- Merlin, known also as Myrddin, with Emrys as a sort of patronym. The stories explore his learning to use magic and his centrality in the Matter of Britain.
- Niniane, his mother, a Christian who joins the local nunnery when he is 12.
- King of Maridunum, an unnamed king of South Wales; grandfather of Merlin, father of Camlach and Niniane, married to Queen Olwen.
- Camlach, uncle of Merlin, he is prepared to kill Merlin to remove him from the line of inheritance.
- Galapas, a local mage who teaches Merlin much natural lore and some magic, and who bequeathes to him the crystal cave.
- Cerdic, a Saxon slave, friend to Merlin; he accidentally causes the death of the king.
- Vortigern, an ambitious warlord-king who battles Ambrosius for Britain.
- Ambrosius Aurelianus, Merlin's father; a Romanized Celt, he invades England from Lesser Britain when Merlin is 18 and has joined him.
- Uther Pendragon, Merlin's uncle, Ambrosius's younger brother, eventually High King of Britain and father of King Arthur. He and Merlin retain an alliance, if not friendship, throughout their lives.
- Cadal, servant to Ambrosius and then to Merlin.
- Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, is loyal to Ambrosius but later betrayed by Uther and Merlin, who conspire to get his young wife, Ygraine, together with Uther; Gorlois dies in battle that same night.
- Ygraine, Duchess of Cornwall and mother of Arthur.
- Ralf, loyal page to Ygraine; he later serves Merlin.
- Ulfin, servant to Uther and, at times, Merlin.
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