Norton's characters are clearly perceived in the reader's imagination, and not as a result of detailed descriptions and exposition by the author. The characters become lifelike through their actions, through their approaches to problem-solving, and through brief physical description. Kincar, for example, is introduced in the third paragraph and is described as dressed in "soft suard fur"; he is not a giant but "well muscled" and endowed with sixfingered hands. From there on his personality, the quickness of his mind, emerges through his actions and his words.

Norton also deftly handles the characterization of Jord, Kincar's rival for stewardship of the "Holding"; Wurd, the ruler who is near death; and people whom Kincar meets on his journey such as Lord Dillan, Jonathal s'Kinston, and Vulth s'Marc. The believability of the characters facilitates the reader's acceptance of the strange names and languages invented by the author.