Uperi (She/her) -- One of the main characters. Struggles with the Village beliefs without testing them outright -- at first.

Apo (He/him) -- The other main character. Has known Uperi all his life. Outwardly follows the Village's beliefs while concealing deeply felt doubt.

Mehter (She/her) -- Apo's first wife and one of Uperi's main confidants.

Swesor (She/her) -- Apo's second wife and one of Uperi's best friends.

Apo's brother (He/him) -- Uperi's fiancee. Died mysteriously after their engagement. Has a strained relationship with Apo.

The Seer (They/them) -- The mystical, spiritual leader of the Village. They are the supreme ruler of spirituality in the village. A conduit for the spirits.

Spirits -- Nebulous gods, of sorts, that determine destinies, cultural norms, and social expectations.

Apprentices -- A group of individuals chosen by the Elders to work for the Seer, to help them in spiritual matters in the Village.

The Elders -- A powerful group of individuals that oversee both spiritual and secular matters, though they defer to the Seer when it comes to the spirits.

-----

FAQ

1) Why doesn't Apo's brother have a name? -- Here's my reasoning on Apo's brother's (lack of a) name: I think he doesnt have a name because, throughout the story, he's this overhanging, nebulous figure that haunts Apo because of what he did during the manhood rite of passage. I liked that feeling, that ominous, half-known presence, and I felt like if I gave him a name, it would make him more real, which I didn't want.

2) Will there be a sequel? -- Based on the themes I was trying to convey, the story reached a natural end. I will not be writing a sequel. The cycle of belief and sacrifice and doubt continued again, and will continue always.