Draft:List of Dragon Raja characters

This article describes all named characters appearing in Lee Yeongdo's 1998 book Dragon Raja. Creatures as collectives are not included. Characters are categorized by affiliations.

Delegates from Heltant

Hutch Nedval

Hutch Nedval is the 17-year-old protagonist and narrator of the story, which follows his journey and experiences that is described as a “magical autumn", a once-in-a-lifetime season from the fall of the first leaves to the arrival of the first snow, when extraordinary things become possible for those who recognize the moment.

Hutch is the only son of a candlemaker in Fief Heltant and was expected to follow his father’s trade, but his life changes after his mother is killed in a monster attack linked to the dragon Amurtaht. When his father is later captured during an expedition against the dragon, Hutch joins an official delegation—alongside Karl and Sanson—to raise the ransom. Though untrained in combat, he becomes one of the party’s most agile fighters thanks to the Ogre Power Gauntlets, a magical artifact that grants him superhuman strength. Raised in a harsh environment, Hutch is resilient, witty, and sharp-tongued, often resolving conflicts through humor and quick thinking. Despite lacking formal education, he is mentored by Karl and becomes one of the story’s most eloquent voices. He also enjoys singing and often performs ballads during the journey.

Concept and creation

As the story’s first-person narrator, Hutch provides limited physical description of himself. However, in a scene where he disguises himself as a 17-year-old noblewoman to infiltrate the Halstein family, it is implied that he has a slender, androgynous appearance. Author Lee has stated that Hutch’s name was derived from the first and last syllables of the Korean phrase Hu-an-mu-chi (후안무치, 厚顔無恥), which means "brazen-faced and shameless."

Karl Heltant

Karl Heltant is one of the main protagonists of the story alongside Hutch and Sanson. The younger half-brother of the Viscount of Heltant, Karl lives a reclusive life in the forest on the edge of the fief. When the Viscount and his army are captured by the dragon Amurtaht, Karl is appointed as an official delegate to report to the king and seek support for their rescue. Known for his intelligence and broad knowledge in fields such as history, linguistics, and politics, Karl leads the group with calm authority and sound judgment. Though outwardly an unassuming middle-aged man, he is known for his formal speech, composed demeanor, and sharp tongue when provoked. He also mentors Hutch, shaping his eloquence and narrative style. Having once pursued a political career, Karl returned disillusioned and chose a quiet, independent life in his hometown.

Concept and creation

Hutch describes Karl as an ordinary-looking, middle-aged man with brown hair and an unremarkable presence—someone easily forgotten after passing by. He speaks in a formal and polite manner of speech, typically addressing others by their surnames. A devoted bibliophile, Karl favors academic texts over popular literature and is notably well-read in a wide range of disciplines, including history, geography, theology, and magic. His strategic insight and intellectual versatility make him a key advisor figure within the story. In addition to his scholarly abilities, he is also an expert archer, capable of hitting aerial targets while riding on horseback. According to author Lee, Karl’s name comes from the Korean word kal (칼), meaning "sword," referencing his sharp intellect and tongue. In the story, political figures like King Nilsian and Nexon attempt to bring Karl to their side, seeking to wield his intellect as a political weapon.

Sanson Percival

Sanson Percival is the captain of the guard in Fief Heltant and one of the few survivors of the failed expedition against the dragon Amurtaht. Assigned as Karl’s personal guard during the delegation journey, Sanson is a large, powerful warrior nicknamed "ogre" by Hutch. Though simple-minded at times, he is known for his honesty, strength, and loyalty, and he shares a close friendship with the younger Hutch. Sanson is portrayed as the strongest warrior in the story, excelling in strength, skill, and endurance. He demonstrates exceptional leadership during the delegation journey from Heltant to the capital Bysus, overseeing logistics, budgeting, route planning, and tactical decision-making. He is also proficient in reading maps, organizing personnel, and commanding in battle, fulfilling the role of a field commander with competence. Throughout the story, he is seen referencing military strategies, particularly those of the famed tactician Hazlitt, and shows notable skill in horseback riding.

Concept and creation

According to author Lee, Sanson’s name comes from the Korean phrase ssen son(Korean: 쎈 손), meaning "strong hands" in battle. The last name Percival has originated from the Knights of the Round Table.

Other Companions (In order of appearance)

Iruril Sereniel

Iruril Sereniel, an elven warrior and sorceress who joins Hutch’s group after encountering them during a battle with orcs. Initially intrigued by the humans’ reasoning and character, she decides to accompany them on their journey to the capital. Iruril is a highly skilled combatant, adept with both sword and magic, and possesses a natural affinity with spirits and elementals. Though outwardly composed and rational, her limited understanding of human emotions and customs often leads to awkward or humorous remarks. Over time, she develops a close friendship with Hutch and the rest of the party. Iruril is on a personal quest to resolve a fundamental contradiction facing her race—the elves, born of perfect harmony, now question their place in the world. Her mission is to find a spell, or the legendary archmage Handrake, that could lead her people to a new dimension free of internal conflict.

Concept and creation

Iruril Sereniel is depicted as a beautiful elf woman with long black hair, typically dressed in leather pants and a white blouse. Though she appears youthful, she is over 120 years old. According to author Lee, the common image of elves in Korean popular culture—largely influenced by Tolkien and Japanese anime such as Record of Lodoss War—is that of graceful fighters who "smile like a geisha and fight like a ninja." In contrast, Lee aimed to explore a non-human mindset rooted in pure logic and harmony. He redefined elves as a race of perfect harmony, represented solely by Iruril in the story. Her name, Iruril, resembles the Korean word iruri (Korean: 이루리), meaning "shall accomplish."

Axelhand Eindelf

Axelhand Eindelf is the Knocker of the dwarves, a title representing the highest political authority and spokesperson among his people. He is over 300 years old and wields a massive battle axe, reflecting his prowess as a warrior. Like most dwarves, he is stout and bearded, with dark skin and black eyes. Though he initially insists on traveling on foot, he gradually adapts to using wagons and even horseback while accompanying Hutch’s party. As Knocker, he has no direct power over other dwarves but holds the exclusive right to convene major councils and speak on behalf of all dwarven clans. When signs of a dragon awakening are reported in the Brown Mountains, Axelhand journeys to Bysus Impel—the human capital—to consult historical records and assess the threat to both dwarves and humans. He is portrayed as hearty, straightforward, and free-spirited.

Aphnaidel

Aphnaidel is a young human wizard who first appears as a self-proclaimed “Archmage” in the employ of the corrupt Baron Silikian in the city of Lennus. At the time, he is a third-rate magician relying heavily on magical tools, unable to cast spells properly on his own. After being quickly defeated by Iruril, he is confronted by her and reconsiders his path, eventually leaving the Baron’s service to pursue magic seriously. Originally an apprentice of Bysus’s royal wizard, Jonathan Aphnaidel, he had abandoned his training out of impatience and self-doubt. He drifts to Lennus and becomes complicit in Silikian’s oppression until his turning point. Following his redemption, he meets Axelhand, who later vouches for him and helps him rejoin Hutch’s party. Though initially viewed with suspicion, Aphnaidel proves to be sincere and gradually earns the trust of the group. Throughout the journey, Aphnaidel struggles with his self-confidence, often feeling inferior to the highly skilled members of the party. Nevertheless, he steadily improves his magical abilities—starting from shaky incantations to casting large-scale illusions and destructive spells. His clever use of low-level magic and humble demeanor contribute to his growth and eventual recognition by the group. Hutch gives him the nickname “Topmage” as a mark of acknowledgment.

Concept and creation

Aphnaidel’s name is a pseudonym, and his real name is never revealed in the story. The name Aphnaidel is said to have originated from a private joke involving Korean fantasy writer Seong-hwa Hong, known by the pen name Ledios. According to Hong, he had once promised to write a review for Dragon Raja if the story surpassed 20 serialized episodes. After the novel quickly exceeded that mark in both speed and quality, the review was never published. The name Aphnaidel, when reversed as Ledianhpa (레디안봐), can be interpreted in Korean as “Ledi won’t look”—a playful reference to the broken promise. Hong himself later shared this anecdote, noting that the character Aphnaidel was likely a humorous nod from author Lee. In the story, Aphnaidel borrows the name from his former mentor, Jonathan Aphnaidel, the royal wizard of Bysus. His character arc centers on themes of self-doubt, redemption, and persistence—portraying a struggling magician who grows into his role through effort and humility rather than raw talent.

Unchai

Unchai is a spy from Djipen, an enemy state of Bysus, first introduced while conducting a covert mission in the region of Carlisle. He is captured by Hutch and his companions while attempting to test the Sacred Land as a biological weapon, and is later taken to the capital to stand trial. Initially facing execution, Unchai is gradually influenced by Hutch, Gilsian, and others, eventually defecting and helping to expose Djipen’s secret experiments. He later accompanies the party to Archducy of Ils as a witness to support Bysus’s diplomatic efforts, and joins the group following a conditional pardon brokered by Gilsian. Unchai is a skilled swordsman trained in Djipenian fast-blade techniques and the use of killing aura, a combat skill that overwhelms opponents through sheer presence. His intense, piercing gaze and calm intimidation earn him the nickname "Monster Eyeball." Known for his sharp vision and cynical manner of speech, Unchai initially avoids direct communication with female companions due to Djipenian customs that forbid men from speaking to unrelated women. Instead, he often communicates through Hutch as an intermediary. Despite this, he gradually forms a romantic connection with Neria through their indirect exchanges.

Concept and creation

Unchai reflects cultural contrasts between Djipen and Bysus, drawing from fictionalized interpretations of strict traditional societies. His combat style, silence around women, and emphasis on honor serve as both narrative conflict points and cultural commentary. Additional background on Unchai’s origins and family is explored in Future Walker, the sequel to Dragon Raja. The use of “killing aura” and his cultural code of conduct highlight Djipen’s distinct identity within the story’s worldbuilding.

Neria

Neria "the Trident" is a red-haired thief who prefers to call herself a "nighthawk." She first appears at Iramus Bridge, where she attempts to rob Hutch's party. Though easily overpowered by Sanson, she tricks him into letting her ride along and steals the delegation’s travel funds. The party soon captures her, but discovers that she has already spent the money to settle her debt with the local thieves’ guild. Rather than punishing her, they let her go. Moved by this unexpected leniency, Neria later returns to repay the stolen money and, of her own will, joins the group. Quick-witted, agile, and street-smart, she is the most worldly member of the party. Despite her brash and cynical nature, she is sentimental and romantically drawn to Unchai, with whom she constantly bickers—often through Hutch acting as their interpreter.

Concept and creation

Neria's nickname“the Trident,” symbolizes both her preferred weapon and her reputation in the thieves’ guild, particularly for a notorious encounter with a figure named Moondancer. She is portrayed as a red-haired beauty known for her agility, wit, and bold demeanor. Her interactions with the character Unchai introduce interpersonal tension and occasional comic relief. Due to cultural norms in Djipen that discourage men from speaking directly to unrelated women, their communication is often mediated through Hutch, creating a dynamic that blends humor with cross-cultural misunderstanding. Neria has fear of darkness and thunderstorms which contrasts with her otherwise confident demeanor. Her relationship with Unchai gradually develops over the course of the story, adding a subplot that highlights trust-building and emotional growth within the larger narrative framework.

Gilsian

Gilsian Bysus is a former crown prince of Bysus, known for his charisma and unorthodox behavior. Originally the heir to the throne, he was removed from succession by the House of Lords after abandoning his royal duties and leaving the palace. His younger brother, Nilsian, was instated as the new crown prince and later became king. Gilsian is introduced as an eccentric figure: a capable swordsman wielding the enchanted royal heirloom Prim Blade—a sentient sword that constantly talks, often disrupting his conversations with others. He rides Thunder Rider, a horse turned into a bull by a dark mage’s curse, and wears a haphazard mix of fine armor and scavenged gear. Though he presents himself as a free-spirited wanderer, Gilsian remains politically astute and retains access to royal privileges. When needed, he acts decisively—such as leading the royal guards to suppress an assassination attempt on his brother and taking command of the political response.

Jereint Chimber

Jereint Chimber is a priest of Teperi, the god of crossroads and halflings. Jereint joins Hutch’s party when they seek help from the Temple of Teperi to verify the identity of a Dragon Raja. His lighthearted nature and strong divine powers make him a unique addition to the group. He is described as having a playful and spirited demeanor, often joking and pushing the boundaries of temple rules. He is known for secretly bringing in non-religious books and occasionally sneaking drinks into the armory for impromptu dances, earning him the nickname “Teperi’s misfortune” among his peers. Despite his irreverent behavior, he is sincere in his faith and deeply devoted to Teperi.

Physically, he is a young man in his mid-20s, with black hair, a smaller build, and sharp, expressive eyes that often reflect his mischievous nature. Though not especially distinguished in typical priestly rituals, he is considered spiritually gifted. The temple's High Priest grants Jereint a rare Divine Mark, that allows him to perform powerful miracles—such as healing a wounded dragon, and causing earthquakes.

Kingdom of Bysus

• Jemini Smeintag, Hutch Nedval’s childhood friend and romantic interest. As children, they were known for their playful quarrels, and their families regarded them as future partners from an early age. She is portrayed as someone who deeply cares for Hutch, shown through gestures like cooking him a farewell dinner and sewing his sword belt the night before his departure. Despite their mutual denial, their bond is strongly implied through flashbacks and key scenes, including Hutch’s final return to his hometown, where he finds Jemini waiting for him on the village hill.

• Tyburn Highseeker, a blind wizard who visits Fief Heltant in the first chapter. When Lord Heltant departs for the ninth campaign against the dragon Amurtaht, Tyburn is appointed acting captain of the territory's guard and takes Hutch Nedval as his assistant. Although blind, he demonstrates exceptional magical ability, using tattooed spells on his body to cast magic instantly without verbal incantation or memorization. He also relies on others to help determine distance or uses condition-based spells to designate targets. In the story, Tyburn protects villagers from a group of minotaurs. After Hutch saves him from a minotaur's axe, Tyburn offers to grant him one wish in return and later gifts Hutch the artifact ogre power gauntlet.

• Pelleil, a young and kind-hearted wizard who travels with adventurers Tucker, Krile, and Samantha. He appears in the Fief Carlyle region, where he aids villagers affected by a divine contamination known as the Sacred Land. Despite falling ill himself, he assists Hutch’s party using his insight to uncover the source of the phenomenon and rescue children abducted and trapped by Djipennian spies. Later, Pelleil provides Karl with strategic advice that helps Bysus win its war against Djipen. After crisis, he chooses to remain in Carlye to care for orphaned children. Before parting ways with Hutch’s group, he asks them to share his story through a humble song, "The Grand Mage Pelleil and the Fifty Kids."

• Nexon Heuritchel, the son of Count Ronen Heuritchel, a military commander dispatched to Fief Heltant. Secretly the mastermind behind the thieve's guild in the capital, he conspired to overthrow the Bysus kingdom and claim the throne for himself. As part of this plot, he worked to pass military intelligence to Djipen through their agent Sione, and forcibly stole Hutch's ogre power gauntlet by taking Neria hostage. After publicly decared a traitor, Nexon flees to the Archducy of Ils and abducts the Dragon Raja Leni, in an effort to form a contract with the Dragon Lord. However, upon entering the magically sealed Grand Labyrinth deep within the Eternal Forest, he is caught in a magical rupture that splits his body and mind into five versions of himself. In the ensuing chaos, several of the copies are destroyed, resulting in a permanent loss of memories and identity. The surviving Nexon is left mentally broken, driven only by his hatred for Bysus and the House of Halsteil, the family of Dragon Rajas.

• Marquis Halsteil, the head of a noble house that has produced Dragon Rajas for past 300 years. Originally loyal vassals of the Dragon Lord, the Halstein family maintained their allegiance even after the fall of dragonkind and were granted the right to bear Dragon Rajas for three centuries. This legacy earned them noble status under the Kingdom of Bysus during its unification period. By the time of the main story, the 300-year blessing has expired, leaving the family's political power unstable. In an effort to restore his influence, Halstein secretly raises a private army and devises a plan to revive the Dragon Raja bloodline. He adopts children with signs of Dragon Raja potential—taken from other households—and aims to selectively breed them. Upon learning of Leni, an illegitimate daughter believed to be a likely Dragon Raja, he begins searching for her, hoping to form a pact with the awakening dragon Kradmesser and use her to secure his family's future dominance.

Archduchy of Ilse

• Leni, a red-haired teenage girl from the port city of Delhafa, where she lives a quiet life with her adoptive father, Greydon, running a small tavern known as the Whale’s Boneyard. Abandoned as a child and left in Greydon's care by a traveling stranger, Leni grows up unaware of her significance. She is revealed to be a powerful Dragon Raja, destined to form a contract with the dormant dragon Kradmesser and play a pivotal role in saving the continent. Despite her fateful importance, Leni shows little interest in power or luxury. She only agrees to journey with Hutch's party to fulfill her role as a Dragon Raja on the condition that she will return home to Delhafa afterward. When offered wealth and security by Bysus officials in exchange for future obligations as a Dragon Raja, Leni firmly declines, preferring a simple life over political influence or privilege.

Djaipen

• Sione, a female vampire who serves as a recurring antagonist throughout the journey of Hutch and his companions. She is first introduced in the province of Carlyle as a mysterious woman in a black robe accompanied by a crow, and later revealed to be a high-level spy for Djipen. Within the kingdom of Bysus, Sione is known as a highly dangerous operative. She is responsible for assassinating a general on the Djipen front, attempting to kill the Bysus king, and leading covert bioweapon experiments that weaponize “Sacred Lands” using the plague power of the god Geden. She also allies with Nexon in his conspiracy to overthrow the Bysus monarchy.

Dragons

• Amurtaht, a female black dragon who resides in the Grey Mountains of western Bysus. Known as the "Sentinel of the Sunset" and "Black Spear of Helcanes", she is a four-winged dragon who awakened from dormancy about fifty years prior to the events of Dragon Raja. Her magical presence naturally attracts monsters, turning the area into a hostile zone for nearby human settlements, such as Fief Heltant. Despite repeated attempts to defeat her, including one with the help of King's white dragon Catseleprime, Amurtart remains undefeated. After her victory over the white dragon, she demands ransom for the surviving forces that sets Hutch, Sanson, and Karl on their journey.

• Catselprime, a white dragon dispatched from the Bysus capital to aid in the subjugation of Amurtart. Though powerful, Casselephrame is mortally wounded in a surprise ambush by Amurtart, whose foresight and the commanders' poor planning lead to the white dragon’s death from a grievous bite in close combat. Catselprime shared a close bond with their Dragon Raja Dietrich Halsteil. According to Dietrich, Catselprime was notoriously picky—refusing to eat unless mint leaves were used to remove the scent of meat.

• Jigoleid, a Blue Dragon known for wielding lightning-based breath attacks. Jigoleid originally fought as an ally of Bysus on the Zaiphen front, through his contract with Dolman Hansteil, a Dragon Raja of Bysus. After his hatchling is born, Jigoleid wants to end the contract to shield his child from brutality of war, which Dolman accommodates without the military approval. Later, his hatchling is kidnapped by a sorcerer, and Jigoleid encounters Hutch and his companions in the pursuit.

• Dragon Lord, is an enourmous gold dragon, though he typically appears in the guise of a tall, elderly man through polymorph magic. Once the supreme ruler of the world, the Dragon Lord was overthrown following a large-scale rebellion led by the human hero Luterino the Great. Despite overpowering human forces multiple times, he was eventually defeated with the aid of the archmage Handrake. Gravely wounded, the Dragon Lord escaped north with the help of the first Marquis of Halsteil. Since then, he has resided in his lair deep within the Great Labyrinth.

• Kradmesser, also known as the Spear of Flame, is a powerful Crimson Dragon characterized by red scales marked with intricate black patterns that begin from the eyes and run down the neck and body. He went berserk 30 years ago after his Dragon Raja's death, nearly destroying the Bysus Kingdom before unexpectedly falling into hibernation in the Brown Mountains. In the story, the dwarfs notices Kradmesser's awakening and cease mining, leading to shortage of precious metals that prevent the Delegates to raise the ransom money. To resolve the crisis and prevent the dragon from going on another rampage, the party sets out to find a Dragon Raja for the Kradmesser.

References

Bibliography

• Lee, Yeongdo (2008). Dragon Raja 1: The Horse Charging Into Dawn (KR hardcover ed.). Golden Bough. ISBN 978-89-60172-586.
• Lee, Yeongdo (2008). Dragon Raja 2: The Grand Mage Pelleil and the Fifty Kids (KR hardcover ed.). Golden Bough. ISBN 978-89-60172-593.
• Lee, Yeongdo (2008). Dragon Raja 3: The Black Hand of Vengeance (KR hardcover ed.). Golden Bough. ISBN 978-89-60172-609.
• Lee, Yeongdo (2008). Dragon Raja 4: The Girl by the Port (KR hardcover ed.). Golden Bough. ISBN 978-89-60172-616.
• Lee, Yeongdo (2008). Dragon Raja 5: The Stars Bestow Light on Those Who Gaze (KR hardcover ed.). Golden Bough. ISBN 978-89-60172-623.
• Lee, Yeongdo (2008). Dragon Raja 6: Looking Ahead, Thinking Behind=KR hardcover. Golden Bough. ISBN 978-89-60172-630.
• Lee, Yeongdo (2008). Dragon Raja 7: Elegy of the Archmage=KR hardcover. Golden Bough. ISBN 978-89-60172-647.
• Lee, Yeongdo (2008). Dragon Raja 8: The Dragon Soaring Into Dusk=KR hardcover. Golden Bough. ISBN 978-89-60172-654.