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Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Scarlett is the older Dragna sister, characterized by her restraint and a deep sense of responsibility to protect her family. Having survived the dangerous illusions of the Caraval games, she now lives in the capital city of Valenda. She possesses a unique, latent magical ability that allows her to perceive the emotions of others as distinct colors, an ability she hesitates to fully utilize out of fear of losing her humanity.
Sister of Donatella Dragna
Daughter of Paloma Dragna
Daughter of Marcello Dragna
Romantic Interest of Julian Santos
Suitor of Nicolas d'Arcy
Target of Gavriel
Adversary of The Poisoner
Fellow Captive of Anissa
Donatella, frequently called Tella, is the impulsive and adventurous younger Dragna sister. Following the events of the previous Caraval game, she finds herself tangled in a web of magical bargains and unresolved feelings. She is fiercely independent and refuses to yield easily to the immortals who try to influence her, relying on her sharp instincts to survive the dangerous politics of the awakened Fates.
Sister of Scarlett Dragna
Daughter of Paloma Dragna
Daughter of Marcello Dragna
Romantic Interest of Legend
Target of Obsession of Jacks
Advisor to Mistress Luck
Reluctant Ally of The Assassin
Reluctant Ally of The Maiden Death
Protector of Jovan
Guard of Armando
Legend is the powerful, immortal Master of Caraval who recently claimed the throne of the empire. Known for his theatrics and mastery of illusion, he maintains a strict emotional distance from others in order to protect his immortal status. He insists that love is a fatal weakness, leading him to offer magical protection rather than genuine emotional connection.
Romantic Interest of Donatella Dragna
Brother of Julian Santos
Employer of Jovan
Employer of Armando
Magically Connected to Esmeralda
Gavriel, known as the Fallen Star, is an ancient and tyrannical Fate who seeks absolute control over the empire. He views human emotion as a disease to be eradicated, preferring to rule through fear, isolation, physical cages, and destructive fire. He actively orchestrates chaos throughout Valenda so that he can swoop in and present himself as the city's savior.
Captor of Scarlett Dragna
Former Lover of Paloma Dragna
Captor of Anissa
Leader of The Poisoner
Former Ally of Esmeralda
Julian is a former Caraval performer who prioritizes honesty over the magical illusions favored by his brother. Operating as a steady, grounding presence, he supports Scarlett through her complicated courtship and the rising threat of the Fates. He demonstrates his devotion through protective actions rather than manipulative bargains.
Jacks is the Prince of Hearts, a Fate who runs a lavish gambling parlor in University Circle. He feeds on negative emotions and uses his ability to dull pain to manipulate those who are grieving. He harbors a dark, obsessive fixation on Donatella, constantly seeking to bind her to him through magical wagers and blood rituals.
Obsessively Interested in Donatella Dragna
Associate of Mistress Luck
Paloma, known in the criminal underworld as the notorious thief Paradise the Lost, is the mother of the Dragna sisters. She recently awakened from an enchanted sleep and immediately resumes her secretive, dangerous lifestyle. She operates under the belief that she must distance herself from her daughters to protect them from the Fates she once stole from.
Nicolas is a wealthy count and Scarlett's former arranged fiancé. He is polite, composed, and offers a life of traditional safety and status. He participates in a courtship competition for Scarlett's hand, representing a secure, non-magical alternative to the chaos of the Caraval performers.
Suitor of Scarlett Dragna
Rival of Julian Santos
Esmeralda is a powerful witch marked by rose tattoos. She holds a deep knowledge of the Fates' origins and weaknesses, having originally granted Legend his magical abilities. She reluctantly assists Legend in his efforts to combat the awakened Fates.
Magical Benefactor of Legend
Former Ally of Gavriel
Anissa, known as the Lady Prisoner, is a Fate confined to Gavriel's twisted, opulent palace. Cursed with the inability to lie, she provides blunt warnings and observations to other captives, serving as a bleak reminder of Gavriel's absolute demand for control over those around him.
Prisoner of Gavriel
Fellow Captive of Scarlett Dragna
Mistress Luck is a Fate who frequents the gambling parlors of University Circle. She understands the fatal rules governing immortal beings and freely shares warnings about the destructive nature of love when it involves the Fates.
Associate of Jacks
Advisor to Donatella Dragna
The Poisoner is a chaotic Fate who targets mortals with twisted curses. He turns whole families and wedding parties into living statues, lifting the enchantments only when a nearby victim sacrifices themselves or confesses a hidden lie.
Adversary of Scarlett Dragna
Subordinate to Gavriel
The Assassin is a Fate capable of traveling through space and time. Because timeline manipulation has made him strange and dangerous, he acts as a wild card among the immortals, offering his services for unpredictable and steep costs.
Companion of The Maiden Death
Reluctant Ally of Donatella Dragna
The Maiden Death is a Fate who wears a magical ruby cage over her head. Opposing Gavriel's rise to power, she hands out luckless coins to mortals, allowing them to summon her for aid in desperate situations.
Companion of The Assassin
Reluctant Ally of Donatella Dragna
Jovan is a former Caraval performer who now acts as a royal guard for the newly crowned emperor. He coordinates palace security and acts as a trusted messenger for the Dragna sisters during moments of crisis.
Employee of Legend
Protector of Donatella Dragna
Armando is a royal guard and former performer. He is assigned the difficult task of keeping Donatella confined for her own safety, a duty he struggles to fulfill given her resourcefulness and determination to escape.
Employee of Legend
Guard of Donatella Dragna
Marcello is the cruel, former governor of the Isle of Trisda and the father who raised Scarlett and Donatella. Though absent from the immediate events in Valenda, his history of abuse and control continues to shape how his daughters view power, safety, and independence.