The story is narrated from the point of view of 12 characters and a one-off prologue point of view. Unlike its predecessors, the fourth novel follows numerous minor characters as well.
- Prologue: Pate, a novice of the Citadel in Oldtown
- Cersei Lannister, The Queen Regent
- Ser Jaime Lannister, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
- Brienne, Maid of Tarth, a young warrior woman searching for Sansa and Arya Stark
- Sansa Stark, pretending to be Petyr Baelish's daughter "Alayne Stone" (her later chapters are titled as such)
- Arya Stark, later referred to as "Cat of the Canals", beginning her training at the Temple of Him of Many Faces in the free city of Braavos
- Samwell Tarly, a sworn brother of the Night's Watch
- In the Iron Islands:
- The Prophet, The Drowned Man: Aeron "Damphair" Greyjoy, Self-proclaimed servant of the Drowned god, youngest of Late King Balon's three surviving brothers
- The Kraken's Daughter: Princess Asha Greyjoy, daughter of Late King Balon of the Iron Islands
- The Iron Captain, The Reaver: Prince Victarion Greyjoy, Captain of the Iron fleet, one of Late King Balon's three surviving brothers
- In Dorne:
- The Captain of Guards: Areo Hotah, Captain of the Guards to Prince Doran Martell of Dorne
- The Soiled Knight: Ser Arys Oakheart of the Kingsguard
- The Queenmaker, The Princess in the Tower: Arianne Martell, daughter of Prince Doran and heir to Dorne
