Shasta is a fair-haired boy raised as a servant by a harsh fisherman. Possessing an intense curiosity about the unknown northern lands, he jumps at the chance to escape when he learns he is to be sold to a wealthy nobleman. He learns to ride a horse and survives a difficult, secretive journey across a scorching desert.

Aravis is a young Tarkheena and descendant of Calormene nobility. She runs away from home to escape an arranged marriage to a much older, newly appointed Grand Vizier. Clad in her deceased brother's armor, she uses her wit and aristocratic knowledge to disguise her group in the capital city of Tashbaan.

Bree is a talking warhorse who was kidnapped from his homeland of Narnia as a foal. He serves as the mount for a wealthy Calormene nobleman until he decides to escape. Despite his physical prowess and battle experience, he struggles with vanity and worries about fitting in with other free animals in the north.

Hwin is a gentle, practical talking mare who was also taken from Narnia at a young age. She serves as Aravis's mount and intervenes to stop her from taking her own life, proposing they flee to a land without arranged marriages. She is quiet, humble, and often provides the most sensible plans for the group.

Aslan is a massive, awe-inspiring lion who watches over the traveling companions. He appears in various forms and at crucial moments, subtly guiding the group toward their destination. He speaks in riddles and acts with both immense power and gentle comfort.

Corin is a prince of Archenland who travels with the Narnian royal delegation to Tashbaan. He loves physical altercations and frequently gets into fistfights to defend the honor of his friends. He eagerly anticipates battles and sneaks into the front lines against his elders' orders.

Rabadash is the crown prince of Calormen. Infuriated by a rejected marriage proposal, he plans a secret, unprovoked cavalry attack on neighboring Archenland to force the issue. He is proud, hot-tempered, and refuses to show respect even when defeated.

Susan is a queen of Narnia who travels to Calormen to consider a marriage proposal. Upon realizing the suitor's cruel nature, she decides to reject him and flees the city by ship to avoid capture. She is beautiful, deeply respected by her subjects, and cautious about political entrapment.

Edmund is a king of Narnia and brother to Susan. He recognizes the despotic nature of the Calormene crown prince and helps orchestrate a stealthy exit from the city. He leads a relief force of Narnian soldiers, giants, and talking beasts to defend a neighboring castle.

Lune is the king of Archenland. He commands a castle at Anvard and leads the defense of his lands against a surprise cavalry attack. He is a genial, hospitable ruler who values fairness and offers mercy even to those who attack him without warning.

Arsheesh is a fisherman who raises a foundling boy to do his chores. He is harsh, demanding, and actively discourages the boy from asking questions about the outside world. He negotiates to sell the child to a passing nobleman for a profit.

Lasaraleen is a wealthy Tarkheena who enjoys the comforts of high society. She encounters an old friend disguised as a servant and agrees to help her escape, though she is terrified of political consequences and prefers discussing clothes and parties.

Ahoshta is an elderly Calormene nobleman who is appointed as the new Grand Vizier. He is selected as a husband for a much younger noblewoman, prompting her to flee the country.

The Tisroc is the supreme ruler of Calormen. He is a calculating, pragmatic leader who gives secret permission for a military raid, fully intending to deny involvement if the attack fails, as he secretly views his eldest son as a political threat.

The Hermit is a tall, bearded man who lives in a sanctuary near the borders of Archenland. He observes distant events in his clear pool of water and provides safety, medicine, and wisdom to those fleeing across the desert.

Lucy is a fair-haired queen of Narnia. She wears a mail shirt, carries a bow and quiver, and rides to the defense of a neighboring kingdom. She is cheerful and ensures that refugees are welcomed comfortably into the castle.

Mr. Tumnus is a faun who accompanies the Narnian royal delegation. When the group realizes they are in danger of being held captive, he suggests the clever ruse of planning a shipboard feast to cover their escape.