Orual is the eldest daughter of the King of Glome. She possesses a keen intellect and immense physical strength but suffers from deep self-consciousness about her appearance. Educated by a captured Greek slave, she experiences a profound internal division between rational philosophy and the blood-soaked religion of her people. She acts as a surrogate mother to her beautiful younger half-sister, Psyche, pouring all her protective energy into this singular attachment.

Born as Istra but renamed Psyche by her tutor, she is the youngest daughter of the King. Her extraordinary physical beauty makes the harsh kingdom of Glome seem brighter, drawing the adoration of the common people. This widespread reverence eventually attracts dangerous attention from the temple of Ungit, placing her at the center of a terrifying religious crisis.

King Trom of Glome is a violent and weak-willed ruler who governs through intimidation and appeasement. He views his daughters as property to be traded for political advantage and resents his inability to sire a son. He is quick to lash out physically at his family when the gods or political circumstances thwart his desires.

A Greek man with distinctive red hair who serves as a tutor to the royal daughters and a scribe for the King. He introduces poetry, philosophy, and rationalism into the highly superstitious court of Glome. He provides genuine parental warmth to Orual, teaching her to value logic and evidence over fear.

The capable Captain of the Palace Guard in Glome. He balances his unshakeable duty to the throne with a cautious respect for the divine entities that govern his world. He treats Orual with unexpected dignity, recognizing her martial potential and training her to fight.

The King's second daughter. Before Psyche's arrival, she enjoys the status of the beautiful sister, a position she guards fiercely. She is desperate for affection and keenly aware of how her appearance can manipulate others. Her selfish actions often stem from a deep sense of isolation within the abusive royal household.

The fearsome religious leader of Glome who speaks directly for the local goddess. He commands profound terror from the populace and outranks even the King in matters of faith. He views the world entirely through the lens of divine wrath and necessary blood sacrifice.

A young soldier in Glome's army whose early indiscretions carry severe consequences. His youthful romance with a member of the royal family earns the violent fury of the King, drastically altering his physical state and social standing forever.

The coarse nursemaid assigned to care for the King's daughters. She is highly superstitious and frequently fills the girls' heads with terrifying local lore. Her negligent approach to childcare stands in sharp contrast to the educated guidance provided by the Fox.

A priest who eventually takes over the temple of Ungit following his predecessor's decline. Unlike the terrifying old priest, Arnom is more moderate and open to modernizing the temple's practices. He adopts a slightly more rational approach to theology and administration.

A prince from the neighboring kingdom of Phars, embroiled in a bitter civil conflict with his own family. He arrives in Glome as a desperate suppliant seeking shelter. He is ambitious and quick to use his charm to secure military backing.

A prince of Phars seeking to secure his throne by hunting down his rival brother. He relies heavily on his military superiority to intimidate smaller nations. He vastly underestimates the martial prowess and strategic cunning of Glome's leadership.

The devoted wife of Glome's guard captain. She grounds her husband in a stable domestic reality far removed from the brutal politics of the royal family. She recognizes the toxic nature of palace life and remains highly protective of her family's energy and time.