Waxillium is a Twinborn lawman who spent two decades operating in the rugged frontier of the Roughs before returning to the sophisticated city of Elendel. He serves as the head of his noble house, trying to rebuild its standing and finances while simultaneously working as a special investigator for the local constabulary. As a Coinshot and a Skimmer, he can physically push against metals and manipulate his own physical weight. He harbors deep trauma from the tragic death of his former partner and works to bring frontier-style justice to a corrupt society.

Wayne is Wax's eccentric Twinborn partner who followed him from the Roughs to Elendel. As a Slider and a Bloodmaker, he can compress time into localized speed bubbles and store physical health to heal from severe injuries. He uses his deep empathy to master accents and disguises, believing that wearing a person's hat allows him to inhabit their mindset. Beneath his humorous exterior, he carries immense guilt over accidentally killing a man during his youth, making monthly visits to provide financial support to his victim's daughter.

Marasi is a newly appointed constable in Elendel, having shifted her focus from studying law to active law enforcement. She possesses the Allomantic power to slow down time in a bubble around herself. As the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, she frequently faces systemic sexism and classism within the constabulary, fueling her desperate desire to be recognized solely for her professional competence rather than her influential connections.

Paalm is an ancient, rogue kandra who has intentionally removed one of her vital spikes, freeing herself from divine control at the cost of her mental stability. Using Hemalurgy to steal powers and assume new identities, she manipulates social and religious divides to destabilize Elendel. She views Harmony as a tyrant who manipulates humanity and seeks to force a violent uprising to break his influence over the world.

Steris is an organized noblewoman and Waxillium's fiancée. Their impending marriage is a calculated societal arrangement designed to save Wax's house from financial ruin and elevate her own family's political standing. Despite her lack of supernatural abilities or combat experience, she makes pragmatic, methodical efforts to integrate herself into Wax's dangerous life.

Aradel is the Constable-General of the Fourth Octant of Elendel. He came out of retirement to assume the post and is known for his strict adherence to justice in a city plagued by noble corruption. He demonstrates progressive leadership by hiring Marasi as his assistant based on her intellect rather than promoting a seasoned field officer.

Harmony is the god of Scadrial, originally a mortal scholar named Sazed. He holds the dual divine powers of Preservation and Ruin and struggles to balance these conflicting forces without completely stripping humanity of its free will. He communicates with selected individuals via metallic implants and relies on mortal agents to address threats he cannot personally resolve.

MeLaan is a younger-generation kandra fiercely loyal to Harmony. Unlike the older kandra, she exhibits a robust sense of self and approaches human society with casual amusement. She is sent to assist Wax and the constabulary with her shape-shifting abilities and extensive knowledge of kandra physiology.

TenSoon is an ancient and legendary kandra who served the Ascendant Warrior centuries ago. He remains a devoted servant of Harmony and acts as a guide and informant when Wax's investigation leads into the sacred kandra Homeland.

Wax's corrupt uncle, also known as Suit. He faked his own death after embezzling the Ladrian family fortune and operates as a high-ranking member of the secretive criminal organization known as the Set. He attempts to exploit the city's unrest for his own political and financial gain.

Lessie is Wax's deceased former partner and great love from his time in the Roughs. She was a witty, capable frontier woman who died tragically during a hostage situation. Her death deeply traumatized Wax and prompted his permanent return to Elendel.

The political leader of Elendel. He faces growing unrest from the working classes and handles the scandal surrounding his murdered brother, while secretly engaging in political corruption with wealthy lords.

Governor Innate's greedy brother. His attempt to enrich himself by selling political favors to criminals ends abruptly when he is brutally assassinated, sparking the primary investigation of the novel.

A wealthy nobleman of Elendel and the father of both Steris and Marasi. He kept Marasi's parentage a secret for years to maintain his family's reputation in high society.

A skilled and experienced detective in the Elendel constabulary. He harbors resentment toward Marasi because he was originally slated for the prestigious assistant position she now holds.

A brilliant, tough gunsmith and old friend of Wax and Wayne from the Roughs. She creates highly specialized weaponry and ammunition to aid their fight against supernatural threats.

A deranged criminal from Wax's past in the Roughs who caused the death of Lessie. Though believed dead, his face and cryptic final words are used to psychologically torment Wax during the current investigation.

A cab driver who inadvertently transports a rogue kandra. The terrifying experience of seeing the creature mid-transformation leaves him highly traumatized, pushing him to seek emotional Soothing to forget the encounter.

A criminal with ties to the corrupt organization known as the Set. Wax attempts to capture him for interrogation, but Marks is swiftly silenced by an assassin before he can speak.

A Terriswoman and Feruchemist who possesses the power of speed. She is brutally murdered so that her supernatural abilities can be stolen and used by an assassin.

A Survivorist priest who is violently killed in a staged attack. His murder is designed specifically to incite religious warfare and rioting between Survivorists and Pathians in the city.

A notorious outlaw operating in the Roughs who views the frontier as a haven from the laws of Elendel. He resents lawmen like Wax who attempt to enforce civilization upon the territory.