Let’s talk Rebeca Yarros' "Fourth Wing", the book that's been lighting up BookTok and shaking up the romantasy genre. The Empyrean series isn't just a fleeting trend—it's a full-blown phenomenon. From the moment it hit the shelves, "Fourth Wing" has captivated readers with its intense storyline and unforgettable characters, making it one of the standout reads of the year. With the cliffhanger at the end of “Iron Flame”, and the upcoming release of “Onyx Storm” the buzz isn’t going away anytime soon. And what makes this series a must-read? It's all about the characters.
Rebecca Yarros has crafted a cast that's impossible not to fall for. Each one is rich with depth, filled with real struggles and triumphs that resonate deeply. They draw you in, making you laugh, cry, and cheer alongside them.
Intrigued yet? We’re just getting started. Join us as we explore the compelling characters of "Fourth Wing"—beware of spoilers, though! And if you can’t get enough, check out our other posts for a detailed book review, wild theories, and the funniest memes inspired by the book.
Ready to enter the spoiler zone and dive into the Fourth Wing characters? Let’s go!
Violet Sorrengail starts her journey hoping for a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant, but fate—or her mother, has different plans. Despite being physically weaker than most, she refuses to give up and give in to the Riders Quadrant deadliness, proving her resilience as one of her greatest strengths. Using her wits and knowledge, she survives the rough training, perilous missions, and numerous attempts on her life. She believes there's more than one way to win, echoing Xaden’s advice that "the right way isn't the only way". She can think outside the box and use unconventional tactics. But don’t you dare betray her trust, for there will be hell to pay.
The Wingleader of our hearts; Xaden. Introduced as a third-year at Basgiath War College, Xaden is the leader of the marked ones, carrying the rebellion relics as a testament to their parents’ failed attempt at an uprise. Cunning and ruthless, the Wingleader has no weaknesses—or so it seems. Xaden will stop at nothing to protect the ones he loves, whether it be carrying the marks of a hundred and seven children, or eliminating any threat in his way. And if you tell him a secret, be sure that he will take it to his grave.
Dain is Violet's oldest friend, like her, he is the child of a high-ranking officer. Loyal and protective, Dain will do anything his moral compass points him toward—but won’t easily realize he is being manipulated. However, given the right information and circumstances, he will choose the right side to stand on and will fight to the death for what he believes is right.
As Violet's sister, Mira is fiercely loyal and strong. A Sorrengail through and through, born to ride, even though Violet was not. Standing up to their mother to protect Violet and offer her the dragonscale corset before parapet, Mira is brilliant as she is protective—but definitely not one would want to be on the wrong side of.
Lilith Sorrengail, Violet’s mother and General Melgren’s right hand, is loyal to the core to Navarre, making it her mission to protect it at all costs, or so it seems. Forcing her children into the ways of the dragon riders, she appears ruthless but in reality, there is nothing more she values more than her family. And she proves it.
Brennan, Violet’s brother, plays a crucial role in the story with his strategic mind and calm demeanor. Calculating, yet stoic, Brennan Sorrengail is a natural-born rider and leader who will go to any length to stand for what he believes in. Even if it means hurting the ones he loves.
Violet’s best friend and squad leader, Rhiannon. Her loyalty and serenity complement her fierce fighting spirit. She will never give up on her friends, no matter what, and if you make the mistake of crossing her, or the ones she cares about, you should be looking over your shoulder because she will come for you.
Violet’s best friend and squad leader, Rhiannon. Her loyalty and serenity complement her fierce fighting spirit. She will never give up on her friends, no matter what, and if you make the mistake of crossing her, or the ones she cares about, you should be looking over your shoulder because she will come for you.
In the first book of the series, we meet Sawer in his second year at Basgiath. Having survived his first year but remaining unbonded, Sawyer’s quiet determination is inspiring. Meeting the new first years, he supports and helps them through his experience, refusing the cutthroat culture of Basgiath and becoming one of the inner circle.
The lighthearted jokester of our hearts; Ridoc. He will make it his life’s mission to not let a serious moment pass without an inappropriate comment, much to everyone’s relief, since the fate of the world feels to be permanently at stake. Brave and loyal, Ridoc will fight alongside his squad, while cracking jokes and barely escaping with his life.
Jack is Violet’s first self-declared enemy. A fellow first-year who swears on taking our protagonist's life right on the parapet, and almost succeeds more than once. After being brought back to life, he appears to have had a change of heart, but not for long. Driven by his thirst for power, Jack is revealed as a venin at the end of “Iron Flame”, and will stop at nothing until someone ends him.
Liam, loyal, charming, and with a great sense of humor, is well-liked by everyone around him. Open about his past as a marked one and fostered alongside Xaden, Liam deeply values his friendships and would go to any lengths, even laying down his life, to protect them. His unfortunate demise will serve as a reminder of his bravery and loyalty.
Despite her hostile demeanor, Imogen is a softie once one truly gets to know her. Stubborn and hot-headed, she will crush her enemies just as fiercely as she will defend everything she stands for. A true rebel, inside and out. She will make Violet a warrior to be reckoned with and will gladly take the credit for it.
Dragons play a central role in Fourth Wing, each with unique characteristics and powers. Here’s a closer look at the main dragons in the story.
Tairn, bonded to Violet, is a black morningstar-tail dragon, one of the biggest and fiercest in Fourth Wing. His dry sarcasm and witty comments make all of our days, but he will stop at nothing to protect what is his.
Andarna, a sweet and brave gold feathertail in Fourth Wing, to a seemingly-black, rebellious teenage dragon in Iron flame is Violet’s second bonded dragon. At the end of Iron Flame, though Andarna reveals that she is a different kind of dragon, having waited for six hundred years to hatch; waiting for Volet.
Sgaeyl, a blue daggertail, Xaden Riorson’s bonded dragon, and Tairn’s mate, is the most ruthless and cunning amongst all dragons. Fierce and loyal to the core, Sgaeyl is probably the most terrifying dragon in this series.
Aimsir is a brown dragon, bonded to General Lilith Sorrengail. Not much is known about him, although he must be fairly strong, granting his rider the signet of storm manipulation.
Aortrom is a brown swordtail, bonded to Ridoc.
Jack Barlowe’s bonded dragon, Baide, an orange scorpiontail, is as vicious as his rider, and very prone to holding grudges.
Cath is a red swordtail, bonded to Dain Aetos. She is a dragon with a gentle yet powerful presence.
Codagh is the second black dragon in the series, bonded to General Melgren, and the oldest dragon in the den. Codagh is the one who executed the leaders of the Tyrrish rebellion and the one responsible for the relics the marked ones are carrying.
Deigh is a red daggertail, bonded to Liam. Loyal as his rider, Deigh will choose to die fighting than leave anyone behind.
Feirge, a green daggertail with a spiky spine, bonded to Rhiannon, choosing her the moment they laid eyes upon each other.
Smachd, like its rider, Professor Kaori, is a dragon with a strong sense of justice and fairness. Its character explores themes of right and wrong in the story.
Mira Sorrengail’s dragon, Teine is a green clubtail dragon.
Signets are magical abilities that characters in Fourth Wing possess once their essence combines with their dragon’s magic. Each signet is unique and reflects the character's personality and strengths. These abilities play a crucial role in the plot, often determining the outcome of key events.
The professors in Fourth Wing are mentors and guides for our characters. They each bring their own expertise and personality to the story, shaping the characters' development, but not without some spice of their own!
Professor Markham is a Scribe, and Violet’s mentor before she enters the Riders Quadrant. He runs the daily Battle Brief and is fully aware of the conspiracy to conceal Navarre’s true history.
Professor Devera is a rider, running Battle Brief alongside Markham. However, unlike Markham, Deverra chooses to out the Navarrian government and sides with her rebel students once the moment comes.
Professor Emetterio is responsible for the physical training of cadets, overseeing sparring sessions. Despite his professional demeanor, as he mentioned to Violet “he doesn’t have favorites, but if he did…”
Professor Carr guides cadets to harnessing and controlling the power of their signets after they bond with their dragons. He will push cadets to their limits since, like everything at Basgiath, it’s do or die.
Professor Kaori is in charge of teaching cadets about dragons. Fascinated by dragonkind, Professor Kaori will try to learn anything and everything about dragons, even to his detriment. However, he will not stand by injustice.
From Violet Sorrengail's transformation from a hopeful scribe to a powerful dragon rider to Xaden Rhiorson's deadly and strategic mind, every character brings something special to the story and makes it so worth the hype!
Curious to know which "Fourth Wing" character you resemble the most? Take our quiz to find out if you're more like Violet, Xaden, or another beloved character! And if you want to talk more about books, join our bookish community at crewfiction and dive deeper into the world of "Fourth Wing."
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