The Buried Giant characters

Appears from the start

An elderly Briton living with his wife, Beatrice, in a small settlement where even important memories fade quickly. Gentle, patient, and devoted to Beatrice, he agrees that they should travel to the village where they believe their son lives. He sometimes senses that he once held responsibilities beyond the quiet life he now remembers.

Appears from the start

Axl's wife and companion on the journey to find their son. A persistent pain troubles her, but she is determined to travel and to recover the shared past that the land's strange forgetfulness has obscured. Her affection for Axl is strong, though she worries about what returning memories might reveal between them.

First appears in chapter 2

A ferryman encountered by Axl and Beatrice near a ruined villa. He transports selected couples to an island but tests whether their bond rests on memories deep enough to justify making the crossing together. His questions give Beatrice a new reason to fear the loss of her past with Axl.

First appears in chapter 3

A formidable Saxon warrior visiting a settlement in search of a creature that has been carrying off children. Courteous but watchful, he is skilled with a sword and bears a commission from a distant king. He protects Edwin after rescuing the boy and soon travels alongside Axl and Beatrice.

First appears in chapter 3

A Saxon boy rescued by Wistan after being taken by ogres. A wound on his side alarms his neighbors, who believe it may make him dangerous, and he is driven from the settlement despite Wistan's defense. He becomes Wistan's young charge and joins the travelers.

First appears in chapter 5

An elderly knight and nephew of King Arthur, still wearing armor and speaking proudly of the dead king's achievements. He says he has spent years hunting the dragon Querig. His courtly manner and apparent frailty sit beside flashes of the warrior he once was.

First appears in chapter 7

A monk at a remote monastery who possesses unusual learning and offers to examine Beatrice's illness. Wistan also hopes he can treat Edwin's wound. His willingness to help places him at odds with others in the monastery.

First appears in chapter 15

The aged she-dragon whose presence is connected to the forgetfulness covering the country. She lives high in the mountains and has become the object of Wistan's mission and Sir Gawain's long vigil.

First appears in chapter 3

An elder in the Saxon settlement who can speak with the visiting Britons. He receives Axl and Beatrice with courtesy while his community deals with an ogre attack and the disputed fate of the wounded Edwin.