Author Andrzej Sapkowski populated his The Witcher books with a huge cast of characters including rebels, rogues, sorcerers and swordsmen. The Netflix adaptation of his series brought many of those villains and reluctant heroes to the screen in Season 1, and the ensemble’s gotten even bigger in Season 2.

If you have a hard time keeping track of all the names, faces, powers and alliances, we’re here with a guide to who’s returning, who’s new and who’s dead but still haunting the survivors. And so you can keep track of who’s on what side and who’s just out for themselves, we’ve also broken down the various competing factions, such as the nations of Cintra or Nilfgaard, the mutated monster-hunting Witchers of the School of the Wolf and the Brotherhood of Sorcerers. The Continent is a busy, brutal place, so let’s get into it.

Note: This guide contains spoilers for Season 1, so consider yourself warned.

Returning Characters

Geralt of Rivia Played by: Henry Cavill Faction: School of the Wolf His story so far: Also known as the White Wolf and the Butcher of Blaviken, the famous witcher Geralt of Rivia has spent decades traveling the Continent slaying monsters for coin. While many think of him as an unfeeling mercenary, he has a strict code when it comes to what work to accept. He’s also very devoted to his friends and loved ones, willing to do anything he can to protect them. Powers: Like all witchers, Geralt underwent intense training to learn to identify, track and fight monsters. He successfully underwent the Trial of the Grasses, receiving mutations that gave him heightened senses, fast healing and resistance to pain, poison and disease. Geralt also received additional mutations that resulted in his signature white hair and gave him even greater strength, speed and endurance than those of a typical Witcher.

Princess Cirilla Played by: Freya Allan Faction: Cintra Her story so far: The granddaughter of Queen Calanthe is the sole survivor of the royal family of Cintra. She narrowly escaped the Nilfgaardian invasion at the outset of Season 1 and has faced many hardships on the way to finding Geralt. The White Wolf saved Ciri’s father’s life and, in return, called upon the Law of Surprise, an ancient custom where someone who owes their life to another rewards them with something they have but don’t know about yet. In this case, it turned out that Duny’s new bride, Pavetta, was already pregnant with Ciri. Destiny now bonds Geralt to Ciri. Powers: Ciri’s mother, Princess Pavetta, had a tremendous amount of magical power, and Ciri seems to have inherited that ability. She’s used it to devastating effect to escape from would-be captors and will need to learn to control it.

Yennefer of Vengerberg Played by: Anya Chalotra Faction: Brotherhood of Sorcerers Her story so far: A quarter-elf, Yennefer was born with a deformed spine and spent her early years neglected, abused and bullied. She honed her power at the magical academy of Aretuza, where she underwent an enchantment that transformed her physically but removed her ability to have children. She has repeatedly defied the Brotherhood of Sorcerers’ expectations, abandoning her assignment as a royal adviser to pursue her own goals. However, she answered the call to Sodden Hill, making a stand alongside many other mages to stop the brutal army of Nilfgaard from invading the rest of the Northern Kingdoms after conquering Cintra. Yennefer was instrumental in turning the tide of the battle. Powers: Yennefer is an exceptionally powerful mage who’s capable of enchanting others, making portals and redirecting fire magic.

Jaskier Played by: Joey Batey Faction: None His story so far: The bard Jaskier sees Geralt as his friend and muse, following him in search of fodder for his stories and ballads. He’s the Continent’s equivalent of a pop star, enjoying the adoration of fans though very prickly about criticism. He was nearly killed by a djinn, a powerful air demon capable of granting wishes, which led to Geralt meeting Yennefer. Geralt blamed Jaskier for his tumultuous relationship with Yennefer and having to claim Ciri as his Child of Surprise and left him on a mountain during a hunt for a dragon. Powers: Jaskier is not very useful in a fight, and his mouth tends to get him into a lot of trouble, but he can write a very catchy song. “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” was a breakout hit for the show and in-world, and Jaskier’s performances helped make Geralt the most famous Witcher on the Continent. 

Fringilla Vigo Played by: Mimi M. Khayisa Faction: Brotherhood of Sorcerers Her story so far: Fringilla excelled at Aretuza, but her intended assignment was stolen by Yennefer. She was sent to the nation of Nilfgaard instead, where she became fiercely loyal to Emperor Emhyr var Emreis, known as the White Flame. She helped lead the invasion of Cintra and the Battle of Sodden Hill, driving many mages to sacrifice themselves for forbidden fire magic. Powers: While not as personally powerful as Yennefer, Fringilla is ruthless and ambitious.

Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach Played by: Eamon Farren Faction: Nilfgaard His story so far: A Nilfgaardian officer and close ally of Fringilla, Cahir tried repeatedly to capture Ciri. He killed her grandfather, King Eist, and briefly held Ciri prisoner before she used her powers to escape. He is a devoted follower of the White Flame and helped lead the uprising against the Usurper ruling Nilfgaard. Powers: Cahir is a very skilled fighter with a penchant for brutality. However, his army was decimated by Yennefer at the Battle of Sodden Hill, stopping Nilfgaard’s expansion and forcing them to retreat back to Cintra.

Filavandrel aén Fidháil Played by: Tom Canton Faction: Elves His story so far: Filavandrel was once king of the elves and led an uprising to stop the genocide of his people. Queen Calanthe crushed his rebellion, and he was forced into hiding. He captured Geralt and Jaskier, and while he considered killing them to keep his location secret, he let them go and Jaskier wrote a ballad about him. Powers: Filavandrel is an extremely skilled warrior and, like all elves, is exceptionally long-lived.

Dara Played by: Wilson Mbomio Faction: Elves His story so far: Dara repeatedly helped Ciri when she was on the run from Nilfgaardian forces. Even when he learned that her grandmother was responsible for the death of his family following Filavendrel’s uprising, Dara stayed with her, forsaking safety among the dryads of Brokilon. After saving Ciri from a shapeshifting doppler employed by Cahir, Dara realized Ciri was too dangerous to travel with and they parted ways. Powers: Dara is skilled at hiding his elven features to better fit into human society, but he’s also at home in the forests, knowing how to hunt, identify poisonous plants and fight with a knife. His natural suspicions helped reveal that The Adonis had taken Mousesack’s form.

King Foltest Played by: Shaun Dooley Faction: Temeria His story so far: The king of Temeria had an incestuous relationship with his sister, resulting in their cursed offspring becoming a striga, a monster fueled by hatred who feeds on human organs after tearing them out with her sharp claws. Geralt was able to break the curse and restore Princess Adelaide to human form. Foltest provided support to the mages that held back the armies of Nilfgaard at Sodden Hill, rallying both the forces of Temeria and his allies in Kaedwen, the largest of the Northern Kingdoms, by convincing them of the threat that Nilfgaard’s ambitions pose to the entire Continent. Powers: Foltest has a substantial army and plenty of political influence among the Northern kings.

Tissaia de Vries Played by: MyAnna Buring Faction: Brotherhood of Sorcerers Her story so far: The headmistress of Aretuza Academy will ruthlessly turn disappointing students into eels to supply her school with power, but she cares deeply about the mages who survive her initiation. She thinks of Yennefer as a daughter despite all their disagreements. Powers: Tissaia is master of magical theory and a great judge of character and potential. She has strong control over her own emotions, which helps her better channel her chaos.

Triss Merigold Played by: Anna Shaffer Faction: Brotherhood of Sorcerers Her story so far: Triss enlisted Geralt to help stop the striga in Temeria and came to greatly respect the Witcher. She was badly injured at the Battle of Sodden. Powers: Triss is particularly skilled at healing and magic involving plants. She is one of the most knowledgeable botanists on the Continent.

Vilgefortz of Roggeveen Played by: Mahesh Jadu Faction: Brotherhood of Sorcerers His story so far: Vilgefortz worked with Tissaia to recruit mages to fight at the Battle of Sodden. He fought Cahir there and was defeated, though he survived. Powers: Vilgefortz combines his magic with martial process.

Istredd Played by: Royce Pierreson Faction: Brotherhood of Sorcerers His story so far: Istredd met Yennefer when she first manifested magic by opening a portal in front of him to escape being bullied in her village. That power led to her being recruited by Tissaia to attend Aretuza, where Istredd was conducting research. He helped tutor Yennefer while she was a student, and the two became lovers. His passion for history drove them apart, as Yennefer didn’t want to follow him on his expeditions across the Continent. Powers: Istredd is a mage who can read minds, project his own thoughts, erect barriers and open portals. He’s also exceptionally knowledgeable about the history of the Continent.

Stregobor Played by: Lars Mikkelsen Faction: Brotherhood of Sorcerers His story so far: Istredd’s mentor and one of the leaders of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, Stregobor is a particularly ancient and conniving mage. He’s both misogynist and mistrustful of elves. He entrapped Geralt into saving his life. Powers: Stregobor is a master of illusion and mental magics.

Artorius Vigo Played by: Terence Maynard Faction: Brotherhood of Sorcerers His story so far: The leader of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, Artorius weakened the organization with nepotism and ordered his mages not to defend Cintra from Nilfgaard in part because he is Fringilla’s uncle. Powers: While he’s a mage, Artorius rarely uses his own powers.

Roach Played by: Zeus et. al Faction: Trusty horse Their story so far: Geralt names all his stalwart equine companions Roach, and each provides him with an anchor to his humanity.  Powers: Roach is a good listener and an invaluable friend and confidant, providing reliable transportation for Geralt and his swords.

New Faces

Francesca Findabair Played by: Mecia Simson Faction: Elves An Introduction: Francesca hates most humans for their mistreatment of the elves and dreams of rebuilding her society, reclaiming her lands and birthing a new generation of the Elder Race.  Powers: Francesca is a powerful mage who is particularly skilled at reviving plants and conjuring food to sustain her forces.

Vesemir Played by: Kim Bodnia Faction: School of the Wolf An Introduction: Vesemir is the oldest living Witcher, serving as the mentor and father figure for Geralt and all the other boys who survived the destruction of the Witcher stronghold of Kaer Morhen. If you want to know more about him, watch the animated The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf. Powers: While he has standard Witcher abilities such as a vastly extended lifespan, enhanced senses and a medallion that detects magic and monsters, Vesemir’s advanced age has somewhat reduced his effectiveness in combat. He is a master of monster lore and Witcher alchemy.

Lambert Played by: Paul Bullion Faction: School of the Wolf An Introduction: Lambert trained with Geralt before the sacking of Kaer Morhen. He’s particularly stubborn and tactless. Powers: Standard Witcher abilities

Cöen Played by: Yasen Atour Faction: School of the Wolf An Introduction: Cöen and Lambert are close friends, but Cöen has more restraint. Powers: Standard Witcher abilities

Eskel Played by: Basil Eidenbenz Faction: School of the Wolf An Introduction: A particularly arrogant Witcher, Eskel loves sharing tales of his adventures and celebrating them with women and wine. Powers: Standard Witcher abilities

Sigismund Dijkstra Played by: Graham McTavish Faction: Redania An Introduction: The head of Redanian Intelligence is a brilliant manipulator with a network of spies keeping him apprised of all the factions and power players on the Continent. Powers: Information is Dijkstra’s greatest weapon, but he’s also a skilled fighter and extremely intimidating.

King Vizimir Played by: Ed Birch Faction: Redania An Introduction: The ruler of Redania is paranoid and ruthless, relying on Dijkstra to guide him in his quest for more wealth and power. He has set his sights on marrying Ciri to gain control of Cintra. Powers: Vizimir is one of the wealthiest monarchs on the Continent and rules one of its largest nations. However, he is petty and has a short attention span.

Dead But Not Forgotten

Queen Calanthe Played by: Jodhi May The Lioness of Cintra, Calanthe was a fierce warrior who was mortally wounded fighting the invading forces of Nilfgaard when they invaded Cintra in a brutal battle in Season 1. Stubborn to the core, she constantly fought the power of destiny, denying the cursed knight Urcheon “Duny” of Erienwald’s claim to marry her daughter Pavetta through the Law of Surprise, and again denying Geralt’s claim to her granddaughter Ciri under the same terms.

Urcheon “Duny” of Erlenwald Played by: Bart Edwards Duny was cursed as a young boy, making him look like a cross between a man and a hedgehog. He later became a knight and saved the life of Calanthe’s first husband, King Roegner. Duny claimed the Law of Surprise as his reward, resulting in his marriage to Pavetta. Unbeknownst to Duny, Pavetta was pregnant with Ciri when Geralt saved Duny from Queen Calanthe’s soldiers and claimed the Law of Surprise as his reward, bonding Ciri to the Witcher. Duny died at sea with his wife.

Princess Pavetta Played by: Gaia Mondadori Calanthe’s daughter fell in love with Duny despite his monstrous appearance. When Calanthe tried to kill him to ensure her daughter had a more politically advantageous marriage, Pavetta manifested an incredible power that almost destroyed Cintra’s throne room. She died at sea shortly after Ciri’s birth.

Mousesack Played by: Adam Levy The druid Mousesack was an old friend of Geralt, an advisor to Calanthe and a mentor to Ciri. He used his magic to protect Cintra and help Ciri escape but was captured by Nilfgaard and killed so that the doppler could take his place and try to trick the princess.

Renfri Played by: Emma Appleton Born during a solar eclipse that was considered a dark omen. Stregobor sent a man to kill her, but he instead raped her and robbed her before letting her go. She grew up to become the leader of a group of brigands and came to Blaviken to get her revenge on Stregobor. Geralt didn’t want to kill either her or Stregobor and he urged Renfri to leave Blaviken behind and live her own life. She would have slaughtered her way through the town to kill Stregobor, so Geralt was forced to kill her.