Characters in The Magician King

Quentin Coldwater

One of Fillory's four rulers, who gives up a comfortable throne to chase a quest for seven golden keys into the underworld itself.

Also in The Magicians

Julia Wicker

Co-ruler of Fillory whose parallel storyline traces how she taught herself magic outside Brakebills, and what that path cost her.

Also in The Magicians

Reynard the Fox (The Magicians)

A trickster god summoned by accident during Julia's underground magic circle, whose violence against her both devastates and transforms her.

Eliot Waugh

King of Fillory alongside Quentin, settling into a bored, ceremonial reign after the adventures of the first book.

Also in The Magicians

Janet Pluchinsky

Queen of Fillory who chafes against the monotony of ceremonial rule behind her usual bravado.

Also in The Magicians

Josh Hoberman

One of Fillory's rulers, tracked down in Venice after trading away his own world-hopping button.

Also in The Magicians

William "Penny" Schroeder

Quentin's prickly former classmate, now at work in the Neitherlands, who explains the cosmic loophole the old gods intend to close.

Also in The Magicians

Poppy (The Magicians)

An Australian dragon researcher swept into the quest alongside Quentin and Josh partway through the book.