Tarisai is an eleven-year-old girl who spends her early childhood isolated in Bhekina House, raised primarily by tutors and servants. She possesses a specific magic called a Hallow that allows her to absorb the memories and stories of anything she touches, leading to strict household rules against physical contact. Yearning for familial affection and a sense of belonging, she journeys to the capital of Aritsar as a candidate for the crown prince's council.

The Lady is Tarisai's distant mother, a commanding figure who rarely visits her daughter at Bhekina House. She exhibits a cold aura accompanied by the constant scent of jasmine, and she treats her child more as a tool than a family member. She holds strict expectations and uses a binding magic to issue a terrible command that dictates Tarisai's future.

Sanjeet is a candidate for the prince's council who hails from the land of Dhyrma. Unusually tall and physically imposing, he bears the emotional scars of a violent childhood forced into pit fighting by his abusive father. His magic allows him to perceive the physical and emotional weaknesses of others, a gift he now wishes to use defensively rather than offensively.

Kirah is a candidate from the Blessid Valley who wears a traditional prayer shawl over her head. Her magic grants her the ability to heal injuries and ailments through song. She serves as a motherly, grounding presence among the young candidates, offering lullabies and comfort in the chaotic environment of the capital.

Ekundayo, often called Dayo, is the crown prince and heir to the Arit empire. He must select a council of eleven young representatives to bond with him through a near-psychic force called the Ray, which grants him physical immunity. He is highly charismatic and immediately drawn to Tarisai's straightforward honesty.

Melu is a mythical deity whose original purpose was to watch over and protect the grasslands of Swana. Through a binding magic, he was forced to become an ehru—a genie-like figure—who must grant wishes. His existence is bound to the land, limiting his freedom to fulfill his guardian duties.

Woo In is a traveler from Songland, a territory outside the official borders of the Arit empire. His skin is covered in tattoos mapping the Underworld, marking him as a Redemptor who survived a dangerous childhood sacrifice. He takes his duty of escorting Tarisai to the capital very seriously.

Kathleen is an isoken (a person of bicultural heritage) hailing from the green land of Mewe. She serves as a guardian and escort tasked with delivering Tarisai safely to the imperial capital. She possesses a magical talent for disguise.

Olugbade is the current emperor of Aritsar and a direct descendant of the first emperor, Kunleo. He wields the power of the Ray, which connects him to his Council of Eleven and grants him physical immunity. He is highly suspicious of Tarisai's sudden appearance and true intentions.

Mbali serves as the High Priestess and a prominent member of Emperor Olugbade's council. She takes a surprisingly gentle and friendly approach toward Tarisai, guiding the young girl through the initial trials and expectations of the capital.

Thaddace holds the position of High Judge of Aritsar on the emperor's council. He believes strongly that maintaining order and stability is far more important than ensuring fairness or equity. He is responsible for enforcing laws that mandate cultural homogenization across the empire's lands.

Nawusi is a cautious member of Emperor Olugbade's council. Fearful of Tarisai's parentage, Nawusi tests the young girl's limits by offering her poisoned fruit to ensure she poses no threat to the crown prince.

Ye Eun is a young Redemptor girl from Songland marked for sacrifice to the abiku demons of the Underworld. Despite her grim impending duty to preserve the empire's treaty, she maintains an optimistic demeanor.

Kunleo is the historical first emperor of Aritsar. He is revered in empire mythology for defeating the abiku demons and uniting the disparate populations into a single, cohesive empire.

Aiyetoro is a legendary empress from Aritsar's history and the only known female Raybearer. Her legacy has been largely erased from official records by imperial priests who claim her power was a mistake.

Keeya is a pregnant merchant's wife residing in Swana. She experiences distress over imperial edicts that pressure her to abandon traditional naming customs in favor of standard Arit names for her child in exchange for monetary incentives.

Mongwe is an eccentric old hermit who lives in Swana surrounded by magical tutsu sprites. She speaks in riddles and offers obtuse but ultimately valuable advice regarding how to command respect and direct one's own path.

Amah is Sanjeet's mother, who lives in the land of Dhyrma. She suffers under the control of an abusive husband, and her well-being serves as Sanjeet's main motivation to resist joining the prince's council.

Sendhil is Sanjeet's younger brother in Dhyrma. He was sold to a group of mercenaries by his father, leaving Sanjeet with lasting guilt over failing to protect him.

Bipo is a beggar who challenges the empire's legal system. He argues that systemic failures and forced poverty caused his station in life, prompting a debate about fairness versus order.

Ai Ling is one of the young candidates chosen for Ekundayo's council. She quickly absorbs the political pragmatism of the capital, arguing that public image is more important than private actions.

Hye Sun is a leader from Songland and the mother of Woo In. She represents her land's interests in the complex negotiations with the Arit empire and the Underworld.

Min Ja is Woo In's sister from Songland. She stands with her family during the political gatherings that dictate the fate of their land's children.

Hyung is a massive great cat beast that Woo In brought back from the Underworld. It serves as a fiercely loyal and magically swift mount capable of crossing vast distances.