Janner is a 12-year-old boy living in the occupied town of Glipwood. As the eldest sibling, he carries the heavy burden of watching over his brother and sister. He yearns for a life beyond the borders of his small town and struggles to accept the responsibilities placed upon him. He strictly respects his mother's rules but harbors a deep curiosity about his deceased father.

Tink is the 11-year-old middle child of the Igiby family. He possesses a massive appetite and frequently acts on impulse. He struggles with fear but often throws himself into dangerous situations to defend his family. He triggers much of the story's conflict by stealing a hidden map from a local bookshop.

Leeli is the nine-year-old youngest child of the Igiby family. She walks with a crutch due to a bad leg but remains active and capable. She maintains a unique connection to music and sings beautiful, mysterious songs that affect those around her. She frequently finds herself targeted by the occupying Fang soldiers.

Nia is the stoic, elegant mother of the Igiby children. She educates her children at home and works tirelessly to keep them safe from the oppressive Fang occupation. She keeps a hidden stash of jewelry for emergencies and strictly refuses to discuss her deceased husband.

Podo is the fiery grandfather of the Igiby children and a former pirate. He is missing one leg but remains highly agile and capable in a fight. He expects bravery from his grandsons and holds a deep, bitter grudge against a local vagrant named Peet.

Slarb is a violent, bitter Fang soldier stationed in Skree. He suffers humiliation after Leeli kicks him and a mysterious figure knocks him unconscious with a rock. Ostracized by his fellow soldiers, he develops a dangerous obsession with destroying the entire Igiby family.

Gnorm is the leader of the Fang garrison in Glipwood. He controls the town jail and coordinates the Black Carriage kidnappings. He loves gold and human food, making him susceptible to bribery.

Khrak is the most powerful Fang military leader in all of Skree. He operates out of Torrboro and coordinates a massive search for ancient artifacts. He is highly observant and quickly connects a confiscated medallion to the town of Glipwood.

Gnag the Nameless is the absolute ruler of the eastern continent of Dang. He commanded the horrific invasion that conquered Skree and destroyed the island of Anniera. He currently mobilizes vast armies to locate a set of powerful ancient artifacts.

Peet is a strange, skittish vagrant who lives in a massive treehouse in the Glipwood Forest. Known locally as "The Sock Man," he avoids socializing but quietly watches over the Igiby children. He possesses surprising physical strength and agility when pushed into action.

Oskar is a short, white-haired man who operates the Glipwood bookshop. He is highly educated and allows the local children to borrow from his massive collection. He quietly opposes the Fang occupation and hides a map leading to a secret armory.

Zouzab is a Ridgerunner, a small humanoid species from the Killridge Mountains with stubbly hair and pointed features. He works for Oskar but maintains his own mysterious agenda regarding the local children.

Armulyn is a traveling musician who boldly mocks the Fangs during his performances. His songs carry strange power and awaken deep, unexplained feelings of homesickness in the Igiby children.

Nugget is a loyal dog belonging to the Igiby family. He follows Leeli everywhere and aggressively defends her from Fang soldiers, completely disregarding his own safety in the process.

Esben is the deceased husband of Nia and father of the Igiby children. He died years ago fighting the Fangs during the Great War. His family refuses to speak of him, leaving his true history a complete mystery to his sons.