Mat Cauthon
Mat dominates with his presence in this novel. After being healed by the Aes Sedai in Tar Valon, he decides to leave out of fear of being used by them, and sets off on a journey that eventually leads him to Tear. Tremendous luck follows Mat, and he wins a lot of money very fast while playing dice.
Egwene al'Vere
Egwene passes the test to become one of the Accepted of the White Tower. Amyrlin Seat bids her and Nynaeve to investigate the runaway Black Ajah and they set off on a journey that leads them to Tear. Egwene's character growth is apparent in this novel even more clearly, she is no longer a young girl, like Nynaeve sees her, but a woman capable of making her decisions.
Perrin Aybara
Perrin, another ta'veren, is conflicted in this novel with his gift of communicating with wolves. He is also troubled by the sudden appearance of Faile, a trained hunter of the Horn, who is intent on sticking by his side.
Moiraine
Moiraine shows the first signs of fear in this novel. Always cool and collected, as the novel nears the end, she becomes more distressed and anguished as they are following Rand to the Stone of Tear. Moiraine also reveals that she doesn't follow the Aes Sedai rules completely, drawing threatening powers to help them escape moments of crisis.
