A headstrong orphan turned master con artist and thief. Leader of the Gentleman Bastards, known for his quick wit and elaborate schemes.

The only woman trained by Father Chains. Locke's first and only love, his equal in skill and wit. A red-haired thief who left the Gentleman Bastards.

The military dictator of Tal Verrar who blackmails Locke and Jean into working for him.

A Bondsmage hired by the Grey King. Controls a falcon named Vestris and possesses terrifying magical abilities.

A mysterious figure seeking revenge against Capa Barsavi for murdering his family. Uses magic and manipulation to overthrow the criminal underworld.

The youngest member of the Gentleman Bastards and Locke's apprentice. Eager to prove himself.

One of the Sanza twins, a jack-of-all-trades member of the Gentleman Bastards known for his humour and versatility.

The crime lord of Camorr who maintains the Secret Peace with the Duke. Rules the criminal underworld with an iron fist.

A minor nobleman of Camorr and Locke Lamora's primary mark in the opening con of the novel. Genuinely decent and trusting, which makes him the perfect target for the Gentleman Bastards' elaborate scheme.

Wife of Don Lorenzo Salvara. Sharper and more suspicious than her husband, she is less easily taken in by the Gentleman Bastards' con.

An elderly, razor-sharp dowager countess of Amberglass who conceals her role as the duke's spymaster (the Spider) behind a facade of grandmotherly eccentricity.

First mate aboard the Poison Orchid under Captain Zamira Drakasha. Fierce, competent, and warm-hearted. A natural leader who earns the respect of the crew through skill and courage.

The founder and mentor of the Gentleman Bastards. Posed as a blind priest while training young thieves in the arts of deception.

One of the Sanza twins, identical to Calo. Member of the Gentleman Bastards known for debauchery and a broad skill set.

Captain of the Dread Sovereign and rival pirate to Zamira Drakasha in the Sea of Brass.

A volatile, debt-ridden alcoholic and brilliant theatrical director who leads the Moncraine Company in Espara. Hired by Father Chains to employ the young Gentleman Bastards for a summer.

Locke's best friend and the muscle of the Gentleman Bastards. A skilled fighter with twin hatchets called the Wicked Sisters, but also well-read and gentle-natured.

Daughter of Capa Barsavi, the crime lord of Camorr. Intelligent and capable, she is being groomed to succeed her father in the criminal underworld.

A Deep Roots party operative and trade insurer in Karthain. Serves as Locke and Jean's primary political handler during the five-year game.

A powerful Bondsmage and the Falconer's mother. Hires Locke and Jean for a political job in Karthain.