A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR) is the third installment in the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas. Picking up only weeks after the climatic events of A Court of Mist and Fury, Feyre Archeron finds herself forced back to the Spring Court and to High Lord Tamlin’s side. Playing a dangerous game of deception, she plays nice with Tamlin while secretly gathering intelligence on the King of Hybern’s war plans. With the various High Fae Courts preparing for a potential all-out war and raising their own war efforts, Feyre and her allies must navigate treacherous court politics, form fragile alliances, and find allies in unexpected places. Meanwhile, long-buried secrets and shifting loyalties threaten to unravel their collective efforts. With a new cast of characters, ancient legends return and old grudges are repaid. The fate of both the Fae and human worlds hang in the balance and Feyre, once again, will shape the destiny of Prythian as it faces an encroaching second Human and Fae War. This guide offers an in-depth look at the characters in ACOWAR. For a deeper exploration of the world, please visit the Ultimate ACOWAR World Guide.
NOTE: This post assumes you have read the previous books in the series. Major spoilers ahead for earlier installments and minor spoilers ahead for the current book.
Table of Contents
Who is in the Night Court Inner Circle in ACOWAR?

Feyre Archeron
The High Lady of the Night Court and the first High Lady in all of Prythian, Feyre is forced back to the Spring Court and to Tamlin's side. She must hide her new identity and figure out how to escape back to her friends and family in the Night Court.

Amren
An ancient and otherworldly being, she is Rhysand’s Second-in-Command in the Night Court and provides critical advice to his court. She is capable of immense and unearthly power. Amren continues translating the Book of Breathings to help find vital information that could help turn the tides of war in their favor.

Morrigan (Mor)
Rhysand’s cousin and Third-in-Command of the Night Court, known for her confidence, battle prowess and the power of Truth. She is High Fae and her family use to rule the Night Court before they were relegated to Hewn City. She is estranged from her family. Mor visits the other courts to rally support for the war efforts and helps train the soldiers.

Rhysand
High Lord of the Night Court, half-Fae, half-Illyrian, Rhysand is a charismatic and powerful leader with the ability to mist, to pulverize anything into a fine powder, and to also read and control minds as Daemati, a species of fairies with mind controlling powers. Rhysand strategically plans for the upcoming war, while also dealing with the fallout at the Spring Court.

Azriel
An Illyrian bastard, born to an already married Lord and most likely, his servant. Azriel had a cruel childhood with his father and step-mother. He is a Shadowsinger, a rare breed of faerie that are able to manipulate shadows, a skill which helped him become Rhysand’s Spymaster. At his full power, he wears 7 cobalt siphons. Azriel focuses on gathering intelligence on the King of Hybern’s army, and also teaches Feyre how to fly.

Cassian
An Illyrian bastard, born to a warrior and a war-camp laundress, he was abandoned at a distant camp as a child. Through grit and determination, he became a powerful warrior and Commander of Rhysand’s armies in the Night Court. At his full power, he wears 7 red siphons. Cassian is deeply involved in military preparations. He works on organizing the troops and strategizing battle plans for the upcoming war.
Who is in the Night Court Court of Dreams in ACOWAR?

Nesta Archeron
The eldest Archeron sister, she is proud and deeply resentful of their family’s misfortunes. She was closest to their mother, who valued Nesta for her potential marriage matches. Nesta is outraged at being Made into a High Fae by the Cauldron. She isolates herself in the Night Court, refusing any help and showing little interest in the war efforts.

Elain Archeron
The middle Archeron sister, she is gentle and kind, preferring to tend to her garden rather than dealing with reality. Although she’s the middle child, she is often protected by her sisters. Elain is overwhelmed with her transformation into a High Fae and appears lost and catatonic. She mourns her old life, in particular her broken engagement to Lord Graysen.

Madja
A High Fae healer in Velaris, she is Rhysand’s favorite healer and often attends to the Night Court Inner Circle’s wounds and ailments.

Nuala
A half-Fae, half-Wraith maid, she was one of the Shadow Maids that attended to Feyre while she was Under the Mountain. Like her twin, Cerridwen, she possesses the ability to manipulate shadows and smoke and is a maidservant in the Night Court.

Cerridwen
A half-Fae, half-Wraith maid, she was one of the Shadow Maids that attended to Feyre while she was Under the Mountain. Like her twin, Nuala, she possesses the ability to manipulate shadows and smoke and is a maidservant in the Night Court.

Rita
A friendly Fae who lives in Velaris, she owns a popular bar that is frequently visited by the Night Court Inner Circle.
Who are the Illyrians in ACOWAR?

Lord Devlon
An Illyrian war-lord who rules the Windhaven Camp. Although he is considered to be one of the more fair war-lords, he holds many superstitions against Illyrian women taking up arms.

Rhysand's Mother
Originally a seamstress in a war-camp, she was found to be the Mate of the Night Court High Lord and although they were not compatible, he stopped her wings from being clipped and let her fly. She made sure Rhysand was educated in both the Fae and Illyrian cultures and became a surrogate mother to Cassian and Azriel. She was killed by Tamlin’s father in an ongoing court feud.

Rhysand's Sister
Half-Fae and half-Illyrian just like her brother, Rhysand’s sister loved visiting the artists’ quarters in Velaris and was later murdered alongside her mother by Tamlin’s father in an ongoing court feud.
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Enalius
A warrior-god amongst the Illyrians. He died defending Mount Ramiel from ancient enemies and the annual Blood Rite is performed in his memorial.
Who are the mortals in ACOWAR?

Mr. Archeron
Feyre’s father and once a wealthy merchant, he lost everything after a failed venture. His leg was crippled by his creditors, while his spirit was broken by his misfortunes. He is still away on his mysterious business trip to the Continent, leaving his daughters to fend for themselves.

Mrs. Archeron
Feyre’s mother, she died of typhus when Feyre was 8. She was strict and domineering and favored Nesta over her other daughters. However, she recognized an inner strength in Feyre and made her promise to take care of the family after her death.

Children of the Blessed
A human cult that is obsessed with worshipping the High Fae and act as servants for them. They occasionally send members across the Wall into Prythian because they believe they can live amongst the High Fae in comfort and luxury.

Clare Beddor
A local village girl who was friends with Nesta Archeron. She was killed by Amarantha as a result of Feyre’s actions.

Lord Graysen
The son of a wealthy lord, Graysen and his family despise the High Fae and built extensive fortifications around their estates. He was engaged to Elain Archeron.

Lord Nolan
A wealthy lord in the Mortal Lands, he hates all things related to the Fae world. He made his son give Elain an iron engagement ring to ward off faeries, since it is believed iron repels the Fae.

Demetra
A young queen known for her golden hair, her nickname is the Golden Queen. She is more fair than the other Mortal Queens.

Vassa
The mortal Queen of Scythia on the Continent, bound by power, politics, and a fate far greater than her crown.
Who is in the Spring Court in ACOWAR?

Tamlin
The High Lord of the Spring Court, he is able to shape shift into any form he desires and is also able to shape shift others. He is a powerful but tormented High Fae. Tamlin’s relationship with Feyre is strained, because of the deal he made with the King of Hybern in exchange for Feyre’s return to the Spring Court.

Lucien
The youngest High Fae lordling of the Autumn Court, he has 6 older brothers and is uninterested in royal titles. He fled his court and found refuge in the Spring Court as Tamlin’s emissary and confidante. He bears no love for his family. Lucien’s loyalty to Tamlin falters and he questions where he truly belongs.

Ianthe
A High Fae priestess from the Spring Court, known for her beauty and ambitions. Her father was a close ally to Tamlin’s family and she grew up alongside Tamlin. Ianthe continues to manipulate those around her in her attempts to gain power and influence.

Andras
A High Fae sentinel of the Spring Court, he was loyal to Tamlin and his court until the very end. He was transformed into a wolf and killed by Feyre, sparking the events that started her journey into Prythian.

Bron
A High Fae sentinel in the Spring Court, he witnessed Feyre’s ordeals from Under the Mountain and believes she fought brilliantly.

Hart
A High Fae sentinel in the Spring Court, he also witnessed Feyre’s ordeals from Under the Mountain and is honored to protect and serve her.
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Alis
An Urisk, a species of lesser fae with bark-like skin. She is a loyal and kind servant of the Spring Court and helps Feyre adjust to life in Prythian. Though she appears stern at times, she deeply cares for her two nephews and provides vital guidance to Feyre.
Who is in the Summer Court in ACOWAR?

Tarquin
The High Lord of the Summer Court, he is the youngest High Lord and relatively inexperienced but kind. He is able to control water as well as winnow, the ability to transport oneself instantaneously.

Cresseida
A High Fae and Princess of Adriata, cousin to Tarquin and older sister to Varian. She is friendly and flirty and has the ability to create glamours and illusions.

Varian
A High Fae and Prince of Adriata, cousin to Tarquin and captain of Tarquin's guard. He harbors feelings for Amren and is Cresseida’s younger brother.
Who is in the Autumn Court in ACOWAR?

Beron
The High Lord of the Autumn Court, he is noted for his cruelty, maliciousness, and greed. He is able to control fire as well as winnow. He is Lucien’s father.

Lady of the Autumn Court
Wife to High Lord Beron, she is Lucien’s mother and has always lived under the oppression of her husband. Like many of the Autumn Court, she is able to control fire.

Eris
Eldest son of High Lord Beron, he is Lucien’s eldest brother and appears to be cocky and arrogant as the heir apparent to the Autumn Court.
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Jesminda
A lesser fae of the Autumn Court, she was Lucien’s first love.
Who is in the Dawn Court in ACOWAR?

Thesan
The High Lord of the Dawn Court, he has exceptional healing abilities and is also able to winnow. He is said to glow the brightest amongst all the High Lords and has a calming personality.

Peregryns
A race of winged fae that live in the Dawn Court and make up Thesan’s aerial army. Like their namesake, they have colorful feathered wings that come in a range of colors and patterns from browns and whites to gold and black.

Captain of the Peregryns
The Captain of the Peregryn aerial legion is a formidable warrior and also Thesan’s lover.
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Nuan
A brilliant alchemist and inventor in the Dawn Court.
Who is in the Winter Court in ACOWAR?

Kallias
The High Lord of the Winter Court, he is able to manipulate ice and also winnow. He is cautious and reserved in his behavior and has a habit of wearing fur even in the warmer courts.

Viviane
Lady of the Winter Court and Kallias’ mate. She is noted for her warmth and kindness. She is old friends with Mor and is not afraid to speak her mind.
Who is in the Day Court in ACOWAR?

Helion
The High Lord of the Day Court, he is incredibly powerful with multiple skills, from air and light manipulation to shape-shifting and winnowing, but he is most noted for his ability to detect and break spells, giving him the moniker ‘Spell-Cleaver.’ While he puts on a serious front, he is good-natured and flirtatious.
Who is in the Night Court Court of Nightmares in ACOWAR?

Keir
The Steward of the Hewn City and the Court of Nightmares. He is Mor’s father and has a strained relationship with her, she remembers him as a mean and hateful person.

Mor's Mother
She resides in the Hewn City alongside Keir, she is estranged from her daughter and views her as a disappointment. Mor does not like speaking about her.

Darkbringers
A legion of elite warriors from the Court of Nightmares. They are highly trained but often left underutilized.
What magical creatures are in ACOWAR?

The Suriel
A skeletal faerie that is said to be older than the continent of Prythian itself. It is an ancient and all-knowing Fae, and must answer any questions truthfully if ever captured. Though fearsome, it becomes an unlikely ally to Feyre.

The Attor
A large grotesque, bat-like creature that served as Amarantha’s messenger. It enjoyed tormenting both humans and faeries alike, and was known to be vindictive. Feyre killed it during the attack on Velaris.

The Midgard Wyrm
A massive and ancient serpent-like beast that closely resembled a gigantic worm. It had a huge gaping mouth with rows of sharp teeth and like many underground creatures, it was blind. Feyre defeated it as one of Amarantha's tasks.

The Bogge
A type of lesser faerie that only becomes corporeal once a person lays eyes upon it, otherwise it remains a disembodied voice. It strikes fear into its beholder and no one knows its true form.

The Naga
A type of dark faerie that appears to be humanoid but covered in scales and bearing serpentine features. They worship the Dark Mother and enjoy hunting and eating humans.

Bryaxis
An amorphous creature of darkness that is imprisoned at the bottom of the library in Velaris. She feeds on fear and is able to shape-shift. She is considered an entity of pure terror.
Who are the death gods in ACOWAR?

The Bone Carver
A primordial being able to see parts of the future and is highly sought after for his clairvoyancy skills. He appears differently to everyone who sees him and trades in knowledge, revealing cryptic truths in exchange for intriguing stories or items. He resides in the Prison.

The Weaver, Stryga
An ancient crone who weaves on her loom in a secluded cottage. She appears old and frail with milky blind eyes but eats those who trespass into her cottage and fortifies her home with the bones, fat, and hair of her victims. She is one of the most formidable creatures in Prythian.

Koschei
A dark and omnipotent sorcerer, he was bound to a lake on the Continent eons ago by an ancient Fae warrioress. He has been trying to break his bondage but to no avail, and has become known for enchanting and imprisoning women to his lake. No one knows what he does with his prisoners.
Who are the holy figures in ACOWAR?

The Cauldron
An ancient and powerful artifact that is semi-sentient and believed to be the source of all life and magic in Prythian. It has immense power to create and destroy, as well as transform objects and beings into more powerful versions of themselves. These afflicted items and persons are then referred to as Made, and are imbued with great magical abilities.

The Mother
The primordial Mother and main deity, she unleashed the mysterious contents of the Cauldron by tipping it over and thereby created Prythian and the known world. She is a mythical and goddess-like figure that represents nurture, fate, and life.
Who are the historical figures in ACOWAR?

Amarantha
Originally a military commander in the King of Hybern’s forces, she was sent back to Prythian 100 years ago as an emissary but went rogue and took over Prythian for herself. She enchanted the land and restrained the Fae’s magic for 50 years. Feyre broke Amarantha’s curse and freed everyone’s magic, allowing Tamlin to deliver a fatal blow, finally ending her reign of terror.

Jurian
A legendary human general from the Human Fae War, who helped free the humans from Fae enslavement. He incurred Amarantha’s everlasting wrath for murdering her sister, and as punishment she tortured him and bound his soul and eye to a ring for eternity.

Clythia
Amarantha’s younger sister, once a gifted Fae commander in the King of Hybern’s forces. She fell in love with Jurian, but he only used her for information and killed her when he had no further use for her. Her death was a huge blow to Amarantha.

Miryam
A half-Fae, half-human slave from the Black Land on the Continent. The Fae Queen of the Black Land gifted Miryam to a Fae Prince, Drakon, as an engagement gift. However, he was disgusted by the gift and freed Miryam.

Drakon
A half-Fae, half-Seraphim Prince, he was sympathetic to the humans’ cause and did not believe the High Fae had the right to keep humans as slaves. He later fought alongside Jurian’s human rebellion in the War.

Seraphim
A species of winged Fae that follow Prince Drakon. They are fierce aerial warriors with white angel-like wings and are considered to be the counterparts to the Illyrians.

Nephelle
A Seraphim in Drakon’s legion. She was born with small, deformed wings so she could not fly with armor or equipment and became a cartographer instead. She became best friends with Miryam.

Andromache
A mortal queen who was involved with the creation of the Treaty and the Wall that protected humans.
Who are the antagonists in ACOWAR?

King of Hybern
The enigmatic and cruel ruler of Hybern, he believes humans are insignificant pests and seeks to destroy the Treaty that ended human enslavement in Prythian. He is ruthless in his pursuit of power and land. Amarantha was a former general in his army before she went rogue.

Princess Brannagh
Niece to the King of Hybern and twin sister to Prince Dagdan, Brannagh is ruthless and likes torturing humans.

Prince Dagdan
Nephew to the King of Hybern and twin brother to Princess Brannagh, Dagdan is cruel like his sister and enjoys tormenting mortals.
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The Mortal Queens
Powerful rulers of the human realm on the Continent. They are cautious and calculating, weighing their options carefully before making alliances. They also have some magical abilities, such as winnowing.
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