Epic fantasy often has so many characters that a list of characters (also known as dramatis personae) is a necessary aid to readers. The trouble is, a character list is usually as dull as dishwater. The best solution I have seen is from Lindsey Davis. Her character lists in her Roman mysteries about the Falco family have a definitely flippant tone to them. As a result, they are so entertaining that I often read them after finishing the novel they appear in, when I can fully understand the jokes. In fact, I admire them so much that I have shamelessly copied their tone for my character list in my current project The Bone Ransom:

The Ravenpiper Family

Talson Ravenpiper: A teenage boy, corrupted by stories and the training for the role of a second child.

Skulae Ravenpiper: Talson’s older sister. Nothing is her fault.

Bronwy del Caleryon: Talson’s mother, a ruler who knows she’s right.

Dyr-am-Syrans (Dhuramtsuran)

Kosky, aka Kahuin: A teenage girl, caught between two cultures and sarcastic about it.

Hilaswy: Kosky’s father, a dignified chieftain and drunk.

Guji: Kosky’s body-fluid foster brother. Disgustingly popular.

The Elite Housecarls

Ragger: Bronwy’s steward, and leader of the housecarls. A retired hero who has seen too much.

Aldleaf, Morgrim, and Eimur: Three veterans housecarls on duty in the city.

Ulfman: A housecarl not known for his polish.

Other Torsmyrians

Aglachad Torhte: Second cousin to the Ravenpipers, and not important enough.

Eshborg Torhte: Aglachad’s daughter and Talson’s ex-lover. An embarrassment.

Bloody Eyril: A Barber-Surgeon. He’ll extract your teeth for a fee, or punch them out for free.

Hindcalf, Gruce, and The Glover: Bronwy’s circle of enablers.

Lyxus: A Lawgiver with a bad memory for his oath of office.

Ivoryne: Server to Bronwy.

Borrie: Ivorne’s baby, named for Talson’s grandfather. But it’s not what you think.

Darogar: A swinging smith.

Frith’s Osgerd, Dallader, Slorm, and Fyrwulf: Members of the Fox age-group of the Hearth Guards. Veterans and still trying to forget the fact.

Off Stage

Karllaron (Lawbench) Hringesthorn: An elderly but still active rival of the Ravenpipers, fond of practical music.

Osbolt IV: The Margram of Torsmyr, the Ravenpiper’s titular overlord. A religious reformer.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Elzymer Ravenpiper: Talson’s father. A reluctant hero with a roving eye.

Borogrim Ravenpiper: Talson’s grandfather. The upstart who conquered the province of Ilvarness and freed the serfs.

Rungest “Dicer” Ravenpiper: Talson’s ancestor, who ended a civil war and died the obligatory heroic death. Pure ballad-bait.

Kermane Ravenpiper: Founder of the Ravenpiper family. An intimidating ancestor.

Purcirm Ravenpiper: Talson’s ancestor, who disappeared while exploring the Silvorn River, making himself romantic.

Skordis: An ancient runewife whose name is still used to frighten children.

Leel, Runger, Timple, Varchild and Ashnborg: Female housecarls who have let themselves go.