An orphan raised in Keramzin who discovers she is a Sun Summoner, the only Grisha capable of creating light. Her power makes her the most important person in Ravka and a target for everyone who wants to control what she represents. Over three books she moves from terrified conscript to reluctant symbol to something she chooses for herself.

The immortal commander of Ravka's Second Army and the most powerful Grisha alive. He has spent centuries manipulating Ravkan history from the shadows, always towards the same goal: a world where Grisha are no longer hunted. His methods have long since swallowed whatever idealism he started with.

A Tailor, the rarest type of Corporalki Grisha, able to alter the appearance of living tissue. She serves at the Ravkan court as the queen's personal attendant, a position that gives her access to everyone and trust from no one. Her loyalty to Alina costs her everything.

Alina's childhood best friend and the finest tracker in the First Army. Fiercely loyal and deeply uncomfortable with the world of Grisha politics that Alina is pulled into. His relationship with Alina is the emotional anchor of the Shadow and Bone trilogy.

The second son of the Ravkan king who operates as the privateer Sturmhond before his identity is revealed. Brilliant, charming, and strategically ruthless beneath the performance of carelessness. Becomes King of Ravka after the events of the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the central figure of the King of Scars duology.

The most powerful Squaller in the Second Army and later Nikolai's general and closest advisor. Cold, proud, and formidably competent, she has survived everything Ravka has thrown at her by refusing to need anyone. The King of Scars duology slowly unpicks that refusal.