Introduction to Fourth Wing Characters
In the brutal realm crafted by Rebecca Yarros, the story dives deep into the lives of the riders at Basgiath War College, where survival is a constant struggle. Violet Sorrengail, the tough-as-talons daughter of a commanding general, must navigate a world teetering on the edge of chaos. With dragons scarce and the risk of death looming in every heartbeat, Violet’s journey is both inspiring and perilous. Her fragile body and small stature make her stand out among the candidates, who are all vying for success and a chance to bond with a dragon.
Amid failing protective wards and a rising death toll, Violet faces enemies like the ruthless Xaden Riorson, a powerful wingleader whose agenda is as secretive as it is dangerous. The stakes grow higher with the kingdom on the brink of war and ancient history hiding truths that could shatter everything. As Violet uses her wits to outsmart those who would see her fail, she must rise above fragile odds to forge her path in this dangerous yet captivating world.
Note: This article contains spoilers. If you haven’t read the book yet, you may want to skip reading it to avoid any surprises being revealed.
Fourth Wing characters.
In the book Fourth Wing, the main character, Violet Sorrengail, takes readers on an unforgettable journey as she narrates the majority of the story, offering deep insights into her world. Alongside her, Xaden Riorson, who narrates a small sliver toward the end, emerges as her compelling love interest. The narrative features a rich list of Fourth Wing characters, including those with minor parts and decent parts, all brought to life with vivid physical descriptions that highlight their unique traits. These main ones add depth and intrigue to the tale, making it a captivating experience for readers.
Violet Sorrengail:

Violet Sorrengail begins her journey in Fourth Wing as a young woman yearning for a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant, but fate, shaped by her mother, leads her down a different path. With her frail frame, pale skin, and pale hair fading to metallic silver, she stands out among the riders for being physically different and physically weaker. Despite these challenges, she proves her resilience through sheer determination, using her wits and knowledge to overcome rough training, perilous missions, and constant attempts on her life.
Violet’s greatest strengths lie in her ability to adapt and think differently, often relying on unconventional tactics that echo Xaden’s advice: “The right way isn’t the only way.” Her steely resolve helps her build trust, though any betrayal is met with swift consequences. Through her journey, Violet’s character reflects not just her will to survive but her drive to succeed in the most dangerous quadrants. Her pale eyes, flecked with ambers and blues, symbolize her ability to see beyond the obvious, making her a standout among her peers despite the embarrassing vulnerabilities of her body.
Xaden Riorson:

Xaden Riorson, a tall, striking figure with windblown black hair, dark brows, and warm tawny skin, commands attention with his gold-flecked onyx eyes and strong jaw framed by dark stubble. His carved features and the diagonal scar across his left eyebrow and cheek add to his jaw-dropping, almost sculpted appearance.
Known as the Wingleader at Basgiath War College, Xaden is a ruthless and cunning leader of the marked ones, bearing the weight of hundred and seven children’s marks from a failed uprise. His unwavering dedication to those he loves is both his strength and vulnerability, eliminating any threat to their safety. Beneath his intimidating exterior lies a keeper of secrets, a protector who takes them to the grave, embodying resilience and loyalty against all odds.
Dain Aetos

Dain Aetos is Violet‘s oldest friend and the child of a high-ranking officer, embodying qualities that make him both loyal and fiercely protective. Guided by his moral compass, Dain always strives to do what he believes is right, though he can sometimes be manipulated by the wrong information or circumstances. Despite these challenges, when the stakes are high, Dain will choose the right side, stand firm, and even fight to the death for his convictions.
Mira Sorrengail

Mira, as Violet’s sister, is fiercely loyal and strong. She is a true Sorrengail, born to ride, even though Violet was not. Mira protects her sister by standing up to their mother and offering her the dragon scale corset before the parapet. Brilliant and protective, Mira is someone you would not want to be on the wrong side of.
Liam Mairi

Liam Mairi stands out among the fourth wing characters for his loyal and charming nature. With his massive build, light-blond hair, prominent nose, and striking blue eyes, he is as physically imposing as he is warm-hearted. The sprawling rebellion relic that starts at his wrist and disappears beneath the sleeve of his tunic marks his role in the fight for freedom. A marked one like Xaden, Liam was fostered alongside him, forming deep bonds that shaped his mission to always protect those he cared about. His sense of humor and openness made him well-liked by friends and peers alike, while his bravery defined him.
Liam’s life was a testament to his values and his willingness to go to great lengths, even laying down his life, to safeguard his friendships. His unfortunate demise serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of true loyalty. Though he was built strong like Dain and as tall as Sawyer, it was his unwavering dedication and commitment that made him unforgettable. His story resonates with courage, reminding us of the sacrifices made for the greater good.
Imogen Cardulo

Imogen is known for her hostile demeanor and stubborn nature, yet deep inside, she’s a surprising softie. She’s fiercely committed to defend what she stands for and has the hot-headed determination of a true rebel, ready to crush enemies who oppose her. Her connection with Violet highlights her ability to mold others into formidable warriors, a skill she will gladly take credit for. Imogen’s character embodies a reckoned force, driven by her true values and unyielding resolve, both inside and out.
Rhiannon Matthias
Her dark brown hair is styled in short braids that fall in neat rows, gently brushing the deep, rich tone of her neck.
- Tairn (dragon)
- Andarna (dragon)
- Sgaeyl (dragon)
- Deigh (dragon)
- Ridoc
- Sawyer
- Dain Aetos
- Mira Sorrengail (Violet’s sister)
- Bodhi
- Garrick
- Imogen
- Jack Barlowe
- Tynan
- Oren Seifert
- Luca
- Pryor
- Aurelie
- Trina
- Nadine
- Dylan
- General Lilith Sorrengail (Violet’s mother)
- General Melgren
- Colonel Aetos
- Commandant Panchek
- King Tauri
- Professor Kaori
- Professor Emetterio
- Professor Carr
- Professor Markham
- Professor Devera
- Amber Mavis
- Quinn
- Emery
- Heaton
- Cianna
- Jesinia
- Soleil
- Syrena
- Captain Fitzgibbons
- Brennan Sorrengail
- Nolon
- Winifred
- Jeremiah
Fourth Wing dragons.
The dragons in Fourth Wing are not just part of the story; they are central to the book’s appeal, making it a truly powerful and spellbinding read. Among the key characters, we meet three main dragons whose names stand out: Tairneanach and Andarnaurram are unforgettable. As part of The Empyrean series, these dragons play a vital role in shaping the narrative. The novel also offers a list of other dragons, including their types, giving readers a deeper connection to this world. If you’re unsure how to pronounce some of these names, watching a video can be helpful. From the first encounter with these magnificent creatures, their significance as core ingredients of the tale becomes undeniable.
1. Tairn (Full Name: Tairneanach) – Black Morningstartail
Tairn, whose full name is Tairneanach, is an enormous black dragon with golden eyes, pointed spikes running down his neck like a mane, and hard-as-stone scales that showcase his formidable strength.
Descended from the Dubhmadhinn line and the son of Murtcuideam and Fiaclanfuil, Tairn is celebrated across Navarre and the Vale for his unmatched power, might, and courage. Known for his sharp sarcasm, witty snark, and profound wisdom, Tairn values cleverness and strength, which led him to bond with Violet Sorrengail when she bravely saves Andarna.
As a mated pair with Sgaeyl, he embodies loyalty and protection, unleashing the fury of thunder and reducing threats to cinders if anyone dares to harm Violet. His name, rooted in Scottish Gaelic, fittingly means “thunder.
2. Andarna (Full Name: Andarnaurram) – Golden Feathertail
Moreover, Andarna, also known as Andarnaurram, is a shiny, golden feathertail dragon with mesmerizing golden eyes. She stands only a few feet taller than Violet Sorrengail, making her one of the youngest dragons ever to have bonded with a rider. With her distinctive forked tail and paws instead of claws, she exudes a gentle yet protective demeanor.
Orphaned when her parents passed before she hatched, she found guidance from dragon elders, who took her under their wing. Known for her sweet and nurturing nature, this precious gold dragon is expected to mature into a fully-grown adult dragon, showcasing her evolution in future books of the series. Her name, rooted in Scottish Gaelic, means “the second honor.
3. Sgaeyl – Blue Daggertail
Sgaeyl is a navy-blue daggertail and the rarest of the blue dragons. Her tail has knifelike spikes at the tip, capable of disemboweling enemies with a flick. She is powerful, in active service, and praised by Professor Kaori. Sgaeyl has glistening blue horns, golden eyes, and a single talon at the top joint of her wings. She is from the Gormfaileas line, known for formidable size and strength. Sgaeyl chose Xaden for his scars and because he is the grandson of her second rider who did not survive the quadrant. Her mated pair is Tairn.
Complete List of Dragon Names and Types in Fourth Wing
- Tairneanach (Tairn): Black Morningstartail (bonded with Violet)
- Andarnaurram (Andarna): Golden Feathertail (bonded with Violet)
- Sgaeyl: Blue Daggertail (bonded with Xaden)
- Deigh: Red Daggertail (bonded with Liam)
- Teine: Green Daggertail (bonded with Mira)
- Feirge: Green Daggertail (bonded with Rhiannon)
- Aotrom: Brown Swordtail (bonded with Ridoc)
- Sliseag: Red Swordtail (bonded with Sawyer)
- Cath: Red Swordtail (bonded with Dain)
- Codagh: Black Swordtail (bonded with General Melgren)
- Claidh: Orange Daggertail (bonded with Amber Mavis)
- Fuil: Brown Clubtail (bonded with Soileil)
- Chradh: Brown Scorpiontail (bonded with Garrick)
- Baide: Orange Scorpiontail (bonded with Jack Barlowe)
- Aimsir: Brown [TBC] (bonded with General Lilith Sorrengail)
- Smachd: [Color and type TBC] (bonded with Professor Kaori)
A comprehensive chart of Fourth Wing dragons, their types, riders, colors, and signets.
Caution: Contains minor spoilers!
Curious about which dragons the Fourth Wing characters bond with? In Book One of The Empyrean Series, we learn that Violet forms a unique bond with two dragons—the fierce Tairn, a black morningstartail, and the sweet Andarna, a golden feathertail. This dragon pairing highlights their strengths and reveals their signets.
A handy chart provides a cheat sheet for every name, type, color, rider, and bond we know so far. While this information covers Fourth Wing, some gaps may be filled in future releases, like Iron Flame.
*Some Fourth Wing signets mentioned below are inferred from the book but inconclusive.
Dragon name | Dragon color | Dragon type | Rider/bonded with: | Signet power |
Tairneanach aka Tairn | Black | Morningstartail | Violet Sorrengail | Lightning wielder |
Andarnaurram aka Andarna | Golden | Feathertail | Violet Sorrengail | Stopping time (direct gift) |
Sgaeyl | Blue | Daggertail | Xaden Riorson | Shadow wielder |
Deigh | Red | Daggertail | Liam Mairi | Far sight |
Teine | Green | Daggertail | Mira Sorrengail | Extending wards & shrinking and enlarging things |
Feirge | Green | Daggertail | Rhiannon Matthias | Summoning |
Aotrom | Brown | Swordtail | Ridoc | Ice wielder |
Sliseag | Red | Swordtail | Sawyer | Metallurgy (i.e. Can manipulate metal) |
Cath | Red | Swordtail | Dain Aetos | Retrocognition (i.e: Read a person’s recent memories by touch) |
Codagh | Black | Swordtail | General Melgren | See a battle’s outcome before it happens. |
Claidh | Orange | Daggertail | Amber Mavis | TBC |
Fuil | Brown | Clubtail | Soleil | Protection barriers?* |
Chradh | Brown | Scorpiontail | Garrick | TBC |
Baide | Orange | Scorpiontail | Jack Barlowe | TBC |
Gleann | TBC | TBC | Caroline Ashton | TBC |
Aimsir | Brown | TBC | General (Lilith) Sorrengail | Storm wielder |
Smachd | TBC | TBC | Professor Kaori | Project what he sees in his mind |
TBC | TBC | TBC | Imogen | Mind-wipe recent memories & extra fast speed |
TBC | TBC | TBC | Quinn | Astral projection |
TBC | TBC | TBC | Emery | Wind control |
TBC | TBC | TBC | Heaton | Breathe underwater |
TBC | TBC | TBC | Jeremiah | Inntinsic, the ability to read minds without the need for physical contact. |
Fourth Wing spoilers & FAQs.
Warning: Significant Fourth Wing Spoilers Ahead
Have a Burning Question About Fourth Wing? Find the Answer Here!?
“Who does Violet end up with in Fourth Wing? Find out who survives, who dies, who bonds with a dragon, and the mystery behind mage lights!
Well, I don’t have an answer for the mage lights yet—sorry about that! But for everything else, you’re in luck. Below are frequently asked questions with spoilers for Fourth Wing, perfect for those eager to uncover all the exciting details or skip straight to the end.
WARNING: This section contains major spoilers for Fourth Wing. But you probably saw that coming.
Whose dragon is Solas?
There’s plenty of speculation that Solas belongs to the new Vice Commandant, but we’ll have to wait until Iron Flame, the second book in The Empyrean series, releasing in November 2023, to know for sure. In the meantime, you can check out a tantalizingly brief sneak peek about Solas from Iron Flame, shared exclusively with Today.
Who is Sloane?
Sloane is Liam Mairi’s sister, and based on the teaser, it seems she successfully crosses the parapet!
Which dragons does Violet bond with in Fourth Wing?
Violet forms a bond with two dragons in Fourth Wing:
- Tairn, a black morningstartail and the fiercest dragon in the Vale.
- Andarna, a young and sweet golden feathertail dragon.
How does Violet form bonds with two dragons?
In Fourth Wing, Violet showcases unmatched courage when defending the little golden dragon, Andarna, from three bullies intent on harm. This caught the attention of the fierce blue daggertail, Sgaeyl, and her rider, Xaden, who could only watch due to the rules.
With Andarna in peril, Sgaeyl called her mate, Tairn, to help defend the vulnerable gold dragon. When Tairn arrived and witnessed Violet’s bravery, he chose her as his rider, an extraordinary decision that aligned with Andarna’s choice, much to Violet’s surprise.
While no dragon law forbids two dragons from selecting the same rider, this unprecedented event stood firm, with dragon law overriding human law to honor Tairn’s choice and Andarna’s choice. This rare moment, filled with fondness and loyalty, solidified Violet’s unique bond with both dragons.
Does Fourth Wing Have Spicy Moments?
Fourth Wing has a noticeable level of spice, featuring some explicitly detailed scenes ranging from making out to moments that are quite sexy. However, it doesn’t cross into smutty territory, offering more of a medium spice level where the focus remains on the plot rather than the intimate scenes.
The age rating for Fourth Wing is firmly R18+!
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶
2.5-3/5, ranging from mild to medium.
Which chapters in Fourth Wing are spicy?
For all the steamy moments, here’s a guide to the spicy chapters in Fourth Wing, ranging from romantic kisses to more explicit encounters:
- Chapter 22: A heated, lust-filled kiss (intense but no sex).
- Chapter 30: A highly explicit and descriptive scene where Violet and Xaden finally connect. 🌶
- Chapter 32: A passionate moment following Violet’s heartfelt confession of love for Xaden. 🌶
How many books are in The Fourth Wing (also known as The Empyrean) series?
Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that the series will consist of five books.
What is Violet’s signet?
Violet’s signet, a power channeled through her dragon, is the ability to wield lightning.
In which chapter does Violet get her signet?
In chapter 22, during a steamy first kiss with Xaden, Violet experiences a flash of light behind her closed eyes, followed by the boom of thunder. This moment marks the initial, albeit unconscious, manifestation of her signet power. However, it isn’t confirmed that lightning and thunder are her signet until later.
In chapter 29, when Jack Barlowe tries to kill Liam Mairi, Violet channels her emotions and power. As the narrator, she finally recognizes her signet: the ability to wield lightning.
In which chapter does Violet get her dragons?
Moreover, violet bonds with Tairn, her black Morningstar tail dragon, in chapter fourteen. In chapter fifteen, she discovers that Andarna, the golden feathertail dragon, has chosen her. Andarna communicates with Violet in her mind, revealing her full name, Andarnaurram, and urges Violet to share it with the roll-keeper.
How old is Violet in Fourth Wing?
Violet is 20 years old in the Fourth Wing.
Who does Violet end up with in Fourth Wing?
The big question: Dain or Xaden? After much tension, Violet ultimately ends up with Xaden in the Fourth Wing. Dain Aetos reveals himself to be an overbearing, controlling traitor.
What is a parapet?
The parapet plays a significant role in Fourth Wing, appearing throughout the intense opening scenes and the unfolding romance. It symbolizes both new beginnings and tragic ends, serving as a pivotal plot device. But what exactly is a parapet?
According to Merriam-Webster:
- A wall, rampart, or elevation of earth or stone used to protect soldiers.
Example: “The invaders fired arrows over the castle’s parapet.” - A low wall or railing is designed to protect the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge, also known as a parapet wall.
Example: “The visitor peered over the parapet with binoculars.
What LGBTIQ+ representation is there in the Fourth Wing?
Fourth Wing includes notable LGBTIQ+ representation through several characters:
- Rhiannon is bisexual
- Ridoc is queer
- Heaton is non-binary
What are the tropes?
- Enemies to lovers forced proximity
- Dysfunctional family
- Betrayal
- Underdog and Overcoming Adversity
- Mild love triangle
Which characters die in Fourth Wing?
This one’s painful, but if you’re looking for spoilers, here they are. Major spoiler alert: the following characters die in Fourth Wing:
- Dylan
- Aurelie
- Liam Mairi & Deigh
- Trina
- Jack Barlowe
- Oren Seifart
- Tynan
- Pryor
- Luca
- Soleil
- Amber Mavis
Fourth Wing Book Review
Furthermore, Fourth Wing introduces readers to Violet Sorrengail, a character who is a blend of Katniss Everdeen, Hermione Granger, and even Storm from the X-men. Additionally, Set in Basgiath War College, a world not unlike Panem, Violet stands out not just for her strength, courage, and compassion, but for being differently-abled, and battling a chronic illness. Moreover, her condition, potentially Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, affects her cartilage and collagen, which are vital for strong bones. This unique aspect of her character adds depth to the lead female heroine trope, making her journey even more compelling and inspiring.
Additionally, Author Rebecca Yarros brings her own experiences to Violet’s story, embracing the #OwnVoices movement. The book has the perfect balance of dragons, spice, and romantasy with a dash of Ninja Warrior adventure. The narrative captivates readers with Violet’s cunning and courageous nature, wrapped up in an exciting plot. While some may feel the hype surrounding it is warranted, there are still areas where it could be further strengthened. Overall, Fourth Wing is a refreshing take on the fantasy genre, offering a multi-dimensional heroine who rises above her challenges with grit and determination.
Warning: Semi-Spoilers Ahead – Proceed with Caution!
Liked:
The world of magic in Fourth Wing is brought to life by the dynamic dragons, Tairn and Andarna, who each have their unique personalities—one grumpy, the other sweet. Their bond with their human riders, particularly their ability to communicate, adds depth to the story.
- The world-building is top-notch, enhanced by the inclusion of a map and a rich magical backdrop. As for the character dynamics, the story isn’t shy about classic tropes like love triangles and enemies to lovers, though some might find a cringe line or two. The banter between characters often gives the story a YA feel, especially with the occasional use of the f-word.
- The book also offers solid diversity representation, including LGBTIQ+ rep, race diversity, and religious diversity, alongside differently-abled rep. These elements, woven into the narrative, make the world feel inclusive and varied.
Major Spoilers Ahead: Stop Here If You Haven’t Read It Yet!
Aspects I Felt Could Be Improved:
While Fourth Wing offers a compelling story, there are some predictable moments in the plot points that could have been more original. The romance between Xaden and Violet felt a bit instant and formulaic, especially with their past conflicts involving Violet’s mother and Violet’s brother.
These connections, while intense, were a little too much like a tropey love interest situation, and I felt there was more room to deepen their relationship. Additionally, some characters, such as Jack Barlowe, came off as a bit of a caricature and lacked a substantial villain backstory, which could have made him more complex.
There are moments that seem like a cheap shot, especially when it comes to the emotional attachment we form with characters like Liam Mairi and Deigh, only to see them destroyed. This felt a bit like the Red Wedding from George R.R. Moreover, Martin’s world, a twist that, while effective, can feel overly executed in this context. Moreover, It’s these elements that, for me, might have benefitted from a bit more depth and originality.
Overall,
Fourth Wing is an enjoyable and light read. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, Divergent, dragons, Harry Potter, and magical boarding schools, you’ll likely enjoy this book. A lot of my enjoyment came from the nostalgia those stories bring, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the second book, Iron Flame, when it’s released later this year. Thanks for checking out my review of Fourth Wing and my mini Ted Talk!