Joanna is a young woman who has isolated herself in her rural Vermont home for two years following her father's death. Dedicated to continuing her family's legacy, she single-handedly guards a basement collection of 228 magical books. She possesses the rare ability to hear magic humming in the air but cannot write spells herself. A fan of pre-1900 romance novels, she struggles with loneliness while faithfully maintaining the daily ritual of setting protective wards around her property.

Esther is Joanna's older half-sister who left home at eighteen and has lived a nomadic life ever since. Working as an electrician in Antarctica, she is extroverted and adapts quickly to new environments, though she carefully guards her true background. She possesses a rare immunity to magic, a trait that complicates her connection to her family's legacy and forces her to move on November 2nd every year to evade the people who killed her mother.

Nicholas is a young Scribe raised in a wealthy, heavily sheltered environment within a London Library. He is capable of writing magical spells using his own blood, an ability that leaves him frequently anemic and tightly controlled by his guardians. Isolated and strictly monitored, he finds solace in reading classic literature like *The Three Musketeers* and spending time with his small dog.

Richard is the wealthy and powerful director of an elite London Library that houses a vast collection of magical books. He serves as Nicholas's uncle and guardian, tightly managing the young Scribe's life and magical abilities under the guise of protection. He is deeply invested in preserving the Library's legacy and maintaining strict authority over the magical artifacts in his care.

Dr. Maram Ebla is a scholar and theologian who helps manage the powerful collection of magical books at the London Library. She holds a doctorate from Oxford and is exceptionally knowledgeable about the particularities of Scribes and blood magic. Though she maintains an aloof demeanor, she serves as one of the few guiding figures in Nicholas's heavily restricted life.

Cecily is Joanna's mother and Esther's former stepmother. She lives separately from Joanna due to past conflicts over the family's collection of magical books, which she views as inherently dangerous. Despite her physical separation from the family home and ideological differences regarding magic, she remains deeply affectionate toward both of her daughters.

Collins is a tall, broad-shouldered bodyguard employed by the London Library to protect Nicholas. He is taciturn, strictly professional, and operates under a magical non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that prevents him from speaking about certain matters. Despite his gruff exterior and frequent use of profanity, he proves to be highly attentive to his charge's safety.

Abe is Joanna and Esther's late father, whose death two years prior to the story serves as a catalyst for the sisters' current circumstances. He was fiercely dedicated to protecting a hidden collection of magical books in his Vermont home. His strict rules regarding the books profoundly shaped both of his daughters' lives, enforcing isolation on one and perpetual motion on the other.

Pearl is an employee at the Antarctic research station where Esther works. She forms a close, meaningful relationship with Esther, becoming the first person in years to make the nomadic electrician consider staying in one place. She is observant, emotionally grounding, and deeply cares for Esther.

Trev is a new arrival at the remote South Pole research station. He presents himself as a standard station worker and socializes with Pearl, but his presence coincides with alarming signs of magical activity that put Esther on edge.

Sir Kiwi is Nicholas's fluffy Pomeranian. Despite her amusing name and small stature, she serves as Nicholas's closest confidant and primary source of uncritical affection within the oppressive walls of the Library.

Isabel is Esther's mother and Abe Kalotay's former partner. Originally from Mexico City, where she grew up around her parents' bookstore, her early involvement with magical texts set off a chain of events that still shapes her daughter's life. Esther believes she was killed by people seeking the family's magical secrets.

Lisa is a member of a collective in Boston that deals with magical books. She provides temporary shelter and logistical support to travelers connected to the magical world, maintaining a discreet and functional network.

Tansy works alongside Lisa in the Boston collective related to magical books. She handles practical matters, such as securing vehicles, to assist those maneuvering through the underground magical community.