A half-skaa Mistborn and charismatic rebel leader who plans to overthrow the thousand-year reign of the Lord Ruler. Scarred from a year of brutal labour in the Pits of Hathsin, he channels grief and ambition into revolution, assembling a crew of Allomantic thieves for the most audacious heist in history - stealing an empire.

A Terrisman Keeper and Feruchemist who serves as steward to Lord Renoux. He preserves forbidden knowledge of pre-Ascension religions in his copperminds and acts as Vin's protector and tutor in noble etiquette. Quiet, scholarly, and deeply principled.

A Soother in Kelsier's crew who manipulates emotions with Allomancy. Cultured and self-important, he uses his abilities to soothe skaa crowds into joining the rebellion. Secretly of noble birth.

A Pewterarm (Thug) in Kelsier's crew who serves as the rebellion's military commander. Physically powerful but philosophically inclined - he loves debating ethics and morality.

A Smoker (coppercloud Misting) whose shop serves as the crew's base of operations in Luthadel. Grim, pessimistic, and pragmatic. Uncle to Spook.

Kelsier's oldest friend and the crew's organiser. Not an Allomancer, but indispensable - he manages logistics, finances, and keeps the operation running. Shares Kelsier's hatred of the nobility.

A young Tineye (tin Misting) and Clubs' nephew. Speaks in heavy eastern street slang that others struggle to understand. Hero-worships Kelsier.

Kelsier's older brother and a Seeker (bronze Misting). A former leader of the skaa rebellion who has grown disillusioned. He infiltrates the Steel Ministry as a spy for the crew, at great personal risk.

A Terriswoman and Keeper of the Terris people, sent to Luthadel by the Synod to help Elend become a more effective king. Stern, demanding, and deeply principled, she challenges both Elend and Sazed in ways that matter. Her relationship with Sazed becomes the emotional heart of her arc.

Ashweather Cett's daughter, a Rioter who fled her father's camp to seek refuge with Elend's crew. Flirtatious and seemingly shallow, she is considerably more perceptive and capable than she allows others to see. Her relationship with Breeze develops across the siege of Luthadel.