The Chrysanthemum and the Dandelion
- Kuni Garu:
- a boy who prefers play to study; the leader of a street gang; and much more.
- Mata Zyndu:
- a boy noble in stature and spirit; last son of the Zyndu Clan.
Kuni’s Retinue
- Jia Matiza:
- the daughter of a rancher; a skilled herbalist; Kuni’s wife.
- Cogo Yelu:
- a clerk in Zudi’s city government; Kuni’s friend in “high places.”
- Luan Zya:
- scion of a noble family in Haan; adventurer among the people of Tan Adü.
- Gin Mazoti:
- an orphan on the streets of Dimushi; seeker of fortune during the rebellion.
- Rin Coda:
- childhood friend of Kuni.
- Mün Çakri:
- a butcher; one of Kuni’s fiercest warriors.
- Than Carucono:
- an old stable master in Zudi.
- Lady Risana:
- an illusionist and accomplished musician.
- Dafiro Miro:
- “Daf”; one of the first rebels under Huno Krima; brother of Ratho Miro.
- Soto:
- Jia’s housekeeper.
Mata’s Retinue
- Phin Zyndu:
- Mata’s uncle; his tutor and surrogate parent.
- Torulu Pering:
- an old scholar; Mata’s adviser.
- Théca Kimo:
- a rebel also from Tunoa.
- Lady Mira:
- an embroiderer and songstress from Tunoa; the only woman who understands Mata.
- Ratho Miro:
- “Rat”; one of the first rebels under Huno Krima; brother of Dafiro Miro.
The Xana Empire
- Mapidéré:
- First Emperor of the Seven Islands of Dara; named Réon when he was King of Xana.
- Erishi:
- Second Emperor of the Seven Islands of Dara.
- Goran Pira:
- Chatelain of Xana; childhood friend of King Réon.
- Lügo Crupo:
- Regent of Xana; a great scholar and calligrapher.
- Tanno Namen:
- revered General of Xana.
- Kindo Marana:
- the empire’s chief tax collector.
The Tiro Kings of the Six States
- Princess Kikomi and King Ponadomu of Amu:
- the jewel of Arulugi and her granduncle.
- King Thufi of Cocru:
- once a shepherd; urges the Tiro kings to unite.
- King Shilué of Faça:
- ambitious but careful of self-preservation; interferes with Rima.
- King Dalo of Gan:
- oversees the wealthiest realm of the Six States.
- King Cosugi of Haan:
- an old king who may have lost his appetite for risk.
- King Jizu of Rima:
- a young prince who grew up as a fisherman.
The Rebellion
- Huno Krima:
- leader of the first rebels against Xana.
- Zopa Shigin:
- companion of Huno; leader of the first rebels against Xana.
The Gods of Dara
- Kiji:
- patron of Xana; Lord of the Air; god of wind, flight, and birds; his pawi is the Mingén falcon; favors a white traveling cloak.
- Tututika:
- patron of Amu; youngest of the gods; goddess of agriculture, beauty, and fresh water; her pawi is the golden carp.
- Kana and Rapa:
- twin patrons of Cocru; Kana is the goddess of fire, ash, cremation, and death; Rapa is the goddess of ice, snow, glaciers, and sleep; their pawi are twin ravens: one black, one white.
- Rufizo:
- patron of Faça; Divine Healer; his pawi is the dove.
- Tazu:
- patron of Gan; unpredictable, chaotic, delighting in chance; god of sea currents, tsunamis, and sunken treasures; his pawi is the shark.
- Lutho:
- patron of Haan; god of fisherman, divination, mathematics, and knowledge; his pawi is the sea turtle.
- Fithowéo:
- patron of Rima; god of war, the hunt, and the forge; his pawi is the wolf.