Master Zhamm is an aristocratic gnome who occasionally stops at Aza's family inn. He stands out with his curly brown hair and signature emerald buttons. Unbothered by human beauty standards, he genuinely admires Aza's natural hair color, a magical gnomish hue called "htun." He possesses the ability to catch glimpses of the future.

King Oscaro is the 41-year-old ruler of Ayortha. He deeply loves his new bride despite the concerns of his subjects regarding her origins and inability to sing. An unexpected injury shortly after his wedding plunges the kingdom into uncertainty, leaving him bedridden and unable to govern.

Sir Uellu is Ayortha's choirmaster and King Oscaro's second-in-command. He takes his duties to the kingdom and its musical traditions seriously by officiating ceremonies and instructing the royal family in song. When the king is incapacitated, he struggles to manage the court's growing dissatisfaction with the new queen.

Areida is Aza's younger sister. Unlike Aza, Areida fits the kingdom's standards of prettiness and is eventually sent away to finishing school by their parents. Despite occasional tension over their differing appearances, she cares deeply for Aza and encourages her to share her talents.

Ollo is one of Aza's older brothers. He helps his adoptive parents run the busy Featherbed Inn in the village of Amonta, taking on the heavy labor required to keep the business functioning.

Yarry is Aza's other older brother. Along with Ollo, he assists in managing the daily operations of the Featherbed Inn, ensuring guests are cared for while keeping Aza shielded from cruel comments.

The Duchess of Olixo is a peevish noblewoman who frequently stays at the Featherbed Inn. She is highly demanding of the staff but develops a fondness for Aza after being introduced to the girl's cat. She provides Aza with her first opportunity to experience court life by bringing her to the royal wedding.

Lady Arona is a prominent noblewoman at the Ayorthian court. Many courtiers expected her to marry King Oscaro due to her lovely singing voice and high status. She remains a fixture at castle events and actively participates in court pastimes like the composing game.

Frying Pan is the head cook at Ontio Castle. She runs a tight ship in the royal kitchens and is fiercely protective of her staff and the castle's traditions. She is unafraid to express her disapproval when the castle's leadership behaves poorly.

Uju is a royal guard in the service of Queen Ivi. He follows orders strictly but possesses a conscience that complicates his duties when the queen demands harsh actions. His assignment places him directly in the path of Ayortha's political turmoil.

Imilli is Aza's pet cat. The feline provides Aza with quiet companionship during her lonely childhood and inadvertently helps her build a connection with a wealthy patron of the inn.

Oochoo is Prince Ijori's loyal boarhound. The large dog rarely leaves the prince's side and exhibits excellent instincts about people, quickly taking a liking to Aza when she feels most insecure.