Alvar Stenberg, 21, works part-time at a Viking museum in Stockholm but never talks about it. He tells people he's "figuring things out" — between university programs, between relationships, between versions of himself. He spends too much time alone: at cafes, walking by the water, in his small apartment with too many books about history and philosophy. He dates people who need saving because it distracts him from the fact that he doesn't know how to save himself.

22-year-old Swedish Viking warrior (born Saxon). Captured as a child, raised by Svear. Torn between Saxon blood and Viking duty. Engaged to Thora (Jarl's daughter) through alliance, but knows she loves his brother-in-arms Rollo. Grew up with Rollo like brothers — equal rank, both command longships. Rollo sails East. Secretly yearns for more than obligation. Commands respect, gravelly voice, uses nautical and battle metaphors.