Legendary figure known as the Kingkiller, the Bloodless, and other names. Telling his own story from behind the bar of a quiet inn.

A wealthy, entitled nobleman and University student. Twelfth in line for the throne of Vintas. Kvothe's persistent rival.

One of the Chandrian, also known as Ferule. White-haired with black eyes, he led the attack that killed Kvothe's troupe. His cruelty is casual and absolute. Kvothe's desire for revenge against him drives much of the story.

Leader of the Chandrian. His shadow hides his face. Once known as Lanre, a legendary hero who was somehow corrupted.

Master Rhetorician at the University. Pompous, petty, and vindictive, he takes an instant dislike to Kvothe and uses his position on the horns to make the boy's life as difficult as possible.

An arcanist who travels with Kvothe's troupe and becomes his first teacher. Known as Ben, he recognises Kvothe's extraordinary talent and teaches him the fundamentals of sympathy, naming, and the Alar before leaving the troupe.

A mysterious, fragile young woman who lives in the Underthing beneath the University. Kvothe befriends her by playing his lute on the rooftops, and she becomes one of the people he cares about most - though understanding her is another matter entirely.

A Fae creature who serves as Kvothe's student and companion at the Waystone Inn. More dangerous than he appears.

A minor nobleman and patron of the arts in Imre. He becomes Kvothe's ally and advocate, helping him navigate the world of patronage and eventually securing him a position with Maer Alveron.

A beautiful, elusive young woman whom Kvothe repeatedly encounters. Uses different names in different cities.

A renowned scribe and author who seeks out Kvothe to record his true story.

A moneylender and former University student expelled for reasons she does not fully explain. Brilliant, dangerous, and charming, she provides Kvothe with loans at terrible interest and proves to be one of the most formidable sympathists he encounters.

A University student and one of Kvothe's friends. Beautiful and intelligent, she studies under Kilvin in the Fishery and later under Elodin in Naming, where she proves to have genuine talent.

Master Namer at the University and former Chancellor. Brilliant, eccentric, and apparently mad, he teaches Naming - the deepest and most dangerous of the University's arts. He recognises Kvothe's talent and becomes his most important teacher.

Master Artificer at the University. A large Cealdish man who runs the Fishery where students build artificed devices. Fair-minded and demanding, he becomes one of Kvothe's most important mentors.

Master Archivist at the University, guardian of the Archives. Tall, imposing, and utterly expressionless, he bans Kvothe from the Archives early in his studies - a punishment that shapes much of Kvothe's time at the University.

One of Kvothe's closest friends at the University. Warm-hearted, earnest, and given to poetry, he provides emotional support and genuine kindness in an environment that often rewards neither.

One of Kvothe's closest friends at the University. A Cealdish student who is steady, practical, and loyal. He and Simmon form the core of Kvothe's social circle.