Corayne am-Amarat is the novel’s protagonist and primary hero figure. She is the daughter of Meliz am-Amarat, the notorious pirate captain of the Tempestborn, and Cortael of Cor, one of the last remaining Corbloods within Allward. (Cortael was originally raised in Iona as a prince and as the heir to the former Cor empire.) By blood, Corayne is also the niece of Taristan; through his marriage, Corayne becomes Erida’s niece as well.

Corayne was born out of wedlock and never met her father, though it is implied that he provided Meliz with funds to take care of his daughter. For most of her life, Corayne has dreamed of working with her mother on her ship and discovering the world, but her mother has denied her wishes out of a sense of protectiveness. Kept on Lemarta, Corayne became her mother’s negotiator and accumulated a vast amount of knowledge on ships, sea routes, and seafaring.

When her father dies, Dom calls upon her to save Allward from her uncle and from the demon god What Waits, both of whom are tearing Spindles open and allowing the damaging effects of other realms to flow into Allward. Through her travels, she meets, befriends, and brings together a group of Companions, including Dom, Sorasa, Andry, Valtik, Sigil, and Charlon.