The Wheel of Time is a series of high fantasy books written by American author Robert Jordan. The first book, The Eye of the World, was published in 1990. Jordan wrote the first 11 books in the series and a prequel called New Spring (2004) before passing away in 2007. The last three books—The Gathering Storm (2009), Towers of Midnight (2010), and A Memory of Light (2013)—were written together with American author Brandon Sanderson. The series includes 2,787 characters with unique names.

The story follows five teenagers—Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, Egwene al'Vere, and Nynaeve al'Meara—from a small village. Their important roles in the world are discovered by Moiraine Damodred, a powerful member of the Aes Sedai. In this world, the pattern of life is controlled by the cosmic Wheel of Time, which is turned by a magical force called the One Power. Rand and his friends, along with the Aes Sedai, can use the One Power. This ability is called "channeling." As the story continues, new characters join the effort to fight the Dark One and his followers.

From 2021 to 2025, the first five books were adapted into a television series called The Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime Video.

Main characters

Introduced in The Eye of the World (1990), Rand al'Thor is a sheep herder from the village of Emond's Field in the Two Rivers. His village is attacked by Trollocs, monstrous creatures. Rand and his friends escape with Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai from the Blue Ajah. Moiraine believes one of them is the Dragon Reborn, a hero said to return from the Age of Legends. The group is chased by agents of the Dark One, who wants to either tempt the Dragon to join the Shadow or destroy him. At the Eye of the World, Rand encounters a pure source of saidin, the male part of the One Power. He discovers he can use it and fights Aginor, a powerful servant of the Dark One. This proves Rand is the Dragon Reborn and draws him into a long battle against the Dark One’s forces.

In The Great Hunt (1990), the Amyrlin Seat Siuan Sanche confirms Rand is the Dragon Reborn. Lan Mandragoran, Moiraine’s Warder, teaches Rand to fight with a sword. During a search for the stolen Horn of Valere, Rand enters a strange world where he meets Selene, who helps him return. Rand later defeats High Lord Turak, leader of the Seanchan forces invading Falme, in a duel. In The Dragon Reborn (1991), Rand travels to the Stone of Tear and claims Callandor, a powerful sa’angreal that amplifies the One Power. In The Shadow Rising (1992), it is revealed that Rand is the son of Shaiel, an Aiel Maiden of the Spear, and Janduin, chief of the Taardad Aiel. Selene is later shown to be Lanfear, a Forsaken who loved Lews Therin Telamon. In The Fires of Heaven (1993), Lanfear becomes angry when Rand refuses to love a woman connected to the Shadow, but Moiraine stops her. Later, it is learned that Rand’s mother, Shaiel, is Tigraine Mantear, daughter of the Queen of Andor. In Lord of Chaos (1994), Rand creates the Asha’men, male Aes Sedai trainees at the Black Tower. In A Crown of Swords (1996), Rand defeats the Forsaken Sammael and takes the crown of Illian.

In Towers of Midnight (2010), Rand plans to break the remaining seals on the Dark One’s prison to rebuild a stronger one. In A Memory of Light (2013), Rand confronts the Dark One and learns they must coexist. Logain Ablar breaks the prison, and Rand uses a special weave of saidin, saidar, and the Dark One’s True Power to capture the Dark One and rebuild his prison without flaws.

Rand is played by Josha Stradowski in the Wheel of Time television series.

Matrim “Mat” Cauthon is a mischievous farm boy who flees Emond’s Field with Rand and others in The Eye of the World. The group is chased by the Dark One’s agents and hides in the cursed city of Shadar Logoth, where Mat takes a ruby dagger. The dagger, corrupted by the city’s evil force, harms Mat’s body and makes him hostile. In The Great Hunt, Mat joins the search for the stolen Horn of Valere and later blows it to summon heroes who defeat Seanchan forces. In The Dragon Reborn, Aes Sedai at the White Tower cure Mat of the dagger’s effects. In The Shadow Rising, the Aelfinn predict Mat will marry “the Daughter of the Nine Moons,” and the Eelfinn give him memories of past lives before hanging him from the Tree of Life, leaving a scar. Mat later forms the Band of the Red Hand and leads it. In Winter’s Heart (2000), Mat escapes the Seanchan-occupied city of Ebou Dar, kidnapping High Lady Tuon, who is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. They marry in Knife of Dreams (2005), and Mat becomes “Prince of the Ravens.”

Mat is played by Barney Harris in season one of the Wheel of Time series and by Dónal Finn in seasons two and three.

Perrin Aybara is a blacksmith and woodworker in Emond’s Field who may be the Dragon Reborn. He leaves the village with his friends and Moiraine Damodred in The Eye of the World. Perrin and Egwene al’Vere are separated from the group while fleeing Shadar Logoth and meet Elyas Machera, a wolfbrother. Wolfbrothers can communicate with wolves and have enhanced senses, strength, and speed. They can also navigate Tel’aran’rhiod, the World of Dreams.

Perrin is played by Marcus Rutherford in the Wheel of Time series.

Egwene al’Vere is the daughter of Emond’s Field’s mayor and is romantically involved with Rand in The Eye of the World. Moiraine Damodred recognizes Egwene’s ability to channel the One Power and encourages her to join the group fleeing the village. In The Great Hunt, Egwene becomes a novice at the White Tower. She and Nynaeve al’Meara, a friend from Emond’s Field, learn of Rand’s trouble in Falme and sneak out of the White Tower with Elayne Trakand and Min Farshaw. In Falme, they are betrayed by Liandrin Guirale, an Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah, and captured by the Seanchan. Nynaeve and Elayne escape, but Egwene is collared with an a’dam, a device used to control channelers. Min helps rescue Egwene.

Egwene is played by Madeleine Madden in the Wheel of Time series.

In The Eye of the World, Nynaeve al’Meara is the Wisdom, or healer, of Emond’s Field. After the Trolloc attack, she joins Rand and others on their journey and learns she can channel the One Power. In The Great Hunt, she becomes an Aes Sedai novice with Egwene. They are lured to Falme by Liandrin Guirale and captured by the Seanchan. Nynaeve and Elayne escape and rescue Egwene. A skilled healer, Nynaeve joins the Yellow Ajah and discovers ways to heal those cut off from the One Power. She later marries Lan Mandragoran, King of Malkier.

Nynaeve is played by Zoë Robins in the Wheel of Time series.

In The Eye of the World, Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, arrives in Emond’s Field before a Trolloc attack. She warns that the Dark One’s servants are searching for three young men from the village: Rand al’Thor, Perrin Aybara, and Mat Cauthon. She and her Warder, Lan Mandragoran, lead the group to safety but face dangers on their way to the White Tower in Tar Valon.

Moiraine is played by Rosamund Pike in the Wheel of Time series.

al’Lan “Lan” Mandragoran is the Warder of Moiraine Dam

Supporting

Logain Ablar is a strong man who can use the One Power. He thinks he is the Dragon Reborn, but the Aes Sedai say he is a False Dragon and cut him off from the One Power. Later, Nynaeve al'Meara heals him, and he becomes a loyal friend to Rand al'Thor.

In the TV show, Logain is played by Álvaro Morte in seasons one and two. He first appears in the 2021 episode "A Place of Safety."

Aginor is one of the most cunning Forsaken, powerful channelers who served the Dark One during the Age of Legends. He helped create the Dark One's army, including Myrddraal, Trollocs, Draghkar, and gholam. Originally a scientist, Aginor joined the Shadow to continue his forbidden experiments. The Forsaken were imprisoned with the Dark One for thousands of years. Near the end of the Third Age, Aginor and Balthamel attacked Rand and his friends in The Eye of the World. They had escaped prison, but Aginor was badly hurt and looked very old. He tried to destroy Rand but used too much power and burned himself. The Dark One later reincarnated Aginor as Osan'gar in Lord of Chaos.

Asmodean is a Forsaken who was once a composer and musician. He joined the Shadow to gain immortality and fame. He punished his former musical rivals by harming them. In The Shadow Rising, Asmodean was asked by Lanfear to train Rand in using the One Power. He tried to take control of a powerful object called the Choedan Kal but was stopped by Rand. Lanfear protected Asmodean from using his full power, and he trained Rand. He later died in The Fires of Heaven after an unknown attacker killed him.

Balthamel was a historian who became a Forsaken for the promise of immortality. He ran a spy network for the Dark One and oversaw camps where humans were used to feed Trollocs. In The Eye of the World, Balthamel and Aginor attacked Rand and his friends. They had escaped prison, but Balthamel was badly disfigured and could no longer speak. He nearly killed Someshta, the Green Man, but Someshta used his last strength to destroy Balthamel with plants. The Dark One later reincarnated Balthamel as Aran'gar in Lord of Chaos.

Zarine "Faile" Bashere is the daughter of Davram Bashere, one of the five Great Captains, and a princess in Saldea. She first appears in The Dragon Reborn while searching for the Horn of Valere. She meets Perrin Aybara and joins him on his journey. She becomes an important member of Perrin's group, including Loial and Gaul. Faile and Perrin fall in love and marry in The Shadow Rising. Screen Rant describes Faile as a key figure in the political story of the books.

In the TV show, Faile is played by Isabella Bucceri in season three. She first appears in the 2025 episode "Seeds of Shadow."

Be'lal is a Forsaken who was once a lawyer and a close friend of Lews Therin Telamon. He helped rediscover sword fighting. In The Dragon Reborn, Be'lal escaped prison and took the identity of High Lord Samon of Tear. He lured Rand to the Stone of Tear, knowing only Rand could retrieve the sword Callandor. Rand claimed the sword, and Be'lal fought him but was defeated by Moirane Damodred, who destroyed him with balefire.

Dain Bornhald is a high-ranking officer of the Children of the Light and the son of Geofram Bornhald. His father was killed by the Seanchan while fighting with Perrin, and Dain blamed Perrin. He led the Children of the Light to occupy the Two Rivers, claiming to search for Darkfriends. Perrin and his friends fought him but had to work together against Trollocs.

In the TV show, Dain is played by Jay Duffy in seasons two and three. He first appears in the 2023 episode "Damane." In the series, Dain sees Perrin kill his father during the Battle of Falme and vows revenge.

Anvaere Damodred is a noblewoman in Cairhien and the sister of Moiraine Damodred. She is briefly mentioned in the prequel novel New Spring (2004).

In the TV show, Anvaere is portrayed by Lindsay Duncan in season two. She first appears in the 2023 episode "What Might Be." Rand and Selene attend a party where Anvaere gives them information about other guests, including the queen of Cairhien. Moiraine visits Anvaere in "Daughter of the Night" but is focused on finding Rand. Anvaere helps Moiraine locate Rand in time to save him from Lanfear. Later, Anvaere is upset when Moiraine ignores her son Barthanes's attempts to reconnect. Moiraine encourages Barthanes, who will become king after marrying the queen of Cairhien. In "Daes Dae'mar," Anvaere overhears Barthanes and Liandrin Guirale, who are secretly

Other

• Jonan Adley: A young recruit from the Black Tower who died when Rand al'Thor lost control of Callandor in Altara.
• Dermid Ajala: A blacksmith from Tear.
• Lelaine Akashi: Aes Sedai, Sitter, and First Selector of the Blue Ajah.
• Nalesean Aldiaya: A former commander of the Band of the Red Hand who died.
• Alivia: A former Seanchan damane and the most powerful female channeler alive.
• Katerine Alruddin: A Black Ajah sister who was once part of the Red Ajah. She died in Tel'aran'rhiod after being attacked by Egwene al'Vere.
• Doesine Alwain: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah. She joined a group of Aes Sedai using the Oath Rod to identify Black Ajah members in the White Tower. She died during the Last Battle.
• Guaire Amalasan: A former False Dragon who controlled nearly half of the Westlands during the War of the Second Dragon. He was defeated by Artur Hawkwing and made unable to channel by the White Tower.
• Merana Ambrey: Aes Sedai of the Grey Ajah.
• Amys: An Aiel Wise One and a main teacher to Aviendha and Egwene.
• Setalle Anan: A former Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah who became an innkeeper in Ebou Dar.
• Sashalle Anderly: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. She was made unable to channel by Rand but later healed by Damer Flinn.
• Estean Andiama: Lieutenant-General in the Band of the Red Hand. He led the cavalry of the Murandy contingent, including three groups of horse soldiers.
• Rianna Andomeran: A Black Ajah sister who was once part of the White Ajah. She was held in a stedding as a prisoner.
• Anlee: Aes Sedai and former Sitter of the Blue Ajah.
• Aram: A young Tuatha'an who joined Perrin after rejecting the pacifistic Way of the Leaf after seeing other Tuatha'an killed by Trollocs. He was later tricked by Masema Dagar into believing Perrin was a Shadowspawn. Aram was played by Daryl McCormack in seasons one and three of the Wheel of Time TV series.
• Naean Arawn: An Andoran noblewoman who tried to claim the Lion Throne after Morgase disappeared. She was arrested by Dyelin, later freed by Arymilla, and forced to support Arymilla’s claim. She was captured by Elayne Trakand after Arymilla’s attack on Caemlyn failed. Elayne stripped her of all lands and titles and later gave her new lands in Cairhien.
• Lyrelle Arienwin: Aes Sedai and Sitter of the Blue Ajah.
• Saerin Asnobar: Aes Sedai and Sitter of the Brown Ajah. She joined the group of Aes Sedai using the Oath Rod to identify Black Ajah members in the White Tower.
• Rhadam Asunawa: A High Inquisitor and leader of the Hand of the Light, a group within the Children of the Light known for harsh interrogation methods. His extreme beliefs led to his execution so Galad Damodred could become Lord Captain Commander.
• Edesina Azzedin: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah and former damane of the Seanchan.

• Bain: Aiel Maiden of the Spear and First-Sister to Chiad. Bain was played by Ragga Ragnars in seasons two and three of the Wheel of Time TV series.
• Bair: A Wise One from the Haido sept of the Shaarad Aiel. She cannot channel but is an experienced Dreamwalker. Bair was played by Nukâka Coster-Waldau in season three of the Wheel of Time TV series, first appearing in the 2025 episode "A Question of Crimson."
• Sebban Balwer: A secretary and spymaster for Perrin Aybara, and a former spymaster for Pedron Niall of the Children of the Light.
• Teslyn Baradon: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah who was briefly enslaved as a damane by the Seanchan.
• Narenwin Barda: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah.
• Duhara Basaheen: A Black Ajah sister who was once part of the Red Ajah. She was killed by Aviendha.
• Davram Bashere: One of the five "Great Captains," born in Saldaea. He led the Army of the Light in Caemlyn during the Last Battle, where he died.
• Adelorna Bastine: Aes Sedai and Captain-General of the Green Ajah.
• Sheriam Bayanar: A Black Ajah sister who was once part of the Blue Ajah. As Mistress of Novices, she managed the training of novices and Accepted. She later became Egwene’s Keeper of the Chronicles until she was discovered and removed from the White Tower. Sheriam was played by Rima Te Wiata in season two of the Wheel of Time TV series.
• Myrelle Berengari: Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah and Captain-General for the rebels.
• Falion Bhoda: A Black Ajah sister who was once part of the White Ajah. She was killed by Aviendha.
• Nesune Bihara: Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah.
• Jesse Bilal: Aes Sedai and First Chair of the Brown Ajah.
• Geofram Bornhald: Lord Captain of the Children of the Light and father of Dain Bornhald. He captured Egwene al'Vere and Perrin Aybara and was killed by Seanchan at Falme while fighting alongside Perrin. Geofram was played by Stuart Graham in seasons one and two of the Wheel of Time TV series.
• Noal Charin: A member of the Band of the Red Hand and a Hero of the Horn, also known as the legendary traveler "Jain Farstrider."
• Chiad: Aiel Maiden of the Spear and First-sister to Bain. She is