Myles is a young nobleman whose family is forced into exile after his blind father is accused of treason. Raised in rural isolation at St. Mary's Priory, he travels to Devlen Castle at age 16 to train as a squire. He possesses a strict moral code and refuses to bow to the oppressive hierarchy established by the older squires in the dormitory.

Francis is a young squire at Devlen Castle who quickly becomes Myles's closest companion. He understands the castle's established hierarchy and often cautions his friend against hasty action. Despite his timid tendencies, he readily steps in to assist Myles during physical and social conflicts with the older boys.

Sir James is an experienced knight with one blind eye who commands the knights, squires, and pages at Devlen Castle. He resents being kept from the battlefield but maintains strict discipline among his charges. He takes a specific interest in Myles, offering the boy rigorous instruction and personal guidance.

The Lord of Devlen Castle is a powerful nobleman who maintains high standing in King Henry IV's court. He presents a detached and sometimes dismissive demeanor, carefully managing political relations to protect his own wealth and influence. He oversees the castle where Myles trains and holds significant power over the young squire's future.

The Earl of Alban is a powerful and ruthless noble who holds King Henry IV's favor. He executes Sir John Dale with a mace and relentlessly pursues Lord Falworth following the accusation of treason. He represents the primary threat to the Falworth family's safety and honor.

Myles's father is a blind nobleman who previously served as a loyal confidant to King Richard II. After being accused of treason and witnessing a brutal execution in his own home, he takes his family into hiding. His sudden fall from public favor shapes his son's entire trajectory.

Myles's mother is a noblewoman who endures the sudden loss of her family's status and property. During their rural exile at St. Mary's Priory, she takes responsibility for teaching Myles French and ensuring his early education is not neglected.

Walter is the Chief Bachelor and Head Squire at Devlen Castle. He maintains his authority through intimidation and physical force, enforcing a system where younger squires act as personal servants. His demands for unquestioning obedience put him in direct conflict with Myles.

Lady Alice is the 15-year-old niece of the Earl of Mackworth. Sheltered within the castle walls, she is fascinated by Myles's tales of life in the squires' dormitory. She becomes the object of Myles's devotion when he declares himself her true knight.

Lady Anne is the 20-year-old daughter of the Earl of Mackworth. She initially demands to know why Myles is in the garden but quickly becomes amused by his earnestness. She encourages the courtly dynamic between Myles and her younger cousin.

Lord George is the brother of the Earl of Mackworth. He provides Myles with guidance and introduces him to his own associates, acting as a supportive figure within the castle's complex social structure.

King Henry IV is the reigning monarch of England who took the throne from his cousin. He relies on nobles like the Earl of Mackworth for military support and holds deep prejudice against those associated with the former king, including Lord Falworth.

The heir to the English throne intentionally cultivates a reputation as a carouser to avoid appearing as a threat to his father. Beneath his carefree exterior, he is politically astute and quietly builds his own network of loyal supporters.

Prior Edward is the head of St. Mary's Priory who grants sanctuary to the Falworths out of gratitude for Lord Falworth's past support. He oversees the priory where Myles receives his early schooling during the family's exile.

Diccon is a veteran soldier who served under Lord Falworth. During the family's exile, he teaches Myles archery, swordsmanship, and other combat fundamentals before escorting the boy to Devlen Castle.

Sir John is a knight who participated in a plot against King Henry IV. His decision to seek shelter with Lord Falworth brings the King's forces directly to the castle, precipitating the Falworth family's ruin.

The Sieur is considered one of the finest knights in France. He confidently issues a challenge declaring French knights superior to English ones, serving as an early test of Myles's formal chivalric training.