I kept seeing Fourth Wing everywhere on BookTok, Instagram, and even my best friend wouldn’t stop talking about it. So, I finally gave in and picked it up, and wow. I was not prepared for how emotionally attached I’d get to the characters. Now I can’t stop thinking about them, their personalities, their relationships, their dragons! If you’re here because you’re obsessed too or just curious about the buzz, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll break down all the major Fourth Wing characters from Violet and Xaden to the unforgettable dragons and side characters who make this story so powerful. Whether you’re just starting the series or finished it in one sitting and need a refresher, this guide will help you understand who’s who and why they matter. Let’s dive in and explore what makes these Fourth Wing characters so loved (and sometimes hated) by readers everywhere.
Violet Sorrengail “The Reluctant Heroine”
The story centers on Violet Sorrengail, the main character, compelled by her mother to join the Rider Quadrant despite her delicate build and scholarly background. While she may not have great physical strength, Violet compensates with wit, cleverness, and resilience.
- Dragons: Tairn and Andarna
- Signets: Summoning lightning, stopping time
- Role: Protagonist, dragon rider, love interest of Xaden
- Key Traits: Determined, clever, vulnerable yet fierce
Violet’s journey from underdog to powerful rider is central to the narrative and resonates with readers who love growth arcs. She’s not just a warrior, she’s a strategist and survivor in a brutal system.
Xaden Riorson “The Shadowy Protector”
Next in line is Xaden Riorson, the brooding and rebellious leader of the marked cadets. With a complex family history and a chip on his shoulder, Xaden is more than just Violet’s love interest he’s a layered character battling with duty, emotion, and rebellion.
- Dragon: Sgaeyl
- Signet: Shadow manipulation
- Role: Antagonist-turned-lover, rebellion leader
- Key Traits: Stoic, loyal, strategic, intense
Xaden’s emotional walls slowly crumble as his relationship with Violet evolves, giving readers a rich and dynamic romance layered with conflict and passion.
Jack Barlowe “The Unhinged Rival”
Every great story needs a villain, and Jack Barlowe fits the bill. Jack is aggressive, dangerous, and outright violent he views Violet as weak and attempts to kill her on more than one occasion.
- Dragon: Baide (scorpiontail)
- Signet: Inflicting pain
- Role: Antagonist
- Key Traits: Ruthless, unpredictable, hostile
Jack’s presence in the story heightens the stakes and reminds us that survival isn’t guaranteed at Basgiath.
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The Dragons: Fierce, Loyal, and Hilarious
Dragons are more than beasts in Fourth Wing; they are characters with personalities, alliances, and histories of their own. Let’s take a look at the major dragons that shape the story.
Tairn
Violet’s main bonded dragon, Tairn, is a huge black dragon with a sharp wit and a strong sense of honor.
Andarna
Violet’s secondary dragon, Andarna, is a young feathertail who can stop time—a rare ability in dragonkind.
Sgaeyl
Bonded with Xaden, Sgaeyl is a fierce blue daggertail and Tairn’s mate.
Feirge
Green daggertail belonging to Rhiannon Matthias, Violet’s best friend.
Deigh, Aortrom, Baide, Teine, Smachd
These dragons belong to Liam, Ridoc, Jack, Mira, and Professor Kaori, respectively. Each has unique traits and fighting abilities that influence their rider’s success and survival.
Dain Aetos “The Childhood Friend Turned Complication”
Dain Aetos is Violet’s longtime friend and a devoted soldier. His intentions might be good, but his choices often get in the way of Violet’s independence.
- Dragon: Cath
- Signet: Memory reading
- Role: Complicated ally
- Key Traits: Protective, blind to change, idealistic
While Dain may not be a fan-favorite, he represents the safety of the past and the challenge of moving forward.
Rhiannon Matthias “The Loyal Companion”
Every heroine needs a loyal friend, and Rhiannon is exactly that. Brave, smart, and unwavering, she helps Violet both emotionally and physically.
- Dragon: Feirge
- Signet: Object summoning
- Role: Best friend, trusted ally
- Key Traits: Grounded, supportive, powerful
Rhiannon brings balance and warmth to the otherwise intense environment of Basgiath.
Mira & Brennan Sorrengail “Violet’s Siblings”
Violet’s siblings show two sides of the family legacy.
Mira
A commanding military leader, protective of Violet, and bonded with the dragon Teine. Her signet allows her to cast shields.
Brennan
Presumed dead, Brennan re-emerges as a healer and a strategist. His signet Mending is a powerful form of healing magic.
These siblings ground Violet’s story and remind readers of the emotional stakes behind every battle.
General Lilith Sorrengail “The Iron-Willed Mother”
Lilith is both a symbol of discipline and emotional trauma. As the mother who forced Violet into the Rider Quadrant, she represents the harsh world Violet must learn to thrive in.
- Dragon: Aimsir
- Signet: Storm control
- Role: Authority figure, emotional antagonist
- Key Traits: Cold, powerful, relentless
She’s a reminder of the pressure and expectations placed on those born into power.
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Liam Mairi, Ridoc Gamlyn “Underrated Fan Favorites”
Liam
Fostered alongside Xaden, Liam becomes Violet’s unofficial bodyguard. His dragon, Deigh, and his farsight signet make him a critical fighter.
Ridoc
Recognized for his wit and charisma, Ridoc’s dragon Aortrom and his ice signet add strength and balance to the battlefield.
These two add depth, camaraderie, and humanity to Violet’s journey.
Professors and Mentors of Basgiath
Professor Carr
A harsh teacher of signet control and Basgiath’s executioner.
Professor Kaori
Specialist in dragonkind, curious but controversial.
Professor Markham & Devera
Scribes and Battle Briefs leaders. Markham is entangled in government secrets, while Devera is more straightforward.
These instructors shape the cadets but also hide secrets that may change the future of Navarre.
Fourth Wing Characters: Why They Matter
What makes the Fourth Wing characters stand out isn’t just their abilities or dragons, it’s their humanity. They struggle, love, fight, and grow under extreme pressure. Their flaws and triumphs resonate with readers, making them feel alive and real.
Whether you’re cheering for Violet and Xaden’s relationship, sobbing over unexpected losses, or just obsessed with dragon lore, this cast delivers emotional highs and unforgettable moments.
Final Thoughts: Who’s Your Favorite Fourth Wing Character?
With such a rich tapestry of personalities, dragons, and emotional dynamics, it’s no wonder Fourth Wing is taking the fantasy world by storm. Whether you love the strategic brains of Violet, the protective fire of Xaden, or the loyalty of dragons like Tairn and Sgaeyl, each character adds something powerful to the story.
Stay tuned for the next book and more twists, betrayals, and dragons to come.
FAQs about Fourth Wing characters
Are there art of the Fourth Wing characters?
Yes, there is both official and fan-created art of Fourth Wing characters. Many readers share their interpretations of Violet, Xaden, Rhiannon, and others, often alongside their dragons.
Which dragons are bonded with the Fourth Wing characters?
- Violet Sorrengail Tairn (a powerful black dragon) and Andarna (a golden dragon).
- Xaden Riorson Sgaeyl (a sleek, silver dragon).
- Rhiannon Matheson Feirge.
- Other cadets also form bonds, though Violet and Xaden’s dragons are among the most central.
Who are the villains in Fourth Wing?
The main villains are those opposing Violet and the rebellion, including leadership at Basgiath War College and figures connected to the empire’s darker secrets. Specific antagonists shift as the story develops, but betrayal, manipulation, and political power struggles drive much of the conflict.
Who is Violet in Fourth Wing?
Violet Sorrengail is the main protagonist of Fourth Wing. Initially considered too physically fragile to be a dragon rider, she proves herself through intelligence, resilience, and eventually bonds with not one but two dragons.
Who are the main male characters in Fourth Wing?
Key male characters include:
- Xaden Riorson Violet’s love interest and a skilled rider bonded with Sgaeyl.
- Dain Aetos Violet’s childhood friend, known for his protective but often controlling behavior.
- Garrick Tavis Loyal to Xaden, often serving as second-in-command among the rebellion group.
- Other riders appear, but these play the strongest roles.
Who is Garrick in Fourth Wing?
Garrick Tavis is one of Xaden’s closest allies. He is a strong male rider, respected within the rebellion, and plays a key supporting role in Violet’s journey.
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