Ender is a 35-year-old traveling speaker who biologically ages slowly due to frequent light-speed travel. He is secretly the original Speaker for the Dead and the individual responsible for the formic xenocide 3,000 years prior. Burdened by heavy guilt over his past actions, he seeks to understand and advocate for communities that cannot speak for themselves. He possesses deep empathy and a strong desire for human connection to counteract his long isolation.

Novinha is the sole xenobiologist in the human colony of Milagre on Lusitania. Orphaned at a young age when her parents died studying the Descolada virus, she frequently isolates herself to protect those around her. She carries immense guilt over the violent deaths of her colleagues and guards her scientific research fiercely. Despite her cold exterior, she cares deeply for her family and the local ecology.

Miro is a 19-year-old xenologer and the eldest child in the Ribeira family. He works closely with Ouanda to study the pequeninos, often breaking the strict rules of non-interference established by the Starways Congress. He possesses high intelligence and a calm demeanor, seeking to build a genuine partnership with the native species rather than simply observe them from afar.

Jane is a unique, non-biological intelligence who exists entirely within the intergalactic ansible communication network. She manifests to Ender as a holographic image of a young, shy woman. Operating at incredible processing speeds, she manages Ender's massive wealth, gathers intelligence, and desperately hopes that humanity might one day accept her existence just as they might accept extraterrestrial life.

Marcão is a steelworker in Milagre and the husband of Novinha. Known in the community as a large, intimidating figure, he struggles with a progressive, fatal illness caused by the Descolada virus. He maintains a poor reputation due to his angry outbursts and his physical and emotional abuse of his family.

Ela is Novinha's eldest daughter and unofficially follows in her mother's scientific footsteps. She secretly researches the Descolada virus because her mother refuses to allow her to take the official xenobiologist exam. She actively rejects her mother's secretive nature, believing that their family can only heal if they confront the truth about their painful past.

Quim is one of Novinha's sons and a fiercely devout Catholic. He strictly adheres to the religious teachings of Bishop Peregrino and possesses a highly judgmental, prideful streak. He frequently clashes with his siblings regarding morality and violently opposes Ender's presence in Milagre.

Olhado is a young boy in the Ribeira family who relies on metal, mechanical eyes following a childhood injury. He frequently isolates himself from the rest of the community but proves to be highly observant of adult behaviors. He quickly forms a tentative bond with the newly arrived speaker, teaching him how to use the local computer terminals.

Quara is a young daughter in the turbulent Ribeira household. She is highly withdrawn and rarely speaks to anyone outside of her immediate family. She responds to the constant tension in her home by retreating inward, though she occasionally makes startlingly blunt observations about the people around her.

Grego is the youngest child in the Ribeira family, only six years old. He struggles with intense grief and confusion following Marcão's death. Lacking emotional regulation, he acts out aggressively, physically attacking strangers and mirroring the violent behavior he witnessed in his household.

Pipo is the original lead xenologer on Lusitania. He observes strict rules set by the Starways Congress, limiting his interactions with the native pequeninos to ensure he does not interfere with their societal development. He serves as an early, vital mentor to Novinha before suffering a sudden, violent death at the hands of the subjects he studies.

Libo is Pipo's son and the second lead xenologer of the Lusitania colony. He forms a close, loving relationship with Novinha, though she mysteriously refuses to marry him. He is deeply committed to his work with the pequeninos, eventually bending the strict rules of the Starways Congress to share vital agricultural knowledge with them.

Bruxinha, whose given name is Cleopatra, is the daughter of the local Arbiter and the widow of Libo Figueira. She raises three daughters and lives a relatively quiet, respectful life in Milagre until the speaker's public declarations force her to confront painful realities about her late husband's secret past.

Ouanda is Libo's daughter and an acting xenologer in the Lusitania colony. She actively works to teach the pequeninos human survival skills, directly violating the laws of the Starways Congress to ensure they do not starve. She is highly protective of her work and initially views the newly arrived speaker with intense suspicion and hostility.

Valentine is Ender's older sister and his only remaining family tie from Earth. She writes highly influential political essays under the pseudonym Demosthenes. Having finally settled down on Trondheim, she is pregnant and happily married, which creates a natural, bittersweet distance between her and her constantly traveling brother.

Rooter is a highly inquisitive pequenino who consistently pushes the human xenologers for answers about human gender roles and society. He is the first pequenino found dead and planted as a tree, an event that sets off the central mystery that eventually brings Ender to the planet.

Human is a remarkably intelligent young pequenino who eagerly seeks out interaction with the human xenologers. He is desperate to learn about human culture, manufacturing, and space travel. He serves as a critical bridge between his species and Ender, acting as a translator and mediator during complex interspecies negotiations.

Leaf-eater is a vocal and occasionally antagonistic pequenino. He views human rituals critically and frequently challenges Human for authority during their interactions with the xenologers. He pushes the humans to acknowledge pequenino intelligence rather than treating them like mere animals.

Mandachuva is a helpful pequenino who closely observes human behavior and technology. He plays a vital role in emergencies, demonstrating quick thinking and physical capability when crossing the pain-inducing fence to seek help for an injured human.

Star-looker is a female pequenino, initially referred to by the males as "Shouter" before she reveals her true name. Operating from a position of immense authority within the forest, she is cautious but pragmatic, demanding strict terms before agreeing to a lasting peace treaty with the human colonists.

Bosquinha is the mayor of the Milagre colony. She is highly pragmatic and protective of her citizens, maintaining a delicate balance between local religious leadership and the distant, authoritarian demands of the Starways Congress. When faced with planetary destruction, she ultimately chooses to prioritize the safety of her people over interstellar law.

Bishop Peregrino is the strict religious leader of the Brazilian Catholic community on Lusitania. He heavily values tradition and initially views the secular speaker as a threat to his flock's spiritual wellbeing, though he proves capable of adapting his worldview when faced with severe planetary threats.

Dom Cristão is the abbot of the Children of the Mind of Christ on Lusitania. He operates a monastery with an untended, natural garden. He values knowledge highly and helps safely duplicate colonial records when the Starways Congress threatens to destroy them.

Dona Cristã is a member of the Children of the Mind of Christ and Dom Cristão's wife. She shares her husband's commitment to education and celibacy, providing key historical insight into Novinha's difficult childhood and psychological state to the visiting speaker.

Dr. Navio is the local medical professional in Milagre. He is initially uncooperative with outside investigators until threatened with legal action, at which point he yields critical medical records detailing illnesses and genetic anomalies in the community.

Plikt is a highly perceptive university student who researches historical records to deduce Ender's true identity. She serves as a loyal confidant to Valentine after Ender departs for Lusitania.

Jakt is a pilot and citizen of Trondheim who marries Valentine Wiggin. He provides Valentine with a stable, loving family life that grounds her on the icy planet, creating a permanent divergence between her path and Ender's.

The Hive Queen is the last remaining consciousness of the formic species, existing inside a dormant cocoon. She possesses immense patience and telepathic abilities, waiting for Ender to find a safe, ecologically sound planet where her species can be peacefully reborn.