Kerr's deep and opulent portrayals of her major characters—especially Nevyn, Jill, Rhodry, and Cullyn—are among the novel's greatest strengths. Although each is clearly a product of their times, they also demonstrate positive modern sensibilities regarding such things as respect for women and those of lower social station. These attitudes set them apart from their medieval setting.

Among the primary themes of Daggerspell are honor, loyalty, and responsibility. All of the more admirable noblemen are driven by a highly complex system of honor that confines their actions at every step of their lives. Although much of that honor system deals with the waging of war or other violent challenges to their authority, it also extends to treating loyal subjects with respect. The importance of loyalty, both between noblemen and between rulers and their subjects, is also a major theme. But the...