The son of Baghra, born as Aleksander Morozova, and widely recognized as General Kirigan or the Darkling. A highly powerful Shadow Summoner who can weaponize darkness and acts as a living amplifier to boost other Grisha powers. He created The Shadow Fold dividing Ravka, possibly through the accidental or intentional use of ancient forbidden magic known as merzost. Despite being centuries old, he maintains the youthful appearance of a man in his early twenties with pale skin, ink-black hair, and piercing gray eyes, though he later bears permanent facial scars inflicted by the Volcra. He frames his cruel actions and manipulation as necessary sacrifices to protect the Grisha from a world that hunts and fears them, aiming to use Alina's power to conquer territory.

Nikolai Lantsov is a charming, clever prince, inventor, and privateer. Nikolai uses this secret identity known as Sturmhond as a daring pirate and privateer to help Ravka without political fallout. He rejects a lazy royal life to serve as an ordinary soldier, earning deep respect from common troops. He is the second son of the royal family and later becomes the King of Ravka. Short golden blond hair, hazel eyes, and a strong, athletic build. Short and golden blond in his true royal appearance, though he famously dyes it red when operating as the privateer corsair Sturmhond.

Zoya Nazyalensky is a powerful Squaller. A Squaller (an Etherealki who manipulates wind, air pressure, and weather). Born in the small Ravkan village of Pachina, she initially aimed to join the First Army before her magical abilities were discovered. She is exceptionally rare for possessing more than one amplifier during her journey. Zoya is introduced as arrogant, snobby, and deeply jealous of Alina Starkov, functioning initially as a stereotypical rival. She moves past her superficial prejudices, displays fierce honor, and becomes a vital leader who fights to protect Ravka. Long, wavy, raven-black hair. Eyes: Dark blue. She is half-Suli through her father.

David Kostyk is a brilliant, bookish, and unassuming Durast (a type of Grisha who manipulates solid materials like glass, metal, and stone). He works as a Fabrikator at the Little Palace, crafting complex weapons, armor, and gadgets for Alina Starkov and the Ravkan military. He infamously forges the stag collar amplifier for the Darkling in the first book, a regretful act that heavily weighs on his conscience. Because of his vital contributions to the war effort, he later becomes a member of Ravka's ruling Grisha Triumvirate. He shares a beloved romance with Genya Safin. He is a pale, reed-thin man with long brown hair that falls into his eyes, and he also wears glasses for reading and working.

Genya Safin. Evolves from a trapped palace servant into a fierce, scar-bearing military leader. Corporalki (The Order of the Living and the Dead). Grisha Niche: Tailor (Can manipulate physical appearance, change features, alter hair color, and erase scars) The Second Army, the Royal Court of Ravka, and later the Grisha. Long, thick, wavy, and a striking, fiery deep auburn hair. Eyes: Large and unique golden-amber. Smooth, flawless, porcelain-doll-like alabaster skin.

Malyen Oretsev is a gifted tracker, a soldier in the First Army, and the primary love interest of Alina Starkov. Born in Dva Stolba near the Shu Han border, Mal grew up with Alina in the orphanage at Keramzin. He is a human amplifier descended from Ilya Morozova, meaning Grisha can use his life force to boost their powers. Brown hair and blue eyes. Fairly tall and well-built from his training and life as a First Army tracker. Widely described as handsome. Fierce loyalty, deep-seated insecurities, and initial cockiness that gives way to seriousness and growth.

Alina Starkov is an orphan cartographer turned legendary Sun Summoner who possesses the ability to summon and manipulate light. Originally trained by The Darkling, she rebels against him to save Ravka, eventually using the forbidden magic merzost to defeat him at the cost of her powers. The only Sun Summoner, capable of controlling light. She enhances her abilities using mythical amplifiers known as Morozova's Collar (the Stag), the Sea Whip’s Fetter, and her childhood best friend, Mal. Initially short, thin, and sickly with plain features and a permanent scar on her right palm. After embracing her powers, she gains bronzed skin and a defined figure, but her hair permanently turns white after using merzost. After discovering the Darkling's plot to weaponize the Shadow Fold, she flees and later leads the Second Army. She rejects a marriage proposal from Nikolai Lantsov to stay focused on freeing Ravka.

Baghra Morozova is the Daughter of Sankt Ilya Morozova, mother of The Darkling, and a living human amplifier. Looks ancient yet youthful, with smooth skin, coal-black hair, deep-hollowed eyes (later blinded by the Darkling), and a straight, wiry posture. She wears a dark kefta and always carries a silver cane. Notoriously bitter, demanding, and brutally honest, she uses harsh mockery and physical strikes to push Grisha past their mental blocks. She is the only person who can rattle the Darkling. Driven by the guilt of raising a tyrant, she betrays her son. She helps Alina escape the Little Palace to save Ravka and prevent the Darkling from weaponizing the Shadow Fold.