The eighteen-year-old daughter of King Latinus and Queen Amata. She possesses a unique awareness that she exists as a character within an epic poem. Characterized by her devotion to duty and religious rites, she spends her time tending to the altars and wandering the woods. She faces heavy pressure from her mother to marry her cousin Turnus but relies on prophecies and her own visions to guide her path.

A Trojan warrior and leader seeking to establish a new city for his surviving people. He carries the heavy burden of his past, having lost his home during the destruction of Troy. Guided by a strong conscience and respect for the gods, he attempts to forge peaceful alliances in Italy.

Amata's nephew and the most aggressive of Lavinia's suitors. He is a handsome, fearless, and ambitious young ruler who ignores the omens that forbid his marriage to Lavinia. He believes strongly in his own will and military might, openly defying the prophecies that favor foreigners.

The dying spirit of the writer who authored the epic poem in which Lavinia exists. He visits the world of his own creation as his physical life ends on a boat from Greece to Italy. He expresses regret for not giving Lavinia more of a voice in his work and shares his knowledge of the future with her.

The aging king of the Latins and father to Lavinia. He prioritizes peace and pays close attention to omens and the guidance of ancestral spirits. Rather than rushing his daughter into an advantageous political marriage, he waits for clear signs from the gods regarding her future.

The queen of Latium. She harbors a fierce bitterness that frequently directs itself at her surviving daughter, Lavinia. Desperate to maintain control over her family's future, she openly favors her handsome nephew Turnus and attempts to force a marriage between him and Lavinia.

The teenage son of Aeneas, who escaped the burning of Troy as a young boy. He struggles to live up to his father's massive reputation. He is quick-tempered and eager to prove himself in combat, which frequently causes diplomatic friction between the Trojans and their new neighbors.

An enslaved Etruscan girl who serves as Lavinia's closest daily companion. She possesses a keen understanding of the natural world and helps interpret the calls of birds. She proves highly resourceful when Lavinia faces danger from her own family.

The daughter of a local cattle herder and Lavinia's childhood best friend. She possesses a remarkable gift for taming wild animals, keeping a fox and a decorated stag as pets. Her social standing places her at odds with Lavinia's royal duties.

Silvia's older brother. He harbors quiet hopes of marrying Lavinia, despite his low social class making him a target for the royal suitors. He is fiercely protective of his sister and her beloved animals.

A Greek king living in exile who rules a settlement near the site of future Rome. He maintains a fragile, impoverished kingdom and eventually allies with Aeneas against the forces of Rutulia.

King Evander's son, who is roughly the same age as Lavinia. He grows into a brave young warrior who joins Aeneas's forces, wearing a distinctive gold belt into combat.

A Trojan warrior who serves as Aeneas's closest friend and former lover. He fights fiercely alongside his commander and struggles deeply with the emotional toll of their continuous warfare.

A young Trojan soldier who serves as Ascanius's friend and lover. He supports Ascanius through the turbulent transition into their new Italian homeland and acts as a stabilizing presence.

The son of Lavinia and Aeneas. He represents the union between the Trojans and the Latins. Raised with a strong sense of duty, he inherits his father's piety and his mother's connection to the Italian landscape.

A young stag tamed by Silvia. He wears a white ribbon around his neck to signal to hunters and dogs that he is a cherished pet rather than wild game. His presence in the woods eventually sparks major conflict between the locals and the newly arrived Trojans.

Turnus's sister, who stands by him during the tensions with the Trojans. She supports her brother's claim to Lavinia and his defiance of King Latinus's orders.