Iris
Iris Winnow, an eighteen-year-old high school dropout turned journalist emerges as the beating heart of the narrative with a compelling blend of vulnerability and strength. Struggling to make ends meet and care for her alcoholic mother, Aster, Iris's life takes a transformative turn when her older brother, Forest, enlists in the war. Fueled by a relentless determination to find him, Iris joins the Inkridden Tribune as a war correspondent, embarking on a journey that not only unravels the harsh realities of trench warfare but also showcases her resilience in the face of adversity.
Her character is marked by a deep sense of empathy as seen in her commitment to writing letters for soldiers and forming genuine connections with those around her like Attie and Marisol. Iris's vulnerability shines through her letters to her brother, penned on her nan's Alouette typewriter, revealing a raw and emotional depth that captures the essence of her internal struggles.
Roman
Roman C. Kitt is a nineteen-year-old journalist with charm and wit. Hailing from a privileged background, Roman forsakes his family's expectations and abandons his dreams of a literature degree to pursue a career in journalism. Initially engaged to Elinor Little, his character undergoes a transformative journey as he becomes a war correspondent alongside Iris.
His selfless acts such as shielding Iris during explosions and climbing hills with a wounded leg solely for her, showcase a profound devotion that melts the heart. Roman's character unfolds with complexity as he juggles his identity as Carver, the mysterious correspondent to whom Iris writes letters, revealing a depth of emotion and vulnerability that contrasts with his confident exterior. His decision to break off his engagement with Elinor and his courageous pursuit of Iris reflects his willingness to challenge societal expectations for the sake of love.
Forest
Forest is the older brother of Iris Winnow. Enlisting to fight in the war on behalf of the Skyward god Enva, Forest's character is initially shrouded in uncertainty as Iris writes heartfelt letters to him using her deceased nan's Alouette typewriter. Despite Forest's absence, his influence looms large over Iris's life, serving as the catalyst for her journey into the war zone in search of him.
The revelation of Forest's survival, his injuries at the front lines, and his subsequent transformation into a servant and war correspondent for the Underling god Dacre add layers to his character. Forest's resilience becomes evident as he breaks free from Dacre's control, a feat fueled by the discovery of Iris's golden locket in the trenches. His actions unveil a brotherly love that transcends the boundaries of war, offering Iris both closure and a profound understanding of his struggle.
Dacre
Dacre, an Underling god engaged in a war with Skyward gods emerges as a formidable and malevolent force in the narrative. The initial war between the Underling and Skyward gods sets the stage for Dacre's vengeful pursuit of war in the West. His actions such as healing Forest's injuries and compelling him to serve in his army, showcase a manipulative and menacing side to Dacre's character.
The presence of monstrous flying eithrals and hounds under his control adds a layer of terror to the war-torn world, creating constant threats for characters like Iris and Attie. Dacre's role becomes pivotal in shaping the overarching conflict in the story, as his forces close in on Avalon Bluff, triggering the evacuation siren and intensifying the narrative's climax.
Aster
Aster, the mother of Iris Winnow emerges as a poignant and troubled figure within the narrative. Struggling with alcohol addiction, Aster's character sets the tone for the challenges Iris faces in her daily life. As a single mother, Aster's presence looms over the Winnow household, casting a shadow on Iris's aspirations and adding a layer of responsibility on her shoulders. The untimely death of Aster serves as a pivotal moment in Iris's life, depleting her emotional anchor and pushing her to seek solace and purpose in the war-torn world beyond Oath.
Enva
Enva is a Skyward god entangled in a war with Underling gods. The initial conflict between the Underling and Skyward gods, leading to the slumber of most divine entities and the subsequent awakening of Dacre and Enva, shapes the overarching backdrop of the story.
Enva's allegiance prompts Forest, Iris's brother, to enlist in the war, becoming a pawn in the divine struggle. Enva's character, while mysterious, symbolizes the larger cosmic conflict at play, serving as a catalyst for both divine and mortal struggles.
Attie
Attie is introduced as another war correspondent alongside Iris at Avalon Bluff. She provides a supportive and enduring presence in Iris's tumultuous journey. Their friendship becomes a source of solace and strength in the challenging environment of war reporting.
Attie's character is defined by a blend of resilience and camaraderie as seen in their shared efforts to tend to Marisol's garden and their collective bond in facing the daily dangers of the war, including Dacre's monstrous flying eithrals and hounds.
Marisol
Marisol is the owner of the bed-and-breakfast where Iris resides at Avalon Bluff. Marisol's dedication to tending the garden, aiming for perfection in anticipation of Keegan's return from the front lines, underscores her enduring hope amidst the wartime challenges. Marisol's connection with Iris and Attie as they collectively tend to the garden, showcases her ability to foster bonds even in the face of external threats like Dacre's flying eithrals and hounds.
Keegan
Keegan, the wife of Marisol is introduced as a soldier returning from the front lines to Avalon Bluff. Her character embodies the sacrifice and bravery of those directly engaged in the war. Keegan's arrival with her platoon not only brings a sense of impending danger but also serves as a source of hope for the characters in Avalon Bluff. Her commitment to defending the town and the revelation of Forest's survival in a letter addressed to Iris demonstrate Keegan's importance to the unfolding events.
