Skander is a thirteen-year-old Mainlander who dreams of becoming a unicorn rider to improve his family's difficult financial and social circumstances. He spends much of his free time caring for his depressed father, which isolates him from peers his own age. Upon reaching the Island, he bonds with a rare spirit unicorn, forcing him to hide his illegal magic while completing his training at the Eyrie.

Bobby is an observant Island-born unicorn rider who aligns with the air element. She possesses a photographic memory, making her highly attentive to details others overlook. Though she projects competence to her peers, she experiences secret panic attacks in high-stress situations.

Mitch is an Islander trainee who aligns with the fire element. He is the son of the Silver Circle's president and grew up absorbing his father's strict prejudices against spirit wielders. He struggles to form independent opinions but gradually opens his mind after joining a training quartet with Skander.

Flo is an Islander trainee who aligns with the earth element. She bonds with a rare silver unicorn but lacks the self-confidence to handle such a prestigious pairing. She naturally seeks peace and acts as a mediator within her peer group during tense moments.

Erika Everhart is a former unicorn rider whose name mysteriously appears among the living riders in the Hatchery, despite her family believing she died years ago. She is Skander and Kenna's mother. Her absence leaves a profound void in her family, heavily contributing to her husband's depression and her children's struggles on the Mainland.

Kenna is Skander's sister who desperately wishes to train at the Eyrie. She carries deep disappointment after failing the Hatchery exam, an event that prevents her from bonding with a unicorn. She fiercely protects her brother from local bullies and supports his dreams despite her own jealousy.

Bertie is Skander and Kenna's father. He struggles with severe depressive episodes that often leave him unable to get out of bed, forcing his young son to assume caretaking duties. He places immense pressure on Skander to become a rider, believing success on the Island will magically solve their financial problems.

Aspen is a highly skilled and celebrated unicorn rider who serves as a role model for young hopefuls. She welcomes the new trainees to the Eyrie and demonstrates exceptional elemental magic during official competitions.

Joby is a disgraced spirit wielder whose unicorn died under violent circumstances. He now works at the Eyrie educating Mainlander trainees about their new environment. Because of his illegal affinity, he lives separate from the rest of the riders and strictly warns students against using forbidden magic.

Agatha is a unicorn rider from the Rider Liaison Office who unexpectedly arrives to transport Skander to the Island. She provides him with crucial instructions on how to navigate the dangerous Mirror Cliffs and seamlessly blend in with the other candidates.

Dorian is the president of the Silver Circle and the official in charge of security at the Hatchery. He maintains strict order and warns new riders about the inherently violent nature of unicorns, enforcing the Island's rigid laws.

Amber is an Islander trainee who takes an immediate dislike to Skander and Mitch. She frequently mocks her peers during training exercises, prompting retaliation that solidifies a bitter rivalry during their first year at the Eyrie.

Scoundrel's Luck is an all-black unicorn with a distinctive white stripe running from horn to snout, marking him as an illegal spirit unicorn. He is eager to use his natural magic and frequently fights his rider's attempts to suppress his innate abilities.

Silver Blade is a rare silver unicorn assigned to the earth element. He possesses intense magical power that initially overwhelms his anxious rider during their early training sessions at the Eyrie.

New-Age Frost is a champion racing unicorn who demonstrates powerful magic in the arena alongside his rider. As a highly trained creature, he represents the pinnacle of what a bonded unicorn can achieve.

Arctic Swansong is a trained unicorn who flies silently through the night to carry passengers to the highly restricted Island.

Jamie is an apprentice blacksmith on the Island responsible for crafting specialized, element-resistant armor for the new riders and their unicorns before they begin participating in sky battles.

Owen is a bully at Skander's school on the Mainland who frequently targets vulnerable students. He relies on intimidation to get his way until confronted by those willing to stand their ground.

Instructor O'Sullivan is an authority figure at the Eyrie who warns students about the dangers of failing out of the academy. He shows struggling trainees the broken elemental pins of banished riders to emphasize the high stakes of their education.