Fourth Wing Characters – The Best Ultimate Guide

Like many other high-fantasy series, there is a large and intricate catalogue of Fourth Wing Characters for readers to meet when reading the series. This post is just for readers just like you, who wants a clear, cohesive, and helpful guide for you to keep track of everyone you meet. As well as the dragons they have (yes there are dragons)!

In here you’ll find full profiles on the Fourth Wing main characters, bonded dragons, ages, signets, deaths, and more, all traits of interest, of course. This guide breaks down the Fourth Wing characters and their dragons, key signets and their meanings, cadets, professors, rebellion kids, and side characters, as well as dragon names, types, and color-coded power dynamics.

Spoiler Warning: This post may contain spoilers.

What Makes the Fourth Wing Characters So Compelling?

Because of the romance and personas of course! Just kidding, even though those are factors, they are not the only factors. The emotional depth and worldbuilding is absolutely help build of these cast to be as enjoyable as they are. And the fantastic dynamic between everyone further contributes to their charisma.

The Fourth Wing Main Characters

Violet Sorrengail

Violet Sorrengail, our protagonist, was originally meant to train as a scribe. But her fate takes a dramatic turn when her mother, General Lilith Sorrengail, the commander of Basgiath War College, orders her into the brutal Rider’s Quadrant instead. During Threshing, Violet forms not one, but two rare dragon bonds: Tairn, a powerful black morningstar, and Andarna, a young golden feathertail. Violet’s bond to Tairn becomes even more complicated when it ties her fate to Xaden Riorson, as his dragon Sgaeyl is Tairn’s mate.

Because of this connection (and a secret pact with Violet’s mother) Xaden became tasked with protecting her. Over time, the two are drawn together despite their differences (yes cue words for enemies to lovers if you are interested in that trope). Speaking of Xaden, moving on to our next character…

Xaden Riorson

Xaden is one of the most powerful and feared Riders in the quadrant. As the son of a rebel leader, he commands respect and caution. Even though Xaden on the surface seems to be Violet’s comrade, he actually have a secret goal: smuggling weapons to aid Navarre’s true resistance against a looming, hidden threat. How will this effect his romance with Violet? Well, read to find out (dramatic music ensues)!

Dain Aetos

Violet’s childhood friend, who is one of those people that “cares” about you, but cause more harm than good and get in your way with their selfish decisions. Last time I remember the male childhood friend character I hated that much was Mal from Shadow and Bone. Good old times.

Liam Mairi

Even though Liam is Xaden’s foster protector, he develops a strong relationship with violet and became a reliable friend and protector to her. Unfortunately, during his time of being a great companion, the most unfortunate happened to him in Athebyne.

One of the most beloved characters from Fourth Wing in and outside the series, his memory shapes Violet’s arc moving forward and plays a huge role in her emotional development.

Fourth Wing Characters and Their Dragons

Here’s a look at the dragon-rider bonds that define the story:

Dragon	Rider
Tairn	Violet Sorrengail
Andarna	Violet Sorrengail
Sgaeyl	Xaden Riorson
Teine	Mira Sorrengail
Aimsir	Lilith Sorrengail
Cath	Dain Aetos
Deigh	Liam Mairi
Cuir	Bodhi Durran
Chradh	Garrick
Feirge	Rhiannon Matthias
Glane	Imogen
Aotrom	Ridoc
Sliseag	Sawyer
Baide	Jack Barlowe
Claidh	Amber Mavis
Gleann	Caroline Ashton
Fuil	Soleil
Cruth	Quinn
Codagh	General Melgren
Smachd	Professor Kaori

More dragons will be revealed as the series progresses. These bonds are central to the emotional core of the Fourth Wing characters.

Secondary Characters from Fourth Wing

Naolin – Xaden’s father and former rider of Tairn. Died in the rebellion. Revered and feared in equal measure.

Winifred – One of the few healers at Basgiath. Patient, nurturing, and sharp. Often oversees injured cadets.

Quinn – Third-year cadet bonded to Cruth. Has the rare signet of astral projection.

Septon Izar – Wingleader of Second Wing. Known for his stoic leadership and strategy skills.

Soleil Telery – Bonded to Fuil. Quiet but fierce, her story is marked by loyalty and tragedy.

Tara – Squad leader, competent and reliable. Plays a tactical role in combat training.

Trina – Confident, sharp-tongued, and quick with a blade. Adds bite to any squad she’s on.

Tynan – Strong and silent type. Keeps to himself but has proven his worth in combat.

Heaton – Lieutenant with a reputation for unpredictability. Known for changing hair colours frequently.

Cianna – Hard-working and observant cadet. More reserved but earns respect through consistency.

Aurelie – Former cadet, unbonded. Her story serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes at Basgiath.

Jeremiah – Part of Violet’s year. Level-headed and dependable, often paired on tactical drills.

Luca – Cadet from a lesser-known family. Shows promise despite lacking elite lineage.

Nadine – Sharp-tongued and clever, with a natural knack for strategy.

Nyra – Excellent with recon work. Often underestimated due to her quiet nature.

Pryor – Unbonded cadet who died crossing the parapet. A name etched into Violet’s memory.

Nolon – Elderly Mender with over 80 years of service. Acts as a mentor and moral compass for younger cadets.

Other Notable Characters in Fourth Wing

Professor Emetterio – Not a lot of information.

Professor Kaori – Bonded to Smachd, Signet: Illusionist.

Professor Devera – Major, bonded to an unnamed red clubtail.

Professor Carr – Bonded to Breugan.

Major Varrish (deceased) – Instructor known for brutality.

Colonel Aetos – Also acts as a professor and is Dain’s father.

List of Fourth Wing Characters – A Summary

Below I’ve attached a graphic to give a quick overview of all the Fourth Wing characters. More details will be given below later in the post.

The following is excluded from the graphic for spoiler considerations:

Deceased Characters

• Liam Mairi
• Soleil Telery
• Jack Barlowe
• Oren Seifert

Use this quick guide to reference any characters from Fourth Wing at a glance.