The Dark Prophecy

Rick Riordan

57 pages 1-hour read

Rick Riordan

The Dark Prophecy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

The fallen Greek god of music, light, and prophecy is currently trapped in the body of a 16-year-old mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. Stripped of his divine powers by his father Zeus, he deals with human limitations like fear, cold, and acne. He complains frequently about his mortal state but slowly develops a sense of human empathy and conscience while attempting to rescue hidden oracles.

Key Relationships

Protective Companion of Meg McCaffrey

Friend and Ally of Leo Valdez

Traveling Companion of Calypso

Hunted Enemy of Commodus

Exiled Son of Zeus

Target of Resentment from Trophonius

A 13-year-old demigod daughter of Demeter who possesses powerful control over plants and agriculture. She wears distinctive cat-eye glasses and fights with curved blades. Her difficult childhood under a cruel guardian leaves her stubborn and emotionally guarded, yet remarkably resourceful in combat.

Key Relationships

Abused Stepdaughter of Nero

Companion of Peaches

Half-Sister of Lityerses

A resurrected, arrogant Roman emperor known as the "New Hercules." He plans to take over Indianapolis, rename it after himself, and host a series of violent gladiatorial games. He loves dramatic presentation, wearing purple robes over a gold racing suit, and treats subordinates and magical creatures as disposable playthings.

Key Relationships

Cruel Commander of Lityerses

Employer of Nannette

A cheerful demigod son of Hephaestus with a talent for building machines and controlling fire. Having grown up in foster care, he uses humor to mask his insecurities. He provides vital mechanical support and transportation for the group's journey.

Key Relationships

Romantic Partner of Calypso

Friend and Ally of Apollo / Lester Papadopoulos

Fellow Mechanic to Jo / Josephine

Creator of Festus

A former immortal nymph who gave up her magical powers and island exile to enter the mortal world. She deals with the physical limitations of mortal life and occasionally clashes with Apollo, resenting the entitlement of the gods who previously imprisoned her.

Key Relationships

Romantic Partner of Leo Valdez

Traveling Companion of Apollo / Lester Papadopoulos

Supporting Characters

A former Hunter of Artemis and minor goddess who gave up her immortality for a regular life. Appearing as a strong, silver-haired woman in her sixties, she co-runs the Waystation—a magical sanctuary for outcasts and mythical creatures in Indianapolis.

Key Relationships

Romantic Partner of Jo / Josephine

Adoptive Mother of Georgina

Former Dependent of Apollo / Lester Papadopoulos

A demigod daughter of Hecate and former Hunter of Artemis. She maintains the Waystation alongside Emmie, utilizing her mechanical skills and magical heritage to provide a safe haven for those who do not fit in elsewhere. She has a tough exterior shaped by a past involving organized crime.

Key Relationships

Romantic Partner of Emmie / Hemithea

Adoptive Mother of Georgina

Fellow Mechanic to Leo Valdez

Known as the "Cornhusker," he is the demigod son of Demeter and King Midas. He serves as a brutal and highly skilled swordsman for Commodus. Having suffered extreme abuse at the hands of his father, he carries significant trauma.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Commodus

Half-Brother of Meg McCaffrey

A helpful ghost residing at the Waystation. Unable to speak due to his lack of a head, he communicates using hand gestures and a rigged Magic 8 Ball, acting as a guide for the sanctuary's guests.

Key Relationships

Brother of Trophonius

Friend of Emmie / Hemithea

Friend of Jo / Josephine

A bitter, dangerous oracle residing in a gloomy cave. Known for driving petitioners mad with nightmarish visions, he harbors immense anger and trauma from his past life as a master architect.

Key Relationships

Brother of Agamethus

The seven-year-old adopted daughter of Emmie and Josephine. She was abandoned at the Waystation as an infant and recently disappeared after attempting to consult an oracle for advice.

Key Relationships

Adopted Daughter of Emmie / Hemithea

Adopted Daughter of Jo / Josephine

The goddess of nets and traps. She exhibits typical immortal entitlement, demanding that Apollo prioritize rescuing her sacred griffins over finding a missing child.

Key Relationships

Demanding Immortal to Apollo / Lester Papadopoulos

A massive, magical bronze dragon constructed by Leo Valdez. He serves as loyal transportation and a formidable weapon for Leo and his friends.

Key Relationships

Loyal Creation of Leo Valdez

A karpos, or grain spirit, deeply bonded to Meg. He is highly aggressive toward anyone who threatens her safety.

Key Relationships

Protector of Meg McCaffrey

A blemmyae—a monster with its face on its chest—working as a mercenary for the Triumvirate. She acts as an enforcer for Commodus in the city, leading attacks against Apollo and his friends.

Key Relationships

Employee of Commodus