Fourth Wing characters bring depth and vibrancy to Rebecca Yarros’ compelling narrative. Each character contributes uniquely to the story, set in the rigorous Riders’ Quadrant at Basgiath War College.
From the determined Violet Sorrengail to the enigmatic Xaden Riorson, these characters navigate a world filled with challenges, loyalty, and ambition. Join us as we look into the lives and roles of these fascinating characters.
What is Fourth Wing?
Fourth Wing, a 2023 fantasy novel by Rebecca Yarros, has captivated readers with its rich world-building, complex characters and gripping plot. Set in the world of Basgiath War College, the story intricately weaves themes of duty, loyalty, and personal growth against a backdrop of political intrigue and magical warfare.
“Fourth Wing” follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman with a frail physique who aspires to be a scribe like her late father. However, her mother, a formidable general, forces her to join the Riders’ Quadrant to become a dragon rider, a path fraught with danger and high expectations due to her family’s legacy.
Her older sister, Mira, is already a celebrated rider, while her late brother, Brennan, was a talented strategist.
As Violet prepares for Conscription Day, a dangerous initiation into the Riders’ Quadrant, she faces the daunting task of training for Threshing, where dragons choose their riders. Despite surviving Conscription Day, Violet struggles with rigorous training, physical challenges, and the hostility of fellow cadets who see her as weak.
Violet finds solace and support from her childhood friend, Dain Aetos, and her new ally, Rhiannon Mathias. Her journey is further complicated by the threat of Xaden Riorson, whose father was executed by Violet’s mother, and who might seek revenge for the death of Violet’s brother.
Amidst adversity, rumours and plots against her, Violet’s determination and intelligence help her persevere. She aims to prove herself worthy of bonding with a dragon and earning her place in the Riders’ Quadrant, driven by an indomitable spirit to overcome all obstacles.
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List of Fourth Wing characters
Violet Sorrengail
Violet Sorrengail is the 20-year-old protagonist of the story. She is characterised by her pale and frail appearance, hazel eyes, and beautiful brown hair that fades to silver at the tips.
Violet has a condition similar to modern-day Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects her joints and causes her considerable pain. Initially trained to become a Scribe by her father, Violet’s life takes an unexpected turn when her mother insists she join the Riders’ Quadrant at Basgiath War College to become a dragon rider.
Xaden Riorson
Xaden Riorson, a 23-year-old leader for the Fourth Wing at Basgiath War College, is a striking figure. He is tall with onyx eyes flecked with gold, black hair, and dark eyebrows. His strong jawline and tawny skin give him a commanding presence, further accentuated by a diagonal scar that runs through his left eyebrow and touches the top corner of his cheek. Xaden is marked by a rebellion relic, hinting at a complex and possibly tumultuous past.
General Lilith Sorrengail
General Lilith Sorrengail, Violet’s mother, is a formidable presence within Basgiath War College. As a Rider, she is tall, strong, and muscular, with short golden-brown hair kept practical for combat. Lilith carries an air of arrogance and authority, reflecting her high-ranking position and her demanding nature, particularly in her expectations for Violet.
Mr Sorrengail
Mr Sorrengail, Violet’s father, was a Scribe who dedicated his life to training Violet for the same role. He played a significant part in shaping her early aspirations and scholarly pursuits. Unfortunately, he passed away from heart failure, leaving Violet to navigate her mother’s contrasting expectations and the challenges of her new path alone.
Mira Sorrengail
Mira Sorrengail, Violet’s older sister, is a Lieutenant and a distinguished Rider. She is tall, muscular, and radiates health, with her golden-brown hair cut short for ease in combat.
Brennan Sorrengail
Brennan Sorrengail, Violet’s older brother, was a brilliant strategist who died in the Battle of Aretia, killed by Xaden’s father. His tactical genius was well-regarded, and his death left a significant void.
General Melgren
General Melgren is the top military leader in Navarre, known for his cold, calculating nature. His beady eyes reflect his ruthless efficiency. He ordered the execution of the rebellion leaders and his dragon created the rebellion relics that mark the participants.
Dain Aetos
Dain Aetos has been Violet’s closest friend since childhood. He has soft brown eyes, sandy-brown hair, and a scar on his chin. As a second-year rider at Basgiath War College and a squad leader, Dain provides vital support to Violet.
King Tauri
King Tauri rules the Kingdom of Navarre. He is easily recognisable by his toothy smile and distinctive moustache, symbolising his regal presence and authority.
Fen Riorson
Fen Riorson, known as The Great Betrayer, is Xaden’s father. He led the Tyrrish uprising, called the apostasy, and was executed after losing the Battle of Aretia.
Rhiannon Matthias
Rhiannon Matthias is a first-year student in the Riders Quadrant and a friend of Violet’s. Hailing from the Morraine Province, Rhiannon has dark skin, high cheekbones, and an oval face. She features brown eyes and wears her dark brown hair in several rows of short braids.
Raegan
Raegan is Rhiannon’s twin sister. She is married and resides with her family in the Morraine Province.
Sawyer
Sawyer is a tall, lean first-year cadet with a fair complexion and scattered freckles. He has an athletic build. After failing to bond with a dragon during the Threshing ceremony, Sawyer is repeating his first year in hopes of successfully forming a connection with a dragon.
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Ridoc
Ridoc is a friend of both Violet and Rhiannon. He has dark brown hair and brown skin. Ridoc is shorter in stature and is known for his calm demeanour, often using humour to defuse tense situations.
Jack Barlowe
Jack Barlowe is one of Violet’s adversaries, characterised by his glacial blue eyes and thick blond eyebrows. He has a large, imposing frame that adds to his intimidating presence.
Imogen
Imogen is a second-year student in the Fourth Wing, recognised by her distinctive half-shaved, half-pink hairstyle and the rebellion relic coiled around her forearm. She is taller than Violet and has a toned physique with striking pale green eyes. Imogen’s unique style is further highlighted by hooped piercings lining both her ears.
Liam Mairi
Liam Mairi is a friend and protector of Violet, as well as Xaden Riorson’s foster brother. He is tall, with spiky blond hair, strong features, and sky-blue eyes. Liam’s prominent nose and the dimple that appears when he smiles add to his distinctive look.
Garrick
Garrick is one of Xaden’s closest friends and serves as a third-year rider and section leader. He is tall with dark hair, wide shoulders and a muscular build. Garrick also bears the second-largest rebellion relic, indicating his significant role in past conflicts.
Bodhi Durran
Bodhi Durran, Xaden’s cousin, is a handsome figure with tawny brown skin and black curls. His bronzed skin and strong brow line give him a striking appearance, though his features are softer and more approachable.
Naolin
Naolin was Tairn’s previous rider who perished during the Battle of Aretia while attempting to save Brennan. His bravery and sacrifice are remembered as part of the ongoing conflict’s tragic history.
Oren Seifert
Oren Seifert is a cadet who harbours significant jealousy towards Violet, making him one of her enemies. His antagonistic behaviour adds to the challenges Violet faces.
Jesinia Neilwart
Jesinia Neilwart is a Scribe in the Scribes Quadrant and a good friend of Violet’s. Known for her bright eyes, Jesinia uses sign language to communicate, highlighting her unique presence in the story.
Amber Mavis
Amber Mavis is the ringleader for the Third Wing at Basgiath War College. With strawberry-blond hair and blue eyes, she is a striking figure. Amber was close friends with Dain Aetos, adding depth to her relationships within the narrative.
Sloane Mairi
Sloane Mairi is Liam’s sister, due to enter the Riders Quadrant next year. Known for her strength, quickness, and good balance, Sloane is poised to make her mark.
Colonel Aetos
Colonel Aetos is Dain Aetos’s father and a close advisor to General Lilith Sorrengail, Violet’s mother. His role as an advisor adds a layer of political and familial complexity to the story.
Nolon
Nolon is an 84-year-old rider with the extremely rare signet of a mender. He has bright white teeth and brown skin, and his healing abilities are notable within the narrative.
Winifred
Winifred is Nolon’s wife and a healer from the Healer Quadrant. Her role as a healer complements Nolon’s abilities, making them a formidable pair within the story.
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