Waxillium is a Twinborn lawman who spent twenty years in the rugged frontier known as the Roughs before returning to the industrial city of Elendel. He serves as the head of House Ladrian following the death of his uncle, inheriting significant financial debts and rigid societal obligations. He possesses the Allomantic ability to Push metals and the Feruchemical ability to alter his physical weight. He struggles to align his past life of direct action with the bureaucratic demands of high society.

Wayne is Waxillium's former deputy from the Roughs and a Twinborn who can create bubbles of compressed time and heal from physical injuries. He operates with a fluid approach to identity, utilizing an extensive collection of hats and stolen accents to infiltrate various social circles. He firmly believes Waxillium belongs in law enforcement rather than aristocratic society. He refuses to use firearms due to a fatal mistake in his past, preferring dueling canes in combat.

Steris is the pragmatic daughter of the wealthy Lord Harms, representing the highly structured upper class of Elendel. She approaches her potential union with Waxillium Ladrian as a business merger, presenting him with extensive documentation that dictates everything from public appearances to mistress protocols. She relies on strict planning and organization to manage social situations.

Marasi is a university student studying legal justice and criminal behavioristics in Elendel. Though she presents herself as quiet and easily flustered in high-society settings, she possesses a sharp mind and an intense fascination with law enforcement. She is an Allomancer capable of creating bubbles that slow down time, an ability she initially views as impractical.

Miles, also known as "Hundredlives," is a former law enforcement officer from the frontier who possesses unique abilities as a Double Gold Twinborn. This rare genetic combination allows him to Compound gold, granting him nearly limitless physical healing. He holds strong ideological beliefs regarding the nature of justice, viewing the codified laws of Elendel as corrupt and biased toward the wealthy elite.

Lessie is Waxillium's wife and highly competent lawkeeping partner from his years in the Roughs. She matches him in skill and shares his dedication to frontier justice, operating effectively in dangerous situations. Her accidental death during a hostage standoff creates a profound psychological barrier for Waxillium upon his return to Elendel.

Lord Harms is a practical and financially motivated nobleman in Elendel. He seeks to elevate his family's prestige by securing a marriage between his daughter, Steris, and the head of the ancient House Ladrian. He exhibits typical aristocratic concerns regarding public reputation and social standing, viewing interactions through the lens of political advantage.

Ranette is a reclusive gunsmith originally from the Roughs who now operates a highly secured workshop in Elendel. She is a Lurcher, an Allomancer who can pull metals toward herself, a skill she utilizes for practical tasks in her workshop. She holds a fiercely independent attitude and designs specialized weaponry, including custom revolvers and anti-Allomancer ammunition.

Lord Edwarn Ladrian is Waxillium's uncle and the previous leader of their noble house. His sudden death serves as the catalyst for Waxillium's return to Elendel. Edwarn's tenure as head of the family left House Ladrian in severe financial distress, forcing his nephew to seek a wealthy marriage to save their estate from ruin.

Tillaume is the formal and long-serving butler of House Ladrian. He manages the domestic affairs of the estate and consistently advises Waxillium to abandon his dangerous lawkeeping habits in favor of aristocratic duties. He represents the rigid traditions and expectations of Elendel's high society within the Ladrian household.

Bloody Tan is a notorious serial killer operating in the Roughs. He creates gruesome, theatrical displays using the corpses of his victims. His violent actions directly precipitate the tragedy that drives Waxillium out of the frontier and back to Elendel.

Tarson is a physically imposing, koloss-blooded bandit working with the Vanishers. As a Pewterarm, he possesses enhanced strength and durability, making him a formidable opponent in close combat. He wields an aluminum firearm to counter Allomancers during the gang's heists.

Constable-General Brettin represents the official law enforcement of Elendel. He commands the city's constables and operates within the strict, bureaucratic confines of the law. He is primarily concerned with procedure and his own career success, often prioritizing official protocol over immediate results.