George and the Dragon

A knight returning from crusade who longs to settle on a farm, George is practical yet guided by a strong sense of duty. He grows from cautious ambition into a decisive leader as he protects Luna and confronts would-be usurpers. His decisions balance personal desire with the needs of the kingdom, and his courage ultimately crowns him in a saint-like light after the dragon slaying.

The king's daughter who is abducted by the dragon Adelaide, Luna shows resilience and independence, defending the dragon's cave and its egg Smite. She refuses a political betrothal and questions the motivations of those around her, including Garth. Her loyalty to the dragon family and her own autonomy shape the story's emotional core.

Tarik is George's ally and a mercenary hunter who travels from the crusader world to Spain in search of El Cabillo. He is skilled but falls when he is defeated by the mercenary El Cabillo, only to later reveal himself as the man who took the title of El Cabillo after defeating the previous bearer. He embodies themes of loyalty, ambition, and identity.

Garth is Luna's would-be fiancé and the kingdom's ambitious rival who abducts Luna to force a marriage and mount a coup. He embodies ruthlessness and a hunger for power, challenging George and the king's authority. His downfall comes during the climactic conflict with the dragons and royal forces.

Elmendorf is the elder guardian of the King's household, a seasoned advisor who guides George and shares the king's confidences. He sacrifices himself to save Luna and ensures a smoother succession by naming Wryn as his successor. His loyalty and wisdom anchor the royal protection.

Sir Robert is George's father, a veteran knight who recounts dragon-fighting stories and passes down a relic—the dragon horn. He encourages George to pursue land but supports his son's courage and sense of duty. His memory and guidance influence George's path and choices.

Wryn is a village boy who follows George and becomes part of the rescue party. He provides youthful courage and loyalty, and he ultimately inherits Elmendorf's guidance role after the sacrifices in the climactic battle. His presence helps humanize the larger quest.

Adelaide is the dragon whose presence drives the kidnapping and the later battle. She defends her cave and egg and interacts with Luna's compassion, showing a protective, familial side rather than merely monstrous, complicating the moral landscape of the story.

Smite is the dragon egg Luna shields, which hatches during the climactic battle. The egg represents new life and hope for dragon survival, anchoring a secret the characters decide to protect. Its existence shifts the moral balance of the war between dragons and humans.

Father Bernard is a convicted priest who escapes hanging and is saved by George and Tarik. He travels with the group to the nunnery, where the egg remains secret, and his presence underlines the tension between law, faith, and personal morality. His actions influence key plot turns in the pursuit of Luna.

Sister Angela is a nun who becomes a keeper of the dragon egg's secret at the nunnery. She represents the cautious protection of sacred mysteries and offers quiet support to the central rescue mission. Her role emphasizes themes of restraint and guardianship.