Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series is a fantasy romance saga that thrusts readers into the elite Basgiath War College for dragon riders. The series begins with Fourth Wing, released in 2023, which introduces Violet Sorrengail, a protagonist forced by her powerful mother to abandon her dream of becoming a scribe and train as a dragon rider. Violet faces intense physical and political challenges in a cutthroat environment where only the strongest survive. The series continues with Iron Flame, exploring complex relationships, fierce rivalries, and high-octane adventures within the war college. Notable characters include Violet Sorrengail, a compelling heroine with inner strength and resilience; Kieran Athlan, a charismatic dragon rider with a mysterious past; and Seth Baldwin, Violet's fiercely loyal ally and potential love interest. As the series unfolds, these characters confront moral dilemmas, intricate alliances, and deadly confrontations that shape their destinies and the fate of their world. With excerpts from the book and artists' renderings (courtesy of booknuts_ on Instagram), you can visualize the Empyrean world like never before. Read on and vote for the most striking character depictions.
About this list
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Who They Are: Rhiannon Matthias.Rhiannon Matthias is a second-year rider at Basgiath War College. She is Violet Sorrengail's best friend. As a member of the Riders Quadrant, she shows steadfastness and skill. Rhiannon becomes Squad Leader in the Fourth Wing's Flame Section. Loyal and driven, Rhiannon excels in schoolwork and fighting. She shows the traits of a strong, supportive ally. Her story shows her resilience and leadership while she handles dragon riding problems.
The book shows Rhiannon Matthias.Rhiannon Matthias has high cheekbones and an oval face. This reminds Violet of Amari, the queen of the gods. She has dark skin and brown eyes. Her shoulder-length dark brown hair has short braids styled in several rows. She pins the hair into a small bun at the back of her neck during sparring. Her fighting gear includes a leather vest. The vest cuts above her collarbone and secures at her neck, leaving her shoulders bare for better movement. She wears size 8 shoes.71 - 2

Who They Are: Violet Sorrengail.Violet Sorrengail is a determined dragon rider. She bonds with the dragons Tairn and Andarna. She is the youngest daughter of General Lilith Sorrengail. Violet was a former star student in her father's scribe training. Despite physical issues from a condition affecting her ligaments and joints, Violet shows great intelligence, bravery, and kindness. Her time at Basgiath War College shows her resilience and smart planning. This earns her awards in school and dragon riding.
The book shows Violet Sorrengail.Violet Sorrengail has brown hair that turns silver-gray at the ends because of a rare condition. Her pale blue eyes and light hazel skin make her look delicate. This appearance comes from a fever her mother caught during pregnancy. Though fragile, Violet stays strong and agile. She often wears her hair braided into a crown for ease during fights. She also has a dragon relic tattoo on her back. The tattoo shows a black dragon flying with a golden shimmering dragon silhouette at its center.59 - 3

Who They Are: Xaden Riorson.Xaden Riorson is a third-year rider and wingleader of the Fourth Wing at Basgiath War College. He shows tactical smarts and leadership skills. Xaden bonds with the dragon Sgaeyl and uses shadow-based magic. Xaden has a complicated past involving the Tyrrish Rebellion. He carries the duty for 107 separatist children. His bond with Violet Sorrengail forms the center of the story. Their relationship mixes tension and mutual respect as they face challenges from their linked fates.
The book shows Xaden Riorson.Xaden Riorson has windblown black hair, dark brows, and eyes like gold-flecked onyx. His skin shows a tawny-brown tone, and dark stubble lines his jaw. A scar cuts his left eyebrow, ending at his cheek, and a dark, shimmering rebellion relic wraps from his left wrist to his collar and jawline. One hundred seven scars mark his back, showing his tie to the 107 separatist children.55 - 4

Who They Are: Sawyer Henrick is a cadet at Basgiath War College in the Riders Quadrant. He shows perseverance and resourcefulness. Sawyer initially fails to bond with a dragon during his first year. He quietly repeats the year. Sawyer eventually bonds with the red swordtail dragon, Sliseag. Sawyer is intelligent and athletic. He excels in physical challenges like the Gauntlet. Sawyer takes on leadership roles among the first-year cadets. Despite facing big battles and losing a leg in the Battle of Basgiath, his determination and strong sense of duty earn him the position of Iron Squad's Executive Officer.Sawyer Henrick is a cadet at Basgiath War College in the Riders Quadrant. He shows perseverance and resourcefulness. He initially fails to bond with a dragon during his first year. Sawyer quietly repeats the year. Sawyer bonds with the red swordtail dragon, Sliseag. Sawyer is intelligent and athletic. He excels in physical challenges like the Gauntlet. Sawyer takes on leadership roles among the first-year cadets. Sawyer faces big battles and loses a leg in the Battle of Basgiath. His determination and strong sense of duty earn him the position of Iron Squad's Executive Officer.
How The Book Describes Them: (No description provided in input)Sawyer Henrick is tall, lean, and wiry with a light complexion. Freckles cover his face and run along his jaw, visible even with a day's growth of brown stubble. His brown hair adds to his look. Sawyer's physical toughness and athletic build stand out, especially given the hard training and combat at Basgiath War College.34 - 5

Who They Are: General Lilith Sorrengail.General Lilith Sorrengail commands Basgiath War College. She has an unyielding, merciless nature. Lilith holds great power and respect in Navarre's military. After her husband died, Lilith grew distant from her family. Still, she fiercely protects her children, especially Violet, whom she forces into the Riders Quadrant despite physical issues. Her strategy and leadership helped her capture the leaders of the Tyrrish Rebellion, making her a major force in the series.
How The Book Describes Them: (No description provided in input)Lilith has short brown hair for fighting. Lilith usually wears polished black boots matching the riders' uniform, showing her authority and discipline. Violet often sees physical strength and combat readiness between Lilith and her sister Mira.32 - 6

Who They Are: Liam Mairi.Liam Mairi is a first-year rider at Basgiath War College. He grew up with Xaden Riorson after their parents were executed leading a rebellion. The foster brothers form a strong bond. Liam learns to fight under Xaden's guidance to prepare for conscription into the Riders Quadrant. Liam becomes a trusted ally and constant shadow to Violet Sorrengail. He offers his unwavering support and friendship. His Signet is Farsight; this lets him see far and through things like fog, which proves useful in their battles.
The book shows them like this.Liam has spiky light blond hair and blue eyes. A prominent nose gives him distinct features. A dimple appears when he smiles, adding charm to his imposing look. His skin shows a rebellion relic starting at his wrist and going under his tunic sleeve, marking his connection to the rebellion.31 - 7

Mira Sorrengail is a character.Mira Sorrengail is a fiercely determined dragon rider. She is the eldest daughter of General Lilith Sorrengail. Mira shows exceptional combat skills and a strategic mind. She earned the Order of the Talon for her heroism at the Battle of Strythemore. Mira keeps a complex relationship with her family, showing loyalty and occasional fighting with her brother Brennan and sister Violet. Mira protects Violet, commissioning special rider gear for her, showing deep family ties.
The book shows Mira Sorrengail like this.Mira Sorrengail has golden-brown hair cut short for combat, like her mother's style. She has warm brown eyes. Mira is tall and muscular, toned from sparring and riding her dragon. Her strong hands and powerful build show her hard training and experience. Her glowing health shows only one scar from her dragon, Teine, from Threshing, which shows her skill and toughness as a rider.27 - 8

Jack Barlowe is a character.Jack Barlowe is a first-year rider at Basgiath War College and a former rider of the dragon Baide. From the start, Jack acts ruthless and ambitious. He seeks to prove his dominance by eliminating weaker candidates, including aiming to kill Violet Sorrengail. Jack's aggressive, merciless nature shows as he often causes casualties among cadets, reinforcing his belief that only the strong survive the Riders Quadrant. Jack returns after seemingly dying when Violet collapses a mountain on him, showing a change that complicates his loyalties and goals.
The book shows Jack Barlowe like this.Jack Barlowe has thick blond hair and glacial blue eyes that show cold intensity. His massive frame shows strength; he effortlessly tosses a rider off the parapet and snaps a cadet's neck during assessment day. His face turns red when enraged, and red rims appear around his eyes, showing his change and inner turmoil. These traits, plus his aggressive attitude, make him a scary figure at Basgiath War College.26 - 9

Ridoc Gamlyn is in the list 'What 'Fourth Wing' Characters Look Like In The Books'.He uses humor and sharp wit. He often provides comedy for Violet Sorrengail's squad. He remains fiercely loyal and protects his friends. His Signet lets him use ice, showing strong magic and good archery skills. Ridoc's ties with characters like Violet, Tyvon Varen, and Sawyer Henrick show deep bonds and firm commitment to his allies.
The book shows Ridoc Gamlyn's appearance.Ridoc Gamlyn has dark brown hair that falls on his forehead as he walks. His skin is brown, matching his hair. Ridoc is shorter. His smaller size matches Aurelie, but he is twice as wide and half a foot taller than his squadmate Tynan. Over seven weeks in the Riders Quadrant, Ridoc gains muscle, becoming less lean and more formidable.26 - 10

Imogen Cardulo is in the list 'What 'Fourth Wing' Characters Look Like In The Books'.Imogen Cardulo is a third-year rider at Basgiath War College and a close ally of Xaden Riorson. She shows loyalty and strategic skill. She plays a big role in the rebellion with other executed separatist children, like Garrick Tavis and Bodhi Durran. Imogen's combat skills and strong Signet ability make her a tough member of the Riders Quadrant. Her talks with Violet Sorrengail reveal her sharp wit and supportive nature, often giving good ideas and friendship.
The book shows Imogen Cardulo's appearance.Imogen Cardulo has dark brown skin and brown eyes. She has short black curls; the sides of her hair are shaved, giving her a tough look. Sharp, defined features complete her physical presence, adding to her intimidating aura. Her look, plus her piercing gaze, shows her role as a strong third-year rider and a loyal rebel member.12 - 11

General Melgren is in the list 'What 'Fourth Wing' Characters Look Like In The Books'.General Augustine Melgren commands all Navarre armies. He rides the black dragon Codagh. Melgren uses ruthless tactics. He ordered dragonfire executions for Tyrrish Rebellion leaders. His Signet, Battle Foresight, lets him see battle outcomes early, though it has limits. Melgren’s authority shapes series events, affecting moments like the Threshing.
The book describes General Melgren.Beady, calculating eyes show General Augustine Melgren's strategic and manipulative nature. These eyes build his imposing, stern look, matching his reputation for ruthlessness. The books show his actions and the respect he earns in Navarre's military show his commanding presence; other physical details remain sparse.10 - 12

Professor Carr is who he is.Professor Carr teaches cadets at Basgiath War College. He trains them to use signets, build shields, and master weaker magic. Carr uses a clinical, direct style. He stresses the speed and amount of magical strikes over perfect accuracy. Despite his harshness, he trains Violet Sorrengail, especially when her lightning powers show. His actions show a practical focus on cadet survival and the war effort, making him a complex figure.
The book describes Professor Carr.Professor Carr has thin white hair. This contrasts with his surprising strength and imposing presence. His stern, clinical attitude shows his no-nonsense teaching and discipline. His expression lacks kindness; he focuses only on results and observation. His look and bearing create an intimidating authority in the classroom.8 - 13

Dain Aetos is who he is.Dain is the rider of the dragon Cath. He was a former wingleader of the Fourth Wing at Basgiath War College. Dain grew up in a military family. Dain has been close friends with Violet Sorrengail since childhood. This deep bond strains under the pressures and moral choices they face at Basgiath. Dain shows dedication to rules and the Codex. Dain often fights between protecting Violet and the harsh world around them. Dain's loyalty changes to the Revolution after he finds the real threat to Navarre. This shift happens because of his actions to free Violet and the truths he learns.
The book describes Dain Aetos.Dain has close-cropped light-brown curls and hard-set, sandy-brown eyes. His tan complexion shows a scar peeking from his beard along his chin. This look shows Dain's shift from charming boy to a rugged, capable warrior; his trimmed beard and strong build highlight this change.4 - 14

Professor Emettorio's appearance is detailed.Professor Emetterio teaches athletics at Basgiath War College. He runs weekly sparring matches and Gauntlet practice. Emetterio projects an intimidating presence. He makes cadets train hard in physical combat and endurance. Emetterio shapes Basgiath students' physical skills, pushing them toward dragon rider challenges. His strict training builds cadet readiness for battle.
The book shows Professor Emettorio's look.Professor Emetterio has a compact frame and bushy black eyebrows. Sunlight hits his shaved head. He keeps a short black beard, adding to his stern, authoritative air. During Gauntlet practice, Emetterio often carries a small notebook and a pocket watch, likely to track results.1 - 15

Professor Kaori is described here.Professor Kaori is a Colonel instructor at Basgiath War College. He teaches Dragonkind. Kaori has a rare Signet ability as an Illusionist. This lets him project vivid illusions from his mind for others. He works well in teaching because he notices small shifts in his students' actions and skills. His dragon, Smachd, defines his status in the Riders Quadrant.
The book describes Professor Kaori.Professor Kaori has dark eyes that cut down toward his nose, creating an intense, watchful look. He sports a perfectly trimmed mustache that curves when he smiles. These specific features mark his appearance, showing his authoritative and smart presence as a Basgiath War College teacher. His look and features make him a memorable, strong figure in the story.1
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