The Songs of Distant Earth characters

First appears in chapter 2

A young woman of Thalassa who has grown up in a peaceful island society founded by an automated seedship. She shares an established life with Brant when an unexpected starship arrives in her isolated world.

First appears in chapter 2

Mirissa's long-standing partner, a capable Thalassan whose work and identity are bound to the sea. The visitors from Earth disrupt the future he expected, but he tries to meet the change without abandoning Mirissa or his community.

First appears in chapter 3

Mirissa's younger brother, lively and inquisitive about the newly arrived starship. For him, the visitors turn the half-remembered history of Earth and interstellar travel into immediate possibilities.

First appears in chapter 5

A crewman of the interstellar ship Magellan, born in the final era of Earth. He comes ashore during the ship's stop at Thalassa to help replenish the protection needed for its much longer voyage.

First appears in chapter 5

The commander responsible for the Magellan and its sleeping passengers. He must repair the ship's protective ice shield and keep its mission focused on a colony world still many years beyond Thalassa.

First appears in chapter 8

An elderly intellectual traveling aboard the Magellan, carrying memories of Earth's final years and a broad interest in the beliefs humanity has taken to the stars. His age and perspective make him a bridge between the visitors and Thalassa.