Crown prince of Arelon who is taken by the Shaod and thrown into Elantris. Despite the apparent curse, he works to rebuild the fallen city and its people from within.

Princess of Teod who arrives in Arelon to find her betrothed apparently dead. Politically astute and fiercely independent, she navigates court intrigue to protect Arelon.

Hrathen's odiv and a Dakhor monk whose fanatical hatred of Elantrians drives him to terrible extremes.

A Gyorn of the Derethi church sent to convert Arelon within ninety days or see it destroyed. A complex man of genuine faith who questions his own methods.

King of Arelon who seized power after the fall of Elantris. A merchant-king who ties nobility to wealth.

A rotund and jovial Arelene count. A merchant lord whose cheerful exterior masks political cunning.

A count and skilled soldier who supports Sarene. One of the most capable military minds among the Arelene nobles.

King of Teod and Sarene's father. A wise ruler who worries about Fjorden's expansionist ambitions.

A Dula trapped in Elantris who becomes Raoden's closest friend. Pragmatic and gruff, but deeply loyal.

A former soldier trapped in Elantris who leads one of its factions. Initially hostile to Raoden, she becomes a key ally.

Sarene's uncle living in Kae. A former pirate who now lives quietly as a cook, hiding a dangerous past.

Kiin's eldest son and a merchant. Quick-witted and charming, he supports Sarene's political efforts.

The elderly Duke of Ial and one of Arelon's most powerful nobles. A shrewd political operator who supports Sarene.

A former soldier trapped in Elantris who joins Raoden's group. Serves as their protector.

A JinDo baron living in Arelon. Practises ChayShan and brings an outside perspective to the court.

An Arelene noble manipulated by Hrathen into seeking the throne. Vain and easily swayed by promises of power.

The head Derethi arteth in Kae, a stumpy, balding priest who has grown too friendly with the locals for Hrathen's liking.