Lyra

Lyra is an intelligent and bold girl who grew up at Jordan College, Oxford. It is initially said that Lyra's parents were Baron and Baroness Belacqua, who were killed in an air ship accident; this is not true. Lyra's real parents are Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter. Lyra's daemon, Pantalaimon, should be considered part of Lyra, and not a separate character, because 'Pan' often serves to create physical manifestations of Lyra's thoughts. After learning about the North, Lyra is obsessed with the destination, and goes as a result of fate. She is the only character that can read the "Golden Compass," or alethiometer, and this ability gives her power, which she uses only when necessary. There is a greater purpose for Lyra's power, and, although this is alluded to throughout the book, the reader never knows the ultimate significance of Lyra's abilities.

Lord Asriel

A powerful man with...