Severian
Narrator, raised an apprentice of the torturers' guild and raised to journeyman before his exile. He claims perfect memory, but his omissions, interpretations, and contradictions make him an unreliable guide to his own life.
Thecla
An aristocratic prisoner held because of her connection to Thea and Vodalus. Severian becomes emotionally and sexually attached to her and ultimately gives her the means to die.
Vodalus
Revolutionary leader opposed to the Autarch. Severian saves him in the necropolis and idealizes him as an alternative source of loyalty.
Thea
Thecla's half-sister and Vodalus's companion. Her political choices make Thecla useful as a hostage.
Master Palaemon
Elder master of the guild, nearly blind and more compassionate than Master Gurloes. He gives Severian Terminus Est and arranges his exile to Thrax.
Master Gurloes
Head of the torturers. He protects the guild's institutional survival and supervises Thecla's treatment.
Agia
Clever, impoverished twin who tries to obtain Terminus Est through deception. She becomes Severian's guide, betrayer, and enemy.
Agilus
Agia's twin brother. He fights Severian in the avern duel and is later executed by him.
Dorcas
A young woman who emerges from the lake in the Botanic Gardens with little memory. She becomes Severian's companion and lover.
Dr. Talos
A brilliant, theatrical man traveling with Baldanders. He recruits performers, manipulates appearances, and seems less ordinary than he first appears.
Baldanders
A giant who travels with Dr. Talos and plays monstrous roles in their performances. His relationship with Talos remains unexplained.
Jolenta
A waitress recruited by Talos and transformed into a woman of extraordinary beauty, apparently through his intervention.
Hildegrin
An agent of Vodalus whom Severian first sees in the necropolis. He rows Severian, Agia and Dorcas across the Lake of Birds to the averns.
Hethor
A shabby, erratic traveler who becomes devoted to Severian after seeing the play. His strange speech hints at experience aboard star-faring vessels.
Jonas
A traveler met near the Wall of Nessus. His damaged body appears partly mechanical.
Spoiler Warning
The summaries below reveal Thecla's death, Severian's exile, the twins' deception, Agilus's execution, and the identity of the relic hidden in Severian's belongings.