A ten-year-old Expendable in the Young Army who has grown up knowing only cold discipline and his identifying number. Raised to believe that all wizards are wicked, he is deeply confused when the ExtraOrdinary Wizard saves his life. Swept into a sudden escape down a rubbish chute, he struggles to process the magical world and the unexpected kindness of his new traveling companions.

A ten-year-old girl raised by the loving Heap family. With her dark hair and violet eyes, she stands out from her blonde, green-eyed adoptive parents and brothers. On the eve of her tenth birthday, she discovers she is the kingdom's Princess, a truth that forces her to flee her home to escape the Supreme Custodian's assassins.

The ExtraOrdinary Wizard of the Castle, distinguished by her deep purple robes and python-skin shoes. She holds immense magical authority and wears the powerful Akhu Amulet. Though she frequently exhibits a haughty and short-tempered demeanor, she acts decisively to shield the Princess from Darke magic and authoritarian forces.

The father of the Heap family and an Ordinary Wizard. As the seventh son of a family of wizards, he possesses magical potential, characterized by his piercing green eyes. He operates outside the restrictive rules of the Custodians and prioritizes the safety of his large, chaotic family above all else.

A ruthless Necromancer who currently resides in the Badlands. Driven by a thirst for absolute power, he seeks to reclaim his former title and the Akhu Amulet. He commands the Supreme Custodian to eradicate the royal family and suppress all forms of magic that do not serve his dark ambitions.

The resilient and loving mother of the Heap boys. She comes from a magical family and possesses the characteristic green eyes of a wizard. She immediately accepts Jenna as her own daughter, providing a warm and nurturing environment despite the growing dangers in the Castle.

The twelve-year-old sixth son of Sarah and Silas Heap. He shares his family's green eyes and curly blond hair but lacks an interest in advanced magic. Passionate about boats and sailing, he uses his nautical skills to help Jenna and Marcia escape downriver.

The seventh son of Sarah and Silas Heap. According to magical tradition, his birth order grants him tremendous potential. However, a midwife declares him dead on the day of his birth, leaving his fate a mystery as his family mourns his sudden disappearance.

A renowned White Witch who lives in the treacherous Marram Marshes. She brews potions, tends to local animals, and offers a remote sanctuary for her nephew Silas and his fleeing family.

The former ExtraOrdinary Wizard who was murdered by Custodian Guards a decade ago. Now existing as a ghost, he spends his afterlife watching over the Castle and assisting Marcia in her efforts to protect the rightful royal heir.

The eldest son of the Heap family. He possesses his family's magical aptitude but desires a level of respect and status that his Ordinary Wizard background does not afford him.

A fiercely loyal friend to the Heaps who runs a busy tea shop near the city dump. She risks her livelihood and her life by refusing to surrender her friends' location to Custodian authorities.

The authoritarian ruler of the Castle who enforces a strict ban on magic. He wears a crooked crown to signify his power, though he ultimately serves the Necromancer DomDaniel.

A relentless tracker employed by the Custodian Army. He interrogates locals and utilizes a swift bullet boat to pursue Marcia, Jenna, and their companions down the river.

A ten-year-old boy apprenticed to the Necromancer. He is highly devoted to DomDaniel's dark mission and treats the capture of the Princess as a sacred duty.

The medical attendant present for Septimus Heap's birth. She abruptly declares the infant dead and smuggles him out of the family's home.

The Heap family's loyal wolfhound. He accompanies the family during their chaotic escape and proves to be a steady presence during their river journey.

The gatekeeper of the Castle. He openly scorns Ordinary Wizards and fully supports the restrictive, anti-magic regime of the Custodians.