Lord of Moon's Spawn and leader of the Tiste Andii, an ancient people of darkness who have outlasted most of what they once cared about. Anomander Rake is among the most powerful beings in the Malazan world, carrying a sword called Dragnipur whose nature is itself a kind of story. He is defined by the combination of immense power and genuine weariness, and by a code whose contours become clearer across the sequence.

A Bridgeburner sergeant known for his nervous disposition and perpetual anxiety. Despite his anxious nature, Antsy is a competent soldier and a reliable member of the Bridgeburners.

Tiste Andii Mistress of Thieves, imprisoned within Dragnipur. Conspires with the chained dead to escape the chaos pursuing the wagon. Distinct from Apsalar of Itko Kan.

A young fisher's daughter from a coastal village who was possessed by the god Cotillion and used as an instrument of assassination before being encountered by the Bridgeburners. Apsalar is defined by the difficulty of reclaiming an identity after it has been occupied by something else, and by skills she did not choose and cannot entirely discard.

Tiste Andii of Nimander's troupe. The vessel through which Mother Dark returns to confront the Dying God.

A blacksmith and former soldier living in exile in Seven Cities. Barathol is Kalam's cousin, a massive man with a gentle disposition who is drawn back into conflict despite his desire for a quiet life.

A High Alchemist and one of the senior members of Darujhistan's T'orrud Cabal. Baruk is defined by the tension between his considerable power and his institutional caution - he is capable of decisive action but prefers to understand a situation fully before committing to it.

A Bridgeburner soldier with a talent for remaining unnoticed. Blend can fade into backgrounds and shadows with an almost supernatural ability, making her invaluable for reconnaissance and surprise.

Napan Bridgeburner mage, now retired and running K'rul's Bar with Picker, Antsy, Blend, Mallet and Spindle. Killed during the Hounds-of-Light ambush.

The warlord commanding the principal military alliance opposing the Malazan Empire on Genabackis, Caladan Brood is a figure of immense physical power who carries a hammer said to be capable of ending the world. He is deliberate, patient, and possessed of a strategic intelligence that has kept a coalition of disparate forces functioning across years of war.

A young noblewoman of Darujhistan and daughter of one of the city's prominent families. Beautiful and politically astute, Challice navigates the treacherous social waters of Darujhistan's nobility.

A large, simple-minded man who is devoted to Barathol. Chaur possesses great physical strength but the mind of a child, and Barathol serves as his protector and guardian.

A young Tiste Andii who serves as a messenger from the Andara - a community of Tiste Andii living apart from Anomander Rake's people. Clip is arrogant, dismissive, and perpetually spinning a chain with two rings. He guides Silchas Ruin and others through Kurald Galain, though his true loyalties are unclear.

A nobleman of Darujhistan who has fallen on hard times. Once a man of wealth and standing, Coll lost his estates through political machinations and now spends his days drinking at the Phoenix Inn. Despite his decline, he retains his honour and proves himself a loyal friend when it matters most.

One of the two gods who rule the Realm of Shadow, Cotillion is the patron of assassins and one of the sequence's most active divine participants in mortal affairs. Where Shadowthrone operates through misdirection, Cotillion is more direct - he intervenes personally and is bound by a personal code that distinguishes him from the series' more purely transactional divine figures.

A young thief operating across Darujhistan's rooftops, Crokus Younghand is drawn into events considerably beyond his experience when a routine theft places him at the intersection of imperial and divine interest in the city. He is defined by the combination of competence in his chosen field and complete unpreparedness for everything surrounding it.

An ancient Great Raven and the matriarch of the murder of Great Ravens allied with Anomander Rake and the Tiste Andii of Moon's Spawn. Crone serves as Rake's messenger and scout, carrying intelligence across vast distances. She is cunning, sarcastic, and fiercely intelligent, often providing sardonic commentary on the affairs of mortals and gods alike.

The former First Sword of the Malazan Empire and arguably the greatest swordsman in the world. Dassem Ultor held the title of Champion of the empire before his apparent death. His legacy casts a long shadow over the military forces of the empire.

A witch of Darujhistan and a member of the T'orrud Cabal, the secret group of mages who protect the city from magical threats. Derudan is a powerful practitioner whose abilities complement those of the other Cabal members.

Tiste Andii of Nimander Golit's spawn-troupe. Manipulates her brothers with poisonous wit while pursuing her own appetite for power.