Teo is a 17-year-old transgender Jade semidiose and the son of the bird goddess. He lives in Quetzlan and struggles with gender dysphoria connected to his wings, which he keeps tightly bound. Resentful of the privileged Gold class, he acts on an innate instinct to protect those in danger regardless of social standing. His unexpected selection for the elite competition forces him to confront his deep-seated insecurities.

Aurelio is a highly trained Gold semidiose and top-tier competitor in the Sunbearer Trials. Raised under immense pressure by his strict mother, he projects a stoic and calculating demeanor. Despite a severed childhood connection with Teo, he quietly demonstrates a strong moral compass that conflicts with the elitist expectations placed upon him.

Niya is a powerful Gold semidiosa with immense physical strength and a warm, unfiltered personality. Unlike her elite peers, she actively rejects class divisions and fiercely defends her friends. Her enthusiastic approach to life provides a sharp contrast to the calculating nature of the other Gold competitors.

Xio is a 13-year-old transgender Jade semidiose who faces constant bullying from his peers. Thrust into a deadly competition against older, highly trained opponents, he relies heavily on his encyclopedic knowledge of heroes and the protection of his older allies. He frequently wears a bracelet intended to ward off bad luck.

Auristela is an elite Gold semidiosa and the top-ranked student at the Academy. She possesses a ruthless determination and views Jade competitors with open disdain. Her ambition in the trials stems primarily from a fierce desire to secure victory for her twin brother and gain their demanding mother's approval.

Ocelo is a nonbinary Gold semidiose who relies on brute strength over strategic problem-solving. They embody the worst traits of the Gold elite, displaying overt prejudice toward Jades and taking pleasure in intimidating smaller competitors. Their aggressive tactics make them an immediate physical threat in the trials.

Huemac is the strict head priest of Quetzlan. He adheres closely to tradition and protocol, often clashing with Teo's rebellious impulses. Beneath his exasperated exterior, he harbors deep affection for his ward and quietly prioritizes Teo's safety over strict adherence to the rules.

Diosa Quetzal is the vibrant goddess of birds. She acts as a gentle, accepting parent who fully supports her son's gender identity. Her constant anxiety regarding the trials stems from an older family tragedy, leading her to prioritize her son's physical and emotional safety above all else.

Diosa Luna is the high priestess of Sol Temple and the goddess of the moon. She presides over the trials with a calm, impartial demeanor, serving as the voice of tradition and the enforcer of ancient laws. She frames the trials as a sacred honor, maintaining order among both the gods and the competitors.

Marino is a Gold semidiose and the son of the water goddess. Trained as a hero from birth, he participates in the elite competition. He generally associates with other Gold competitors and works cohesively in team settings.

Mala Suerte is the god of bad luck. He fiercely objects to the selection process when his young son is chosen for the dangerous competition. He displays a protective rage that sharply contrasts with the state-sanctioned glorification of the trials.

Diosa Lumbre is the goddess of flame and the strict mother of the top-ranked twins. She enforces a rigid social separation between Golds and Jades and places immense pressure on her children to succeed at all costs.

Dezi is a Gold semidiose and the son of the goddess of love. He communicates using sign language and possesses powers that can lull opponents into a state of contentment during the challenges.

Atzi is the 13-year-old Gold daughter of the weather god. Despite her young age, she wields destructive elemental powers, utilizing lightning strikes to hinder her opponents during the physical challenges.

Xochi is a transgender Gold semidiosa and the daughter of the spring goddess. She participates in the trials and utilizes dark, thorny vines to attack opponents during the labyrinth challenge.

Verdad is a journalist covering the trials. Unlike her sibling, she seeks grounded, factual stories about the competitors rather than sensationalized gossip.

Chisme is a tabloid writer who views the trials as a source of media spectacle. He aggressively pursues sensational stories and uncomfortable details about the competitors' lives.

Dios Tierra is the earth god and one of the creator deities of Reino del Sol. He resides in the mountain city of La Cumbre with his family and acts as a stabilizing presence among the gods.

Andres is a mortal man living in the mountain city of La Cumbre. He provides a grounded, human perspective within his otherwise divine family.

Veronica is a mortal baker in the city of Quetzlan. Her rescue prompts the initial gathering of heroes and highlights the dangers present in everyday civilian life.

Diosa Fantasma is a goddess who attends the ceremonial functions surrounding the trials. She provides magical items to aid the competitors during their challenges.

Diosa Pan Dulce is a kitchen goddess who quietly provides the competitors with hot chocolate and pastries, offering them a brief respite from their anxieties.

Paloma is a former Jade competitor with quetzal wings. She competed in the trials over a century ago, and her legacy profoundly affects her remaining family members.

Diosa Opción is a shape-shifting goddess. She emphasizes the immense power of personal choices, warning the competitors about the far-reaching consequences of their actions.