Jude is a mortal teenager surviving the dangerous politics of Faerie. Having tricked Cardan into taking the throne, she secretly controls the High King, serving as his seneschal and head spy. She is calculating, tactically minded, and driven by a deep ambition to prove herself worthy of a place in the faerie courts despite her human vulnerabilities. Her constant maneuvering forces her to push her family away to maintain her secret authority.

Cardan is the young High King of Faerie who has been tricked into his position of power. He struggles with the weight of his new role while living under a magical compulsion to obey Jude's commands for a year and a day. Known for a cruel streak developed as a defense mechanism during his neglected childhood, he attempts to balance his youthful disdain for order with his growing political responsibilities.

Taryn is Jude's mortal twin sister who desires a peaceful and accepted place within faerie society. Unlike Jude's confrontational approach, Taryn seeks to assimilate by marrying into power and playing the role of a dutiful daughter. She believes loyalty is the most valuable currency in Faerie, which often puts her at odds with her ambitious twin.

Madoc is a formidable redcap and the Grand General of the High King's army. Though biologically unrelated, he acts as a stern but protective foster father to Jude and Taryn. He is a master strategist who values absolute loyalty and is not afraid to employ bloodshed to maintain order and secure military dominance in the court.

Locke is a tricky and hedonistic faerie who views life as a series of entertaining games with little regard for the consequences. Recently appointed as Master of Revels, he uses his position to create chaotic fun and uncomfortable situations for others at court, thoroughly enjoying the resulting drama.

Nicasia is the privileged princess of the Undersea and one of Cardan's former school friends. She harbors genuine feelings for Cardan and seeks to secure a permanent alliance by marrying him. Her royal upbringing causes her to look down on mortals like Jude, fueling a bitter and dangerous rivalry.

Balekin is Cardan's older brother, currently imprisoned for his past treachery against the crown. Even from his cell, he attempts to manipulate the political environment by sending secret messages and plotting his return to power.

Orlagh is the powerful and intimidating Queen of the Undersea. She leverages her formidable aquatic forces to pressure the land-dwelling faeries, demanding that Cardan marry her daughter to merge their kingdoms.

Vivi is Jude's older half-sister, a full faerie who has chosen to leave the magical world behind to live in the human world. She often struggles to understand the deep prejudices her human sisters faced growing up and hides her magical nature from her mortal girlfriend.

Oak is the young faerie heir and Jude's half-brother. Jude has placed him in the human world to keep him safe from court politics, hoping he will experience a normal childhood before one day returning to take the throne.

Heather is Vivi's mortal girlfriend who knows nothing about the existence of Faerie. Her sudden introduction to the magical world leaves her incredibly vulnerable to the casual cruelties and enchantments of the fae.

The Roach, whose real name is Van, is a key member of the Court of Shadows. As a loyal spy answering to Jude, he provides critical intelligence and assists her in managing the daily crises surrounding the High King.

The Bomb is a skilled operative in the Court of Shadows. She works closely with Jude to secure the palace and gather intelligence, sharing a camaraderie born from their dangerous line of work.

The Ghost is a half-mortal spy in the Court of Shadows. He bonds with Jude over their shared memories of the human world and their unique positions straddling two different cultures.

Lady Asha is Cardan's mother and a former lover of the previous king. She is held in secret confinement and possesses historical knowledge about prophecies that could impact the current political environment.

Grimsen is a legendary faerie smith with a connection to Jude's biological father. He crafts exquisite and subtly enchanted items, offering his services as an armorer in exchange for royal favor.

Oriana is Madoc's wife and Oak's mother. She serves as a foster mother to Jude and Taryn, though her maternal warmth is often reserved entirely for her faerie son, creating a distance between her and the mortal twins.

Val Moren is a mortal man who previously served as the advisor to the former High King. Much older than Jude, he speaks in riddles and represents a clear warning of what a mortal life dedicated to Faerie politics can become.

Tatterfell is an imp who has served Jude's family since her childhood. Her service debt is transferred to Jude, making her a personal servant in the palace.

Vulciber is a brutal guard stationed at the Tower of Forgetting. He uses his position to enforce harsh treatment upon visitors until he is outmaneuvered by the Court of Shadows.

Lord Roiben is the respected leader of the Court of Termites. Jude owes him a significant favor, making him a powerful figure she must interact with carefully during court events.