Equal Rites characters

Also known as Esk

Appears from the start

A girl born as the eighth child of a village blacksmith in the Ramtop mountains. By an accident of a dying wizard's gift she inherits a wizard's staff and a talent for magic. Because tradition divides magic strictly by sex, with men becoming wizards and women becoming witches, her wizardly ability is treated as impossible, and she grows up caught awkwardly between the two crafts.

Also known as Esme Weatherwax, Esmerelda Weatherwax

Appears from the start

The witch of the village of Bad Ass, a stern and formidable older woman who trusts shrewd judgement, herb-lore, and sheer force of character more than flashy spells. She takes responsibility for Esk after the wizard's gift lands on the child, and sets out to teach her the disciplined, practical craft of witchcraft.

Appears from the start

An elderly wizard nearing death who, following an old custom, seeks out the eighth son of an eighth son to receive his staff and power. He passes the gift to a newborn without confirming that the child is a boy, an oversight that sets the whole story in motion.

Appears from the start

The village blacksmith and Esk's father, a practical, down-to-earth man made uneasy by the strange magical inheritance that has fallen on his young daughter.

Appears from the start

A witch in the market town of Ohulan Cutash whom Granny consults about Esk. More worldly and comfortable with town life than the mountain witches, she trades in charms and remedies.

Appears from the start

A wizard traveling through the mountains who meets Esk and Granny and reacts with blank disbelief at the notion that a girl could carry and use a wizard's staff.

Appears from the start

A frail young man with a severe stammer and an extraordinary gift for magical theory, studying at the wizards' Unseen University. His mind reaches insights far beyond those of his teachers, which makes him both remarkable and, without his knowing it, dangerous.

Appears from the start

The Archchancellor of the Unseen University, senior among the wizards, who upholds the long-standing rule that only men may be admitted to study there. He becomes Granny Weatherwax's chief opponent, and unlikely counterpart, in the argument over Esk.