Fourth Wing Characters, Dragons & Signets (Updated for Iron Flame) (2024)

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I cannot remember when was the last time I’ve read a fantasy book with this many characters!

Fourth Wing is packed with characters (some major enough to make this list, and some minor ones we’ll skip for now unless necessary to include).

Besides Fourth Wing characters, there are a ton of dragons too! Each dragon is a combination of its tail type and colour, making there quite a bit of dragons to remember.

Fourth Wing Characters, Dragons & Signets (Updated for Iron Flame) (1)

Plus, lets not forget about each dragon’s rider and their signet. Yep, there’s just a lot of information to absorb while reading Fourth Wing. Therefore, i’ve created this guide to help you have a smoother reading experience when diving into this brutal fantasy.

To be honest, i’m not just writing this guide for you. I am also writing this guide for me to refer to when Iron Flame officially releases.

Rebecca Yarros has mentioned that this series is going to be a 5 book series. I hope that this extensive character guide along with it’s dragons and signet manifestation would be helpful to not only myself but also anyone who wants to read the Empyrean series.

This guide consist of personal notes taken on my Kindle. If i’ve missed out anything essential, feel free to let me know!

Fourth Wing Characters, Dragons & Signets (Updated for Iron Flame) (2)

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Read More:

  • Fourth Wing Series In Order (Empyrean Series)
  • 30 Note-Worthy Fourth Wing Quotes

Fourth Wing Characters

Here’s a complete Fourth Wing character list. There are many characters in the first installment of the Empyrean series. So, I only listed the one’s you’ll read about repeatedly.

Violet Sorrengail

Violet Sorrengail is a 20-year-old girl who is pale and frail. She has weak bones and ligaments and was never meant to enroll into the Riders’ Quadrant but was forced to do so by her mother, General Lilith Sorrengail. In fact, Violet was trained her whole life to become a Scribe.

General Lilith Sorrengail

General Lilith Sorrengail is mother to Violet, Mira and Brennan. She is a respected rider and also general.

Mira Sorrengail

Mira Sorrengail is Violet’s older sister. She is a lieutenant, and is one of the strongest riders of her generation.

Brennan Sorrengail

Brennan Sorrengail is Violet’s older brother. He died in the Battle of Aretia. He is one of the most brilliant among his peers and has a rare signet, mending.

Violet’s Father

Violet’s father is no longer alive. He died shortly after Brennan’s death. He was a scribe and used to read folklore to Violet when she was a little girl.

Xaden Riorson

Xaden Riorson is a 23-year-old wingleader of Fourth Wing. He is one of the 107 children of the rebellions. He strongly dislikes Violet Sorrengail because she’s the daughter of General Lilith Sorrengail, who executed his father.

Fen Riorson

Xaden’s father, also known as The Great Betrayer who lead the rebellion.

Dain Aetos

Violet’s best-friend since the age of five. He has a soft spot for Violet and wants to keep her safe from the brutality of Basgiath War College. He is also Violet’s squad leader.

Colonel Aetos

Dain’s father and also General Lilith Sorrengail’s advisor.

Rhiannon Matthias

Rhiannon Matthias is the first friend Violet makes in the quadrant. She eventually becomes Violet’s best friend.

Liam Mairi

Liam Mairi is one of the rebellion children. He is Xaden’s bestfriend.

Sloane Mairi

Sloane Mairi is Liam’s sister. She will be enrolling into the quadrant in next year’s intake as a first year student as Basgiath.

Jack Barlow

Jack Barlow is one of Violet’s enemies in the quadrant. His makes it his mission to kill her; to eliminate the weaklings of the quadrant.

Jesinia Neilwart

Jesinia Neilwart is Violet’s friend who is a Scribe.

Imogen

Imogen is one of the rebellion children. She is a second year student at Basgiath War College and is friends with Xaden, Garrick and Liam.

Garrick

Garrick is one of the section leaders of Fourth Wing. He works closely with Xaden.

Amber Mavis

Amber Mavis is the wingleader of Third Wing and is also a close friend of Dain Aetos.

Oren Seifert

Oren Seifert is one of Violet’s enemies in the quadrant and is also a friend of Jack Barlow.

Bodhi

Bodhi is Xaden’s cousin. He looks a lot like Xaden, just smaller and more approachable.

Quinn

Quinn is a second year student at Basgiath War College and is Imogen’s love interest.

Fourth Wing Dragons

In this section, we’ll explore different Fourth wing dragon types, where we will learn about various dragon names, dragon tail type, colour and it’s rider, along with a few facts about dragons that I took note of while reading the book.

In Fourth Wing, Dragons are part of a political government called the Empyrean. Humans have no knowledge of Empyrean affairs and no influence over dragon laws.

A dragon will choose a rider to bond with to channel its powers through them. This forms a unique power in the rider due to the dragon-rider, called a signet.

Dragons bond with riders to protect their home, the Vale, from the enemy – gryphons and their riders (or “flyers”).

Fourth Wing Dragons Colours & Tail Type

Fourth Wing Dragons are classified according to their colours and tail types. You’ll also learn Fourth Wing dragon names and its meaning in the below table.

Dragon NameMeaning Dragon Type (Tail)Dragon ColourRider
Tairneanach (Tairn)ThunderMorningstarBlackViolet Sorrengail
Andarnaurram (Andarna)The Second HonourFeathertailGoldViolet Sorrengail
SgaeylShadowDaggertailBlueXaden Riorson
TeineFireDaggertailGreenMira Sorrengail
MarbhDeadDaggertailOrangeBrennan Sorrengail
AimsirWeatherTBCBrownGeneral Lilith Sorrengail
AotromLightSwordtailBrownRidoc
DeighIceDaggertailRedLiam Mairi
FeirgeAngerDaggertailGreenRhiannon Matthias
CathBattleSwordtailRedDain Aetos
SliseagSliceSwordtailRedSawyer
CodaghWarMorningstartailBlackGeneral Melgren
BaideHerdScorpiontailOrangeJack Barlow
ClaidhCemetryDaggertailOrangeAmber Mavis

There are 7 dragon colours in Fourth Wing:

  • Black
  • Blue
  • Brown
  • Green
  • Gold
  • Red
  • Orange

There are 6 dragon tail types in Fourth Wing:

  • Morningstartail
  • Daggertail
  • Swordtail
  • Clubtail
  • Scorpiontail
  • Feathertail – unstable and unpredictable. Hence, typically unsuitable for bonding. Feathertails also refuse to fight and therefore are not suitable for battle.

Black Dragons

Black dragons are the deadliest species in Navarre, they are also very rare. They are also the smartest, most discerning and cunning. With none being born in the last century, they are also the rarest type of dragon.

Black Morningstartails are extremely rare. There is only two of them. One of them has been bonded to General Melgren and the other is not willing to bond ever since his rider was killed.

Blue Dragons

Blue dragons descend from the Gormfaileas line, and are known for their formidable size. They are also the most vicious of all dragons.

There are no blue dragons willing to bond during Threshing. However, there are a few blue dragons in active service, you’ll find them along Esben Mountains where fighting is the most intense.

Blue Daggertails is the rarest of all the blues, they are extremely ruthless. Sgaeyl, a blue daggertail, is the most powerful of all of the blues.

Red Dragons

Red dragons are quickest to temper, especially a Red Scorpiontail. Never look a red dragon in the eye.

The best way to approach a Red Scorpiontail is to approach them from the left and from the front. During Threshing, there only three Red Scorpiontails willing to bond.

Green Dragons

Green dragons are known for their intellect. They descent from the Uaineloidsig line and are the most rational of dragons, making them the perfect siege weapons. This is especially true for Green Clubtails. Also, never backdown from a green dragon.

Orange Dragons

Orange Dragons come in different shades of apricot to carrot. They are unpredictable and therefore a risk. The descend from the Fhaircorain line.

Brown Dragons

Never show trepidation to a brown dragon.

Gold Dragon

Dragons are only gold-feathered as hatchlings. These baby dragons do not know what colour their scales will eventually turn into. Only the eldest of dragons can sense what their scales colours might be.

More About Fourth Wing Dragons

  • Dragons never supplicate for anyone.
  • Dragons cannot emotionally recover from the loss of their bonded rider, especially when the bond is strong.
  • Dragons only reveal their full name to their bonded riders.
  • Dragons only talk to their bonded riders.
  • Dragons cannot bond with the relative of their previous rider, it is forbidden (However, Sgaeyl does this anyway).
  • No human alive has ever seen a baby dragon.
  • Baby dragons are not allowed to bond.
  • Mated dragons cannot stay away from each other for long periods or their health diminishes. If anything brutal were to happen with one of the riders or dragons, the other rider and dragon will also be affected.
  • Watch this video to learn how to pronounce dragon names in Fourth Wing.

Fourth Wing Signets

A signet is a power that riders manifest once they have been bonded with a dragon.

Signets are the result of unique chemistry between rider and dragon, they usually say more about the rider instead of the dragon. The stronger the bond and the more powerful the dragon, the stronger the signet.

DragonRiderSignet
Tairneanach (Tairn)Violet SorrengailLightning
Andarnaurram (Andarna)Violet SorrengailTBC
SgaeylXaden RiorsonShadows
TeineMira SorrengailExtending Wards
AimsirGeneral Lilith SorrengailStorms
AotromRidocIce
DeighLiam MairiFarsightedness
FeirgeRhiannon MatthiasSummoning
CathDain AetosReading Memories
SliseagSawyerManipulating Metals
CodaghGeneral MelgrenSeeing Battle Outcome
MarbhBrennan SorrengailMending
Tairneanach (Tairn)NaolinSiphoning
TBCEmeryAir Manipulation
TBCQuinnAstral Projection

While reading Fourth Wing and scouting the internet for answers, I realized that the dragon names translate to the signets their riders manifest. However, this is just an observation and is not something that’s mentioned in the book or part of the world-building.

Tip: If you know what the dragon name means, you most likely can guess the rider’s signet. This however doesn’t work for all. Eg: Ridoc wields ice but his dragon name is Aotrom which means light.

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Fourth Wing Characters, Dragons & Signets (Updated for Iron Flame) (3)

FAQ: Fourth Wing Characters, Dragons, Signets and More!

(Note: this section answers some of your burning questions on Fourth Wing, please note that there are spoilers, proceed with caution!)

What is a Signet in Fourth Wing?

A signet is a power manifested in a rider from their dragon. A signet is formed due to the unique combination or rider and dragon. It often says more about the rider than the dragon.

What is Violet’s Signet in Fourth Wing?

Violet Sorrengail’s signet is the ability to wield lightning. She get’s this signet from Tairn who channels his powers through her.

What Chapter Does Violet Get Her Signet in Fourth Wing?

Violet gets her signet in Chapter 28 of Fourth Wing. At battle, she uses it to kill Jack Barlow.

What Chapter Does Violet Get Her Dragon in Fourth Wing?

Violet gets her dragon in chapter 14. Her dragon name is Tairn, a black morningstar tail.

Wrap Up: Fourth Wing Characters, Dragons & Signets

I hope this Fourth Wing character guide was helpful to you! If you do pick up this adult fantasy book, I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

More Fourth Wing guides:

  • Fourth Wing Series In Order
  • Fourth Wing Quotes
  • 21 Books Like Fourth Wing
Fourth Wing Characters, Dragons & Signets (Updated for Iron Flame) (2024)

FAQs

Fourth Wing Characters, Dragons & Signets (Updated for Iron Flame)? ›

Feirge, Andarna, Sgayel, Tairn, and Codagh are some of the strongest dragons in the books, with the potential to grow even more powerful.

Who are the best dragons in the Fourth Wing? ›

Feirge, Andarna, Sgayel, Tairn, and Codagh are some of the strongest dragons in the books, with the potential to grow even more powerful.

What are the names of the dragons in the Fourth Wing violets? ›

In Fourth Wing and now Iron Flame, Rebecca Yarros has made it difficult for readers to keep up with all the dragons bonded to their riders with their signets. Yarros focuses on Violet Sorrengail and her two dragons, Tairn and Andarna, but there are so many characters that end up helping her in Iron Flame.

Who is the golden dragon in Fourth Wing? ›

Andarna is a small shiny golden feathertail dragon with golden eyes, only a few feet taller than Violet, with a forked tail and paws, rather than claws, when we meet her. She's one of the youngest dragons to have ever bonded a rider, choosing Violet Sorrengail after she defends her.

Which dragon is Baide in Iron Flame? ›

Baide is an Orange Scorpiontail dragon with golden eyes. She is on the smaller side.

Who is the most powerful signet in the Fourth Wing? ›

Fourth Wing is hard to follow because of its well-balanced fantasy and romance elements, but there are a few great books that share similar themes.
  • 5 Brennan's Mending Signet. ...
  • 4 Xaden's Inntinnsic Abilities. ...
  • 3 Bodhi Can Weaken Or Block Other Signets. ...
  • 2 Xaden's Shadow-Wielding Signet. ...
  • 1 Violet's Lightning Signet.
Mar 20, 2024

Who is the biggest dragon in Fourth Wing? ›

Tairn is the biggest, followed by Sgaeyl, then everyone else's. (Not accounting for Melgren's dragon.) While I was reading, I kept having trouble visualizing how big Tairn was in particular since we spend the most time with him.

What kind of dragon is Tairn in Fourth Wing? ›

Tairn is a Black Morningstartail with scarred black wings and one of the biggest dragons Violet has ever seen, who doesn't even come close to reaching his ankle. His underbelly is covered in rock-hard scales and he has long claws. His scales are larger and thicker than Violet's hand.

Why did Tairn choose Violet? ›

By protecting the Golden Feathertail, known as Andarna, she chooses Violet. A dragon named Tairn, who lost his rider years ago, also chose Violet because of what she did. Tairn respects Violet and how courageous she is in defending a dragon.

Who is the fifth true dragon? ›

Rimuru eventually evolves into the fifth True Dragon during the later parts of the series and reincarnates into a dragon's body while retaining the physical properties of a slime.

Who has orange dragons in Iron Flame? ›

Marbh is the orange daggertail dragon bonded with Brennan Sorrengail.

Why don't feathertail's bond? ›

If bonded, they have the unique ability to gift their powers to their human. However, since they're so young, they can accidentally gift all their powers to their human and drain themselves. This is the reason dragonkind fiercely protect Feathertails, hiding them from view, and when possible prevent them from bonding.

Who is Eya Iron Flame? ›

Biography. Eya is the same age as Xaden and knew him since they were 10 years old. Her mother was a rider who was active in the Tyrrish government prior to the rebellion, which was uncommon given that bonded riders were discouraged from holding council seats.

Who is the strongest of the 4 True dragons? ›

"Star King Dragon" Veldanava

Veldanava 「ヴェルダナーヴァ, verudanāva」 is the greatest, oldest, and strongest of the True Dragons. He is also the God that created the Central World and a myriad of other worlds. The husband of Lucia and father to Demon Lord Milim Nava.

Who is the strongest dragon in the Wings of Fire? ›

And under three full moons and the watchful eyes of his NightWing mother and IceWing father, the most powerful dragon Pyrhhia will ever know is clawing his way out of his egg. Darkstalker, the dragon who will change the world forever.

Who is the strongest dragon in the dance of dragons? ›

Ridden by Aegon the Conqueror's sister Queen Visenya, Vhagar has the most storied history as far as Targaryen dragons go. Not only did she play an instrumental role in conquering Westeros, Vhagar has fought in many subsequent wars, most notably the Dance of the Dragons where she was ridden by Prince Aemond Targaryen.

Who is the strongest dragon in Pyrrhia? ›

Darkstalker is a NightWing-IceWing hybrid who seems to be the most powerful dragon in Pyrrhia, plus former king of the NightWings. He is the son of Prince Arctic of the IceWings who he then later killed, and Foeslayer of the NightWings.

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