The most feared mercenary general in Styria, commander of the Thousand Swords, who is thrown from a cliff and left for dead by the Duke Orso she has served loyally and made very rich. She survives, barely, and the entirety of Best Served Cold is her working through the list of seven men responsible. Monza is not a hero - she is driven by revenge, capable of considerable ruthlessness, and honest about both. Her arc is about what vengeance actually costs and whether it delivers what it promises. She is one of Abercrombie's best protagonists: a woman in a man's world who got there through genuine ability and is not interested in being liked for it.

Monza's beloved younger brother and co-commander of the Thousand Swords. Charming and reckless, he is murdered by Duke Orso in the opening chapter, setting in motion Monza's campaign of revenge.

Interim captain general of the Thousand Swords mercenary company after Cosca's removal. One of Monza's revenge targets for his role in Benna's murder.

A flamboyant, chain-wearing mercenary captain in the Thousand Swords who becomes a siege commander under Monza's forces in the war for Styria.