Waverider

IKOL, which stands for Intelligent Kinematic Operations Laboratory, is the primary antagonist of the series. IKOL is a program created by Silas Charnon to serve intelligent robots from a dying Earth in an alternate universe. IKOL mysteriously operates as a voice that connects to stonekeepers and feeds on their fear, guilt, and shame, corrupting them and abusing the power of their stones. In particular, IKOL causes some stonekeepers to lose control and transform into giant, destructive monsters. In previous novels, the Elf King, a dead king reanimated and corrupted by IKOL, causes mass destruction in Alledia and leads to a proliferation of the “shadows”—parasitic beings with which IKOL is associated.

In the final installation of the series, IKOL tries to manipulate Emily by feeding on her fear and shame, but she rejects his tactics and rids herself of his influence. He constantly changes tactics as he tries to get in her head, trying to appeal to her fear, her sense of responsibility, and even her empathy, asking if they are “friends” and lamenting how he longs to be “needed.” He also creates illusions, taking on the form of Silas Charnon and Emily’s father to trick her into letting him in. In contrast to Emily’s steadfastness and clarity of purpose, IKOL’s identity is changeable and diffuse; not only will he do whatever he can to override others’ free will, but he will take any selfish action to advance his own agenda rather than stick to principles of his own. Visually, IKOL is portrayed as a diffuse, swirling shadow specter that changes shape and size, paralleling his mutable nature. 

In keeping with the book’s nuanced portrayal of good and evil, IKOL finally reveals his hidden role as a servant to his robot masters, who hope to find help in Alledia—even if they must force others to comply with their wishes. Though Emily recognizes the plight of the robots, she rejects their presence as a justification for IKOL’s actions. As Emily also learns that a human—her own great-grandfather—created IKOL, the program comes to represent the inherent destructive tendencies of human nature and the ongoing struggle Emily will have to face as she returns to Earth.

Trellis is the secondary protagonist of the novel and the youngest son of the now-deposed Elf King. He has silver hair and a stitched-up scar extending beneath his eye. Thoughtful and level-headed, Trellis strategizes about his goals and his relationship with his people before taking any action.

Over the course of the series, Trellis shifts from a reluctant prince with an inherited claim to power into a thoughtful and principled leader. He is initially defined by his status as the son of the Elf King, struggling under the weight of his lineage and the carnage caused by the corrupted false king. Early in Waverider, he reflects on how the people of Alledia view stonekeepers with suspicion, questioning, “Who can trust those who wield so much power?” (23). This self-awareness sets him apart from the rest of his ambitious family, as he recognizes that leadership cannot be built on fear or unchecked power. When presented with the opportunity to take the throne by force, he rejects it, realizing that such an act would only reinforce the cycle of distrust between stonekeepers and elves. Instead, he chooses a path of collaboration, offering his assistance rather than domination. This marks the beginning of his journey toward understanding leadership as something earned through trust rather than imposed by might.

Trellis’s growth is shaped by his experiences with leaders like Gabilan and Ronin, each of whom offers a different vision of authority. Observing these contrasting styles, Trellis realizes that leadership is not a singular quality but an adaptable force—different circumstances require different approaches. However, he also sees the potential pitfalls of unchecked ambition, as Ronin and her students push the limits of their stonekeeper powers, getting carried away in their pursuit of progress. Ultimately, Trellis concludes that true leadership is not defined by displays of strength but by “the quality of [one’s] intellect and character” (217). His declaration, “We do this together” (214), reinforces the novel’s broader theme that leadership is not an individual burden but a shared responsibility.

Vigo is a mentor to Emily and a former member of the Guardian Council. Kibuishi portrays him with a furrowed brow and a gray beard, suggesting how his wisdom, experience, and serious nature allow him to guide Emily as she reckons with the power of her stone. As a stonekeeper himself, he understands both the dangers and responsibilities of wielding great power, demonstrating his ability to calmly take stock of his own actions when he reaches out to Ronin and apologizing for his mistakes. He is open-minded and accepts her radical vision for the future, committing himself to assist the next generation in their task of building a new Alledia.

Vigo further demonstrates his commitment to the next generation when he offers himself to IKOL, in keeping with his belief that true leadership requires selflessness. Vigo’s influence extends beyond his physical presence—The Book of Light, which he leaves behind for Emily after traveling into the past, symbolizes the enduring power of knowledge. The book reinforces the idea that understanding is a form of light that can cut through darkness. By passing his wisdom forward, Vigo ensures that Emily and Trellis are equipped not just with strength but with the insight necessary to ensure peace in Alledia—and on Earth.

Ronin is an exiled former member of the Guardian Council. A bold, curious, and introspective stonekeeper, Ronin was willing to let herself lose control and touch the void, which in turn granted her the wisdom to teach the next generation of stonekeepers to build. 

Ronin thus represents a bold vision for the future and a commitment to the youths who will have to live with the choices made in the present. Ronin is a skilled builder herself and teaches the students to rely on their own creativity. However, she also respects their autonomy and knows when to stand aside as a mentor, allowing them to make their own discoveries and grow on their own.

Navin is Emily’s younger brother. Caring and sensitive, Navin is a strong emotional support for his friends and family members in the face of challenge. When the shadows close in around him and his mother, he reminds her that she does not “have to look at them” (163), cheering her up and reminding her to focus on what she cares about. He operates outside the influence of the amulets, which allows him to make decisions without the same internal conflicts that plague Emily and Trellis. Though less explored in Waverider than in some earlier installments, his leadership in coordinating the Resistance showcases an alternative form of strength—one rooted in strategy, collaboration, and problem-solving. Navin also represents the personal stakes of the story for Emily as she seeks to find a way back to her family.

Karen Hayes, Emily’s mother, represents the emotional core of Emily’s journey. Emily’s love for her mother and protectiveness of her family cause her to enter Alledia in the first place. Karen’s presence is a constant reminder of what Emily is fighting for—her family and her humanity. Karen’s survival and reunion with Emily reinforce the theme that love and personal connections are just as powerful as magic or leadership.