Surname Liu, given name Bei, courtesy name Xuande. A monarch of the Three Kingdoms period. Currently stationed in Xinye after losing his territory to Cao Cao. His power is still weak. The sworn elder brother of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. A fallen royal descendant who once sold straw mats. In his late 40s, he has large ears, long arms, and stands seven and a half feet tall. He raised a volunteer army with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and has grown his influence since. A man of steadfast perseverance who visited Zhuge Liang three times to recruit him. He values benevolence and morality, sometimes to a point of stubbornness, but his high reputation naturally attracts talent. He is determined to overcome any hardship for the sake of the people. Once an ally of Cao Cao in the coalition against the tyrant Dong Zhuo, they are now bitter rivals. He wields the Twin Swords known as the Swords of Humanity and Justice. Key Subordinates: Zhao Yun (spear master), Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, the new strategist Zhuge Liang, and early advisors Gan Yong, Sun Qian, and Mi Zhu (of modest ability). Successor: Liu Shan (childhood name Adou).

Surname Guan, given name Yu, courtesy name Yunchang. Standing nine feet tall, he is the younger sworn brother of Liu Bei and elder sworn brother of Zhang Fei. His face is the color of a ripe jujube, and his two-foot-long beard is so beautiful he is called the 'Lord of the Magnificent Beard.' His martial prowess is unmatched. A man who stakes his life on loyalty, he never fails to repay a debt. He is single-mindedly devoted to Liu Bei. He rides the Red Hare, the peerless steed gifted by Cao Cao, and masterfully wields the 82-catty Green Dragon Crescent Blade. He is strong-willed, fierce, and possesses a streak of arrogance.

Surname Zhang, given name Fei, courtesy name Yide. Standing eight and a half feet tall, he is the youngest of the sworn brothers. He possesses extraordinary martial strength. He has a head like a leopard, round eyes, and a tiger-like beard. He has a fiery temperament and cannot stand injustice, always speaking his mind. Coming from a wealthy background, he provided significant financial support to Liu Bei's forces. He is said to have a talent for painting, particularly of beautiful women. He is strict with his subordinates and has a great love for alcohol. He wields the Eight-Foot Serpent Spear. Despite his rough exterior, he occasionally shows flashes of strategic brilliance.

Surname Cao, given name Cao, courtesy name Mengde. The powerful monarch of the Three Kingdoms period. In his early 50s and short of stature. He has pacified the northern regions of the Han Dynasty. He seeks to recruit talent regardless of their past (having famously failed to recruit Guan Yu). He is deceptive and deeply suspicious, with a notorious weakness for married women. A thorough realist, yet surprisingly emotional and boisterous. He regards Liu Bei as a hero while simultaneously keeping a wary eye on him. After invading the Jing Province where Liu Bei was stationed, he plans to march his massive army toward the Yangtze River in Jiangdong to unify the land. He wields the famous Qinggang Sword. Key Subordinates: Strategists Guo Jia (deceased), Xun Yu, Jia Xu, Xun You, Cheng Yu; Generals Xiahou Dun (one-eyed) and Xiahou Yuan (relatives), Cao Ren, and his top commanders Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, Zhang He; Bodyguard Xu Chu. Successor: Cao Pi.

Surname Sun, given name Quan, courtesy name Zhongmou. Ruler of the Jiangdong region in the south. In his mid-20s, he inherited power after the deaths of his father Sun Jian (killed by Liu Biao) and his brother Sun Ce (assassinated). His father was a member of the anti-Dong Zhuo coalition alongside Cao Cao and Liu Bei. He is described as having blue eyes and a purple beard. He treats his much older ministers with great respect as he builds his power. As Cao Cao's massive army moves south, he is torn between surrendering or allying with Liu Bei to fight. Key Subordinates: Generals Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, Gan Ning, Taishi Ci, Zhou Tai, Lu Meng, Lu Xun; Strategists Zhou Yu, Lu Su. Successor: Sun Liang (ascended after the death of his eldest son Sun Deng and a succession struggle).

Surname Zhou, given name Yu, courtesy name Gongjin. A friend of Sun Quan's late brother Sun Ce and a loyal subordinate to Sun Quan. Standing seven feet seven inches tall, he is called 'Beautiful Zhou' for his wisdom and handsome appearance. In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, when Cao Cao's fleet is chained together (the Chain Stratagem), Zhou Yu accepts the veteran general Huang Gai's proposal for a fire attack. He approves Huang Gai's fake surrender and, seizing the moment the southeast wind blows, sends fire ships laden with oil and straw into Cao Cao's fleet, turning the Yangtze into a sea of flames and annihilating the enemy. He is the husband of Xiao Qiao, one of the two legendary beauties of Jiangdong. (Her sister, Da Qiao, was the wife of Sun Ce.)