Dreamsnake

Healer-protagonist who endures imprisonment in a dreamsnake pit, resists North's venom through will and immunity, discovers the secret of dreamsnake reproduction, escapes, confronts North, and ultimately revives Melissa.

Desert man and Snake's romantic partner who arrives unexpectedly at North's camp, carries Melissa, supports Snake after her ordeal, and reveals he sought the healers' station to report Grass's loss.

Young child Snake treats in an early scene; the healing session with Mist and Grass establishes Snake's healer identity and the cost of her vocation.

Terminally ill woman with radiation poisoning and spinal injury; proposes the deal that sends Snake to Center; accepts Snake's offer of mercy death and dies when a blood vessel breaks at the moment Mist strikes.

Jesse's devoted partner; distraught over her death; reassured by Snake's account of Jesse's final moments.

Jesse's practical, stocky partner; racked with guilt over moving her after the fall; argues with Snake over using Sand; ultimately thanks Snake and gives her Jesse's horse.

Leader of Arevin's nomadic desert clan; releases Arevin from his obligations and endorses his quest to follow Snake, framing it as both personal need and clan honor.

Snake's large cobra-like serpent; used for venom therapy and healing; must be managed through dangerous drug-induced convulsions during Stavin's treatment.

Snake's rattlesnake-like serpent; Alex suggests using him to ease Jesse's pain, which Snake refuses.

Fine dark gray mare left to Snake by Jesse; given by Alex after Jesse's death; Snake rides her through the night to the oasis.

Elder caravan trader with hereditary rights to the oasis summertree harvest; cares for Snake's pony and insists on gifting replacement supplies as a matter of honor.

Leader of the desert collector community; skeptical of vaccination but ultimately compliant; exchanges banter with Grum.

Grum's oldest grandchild-apprentice who helps entertain children during vaccination and requests a visible scar as a mark of having met a healer.

Son of the mayor; exceptionally beautiful but emotionally vulnerable; guides Snake to treat his father and shows developing warmth toward Snake during her recuperation.

The mayor's devoted elderly servant; stoic, competent; keeps vigil over the mayor and acts as a reliable intermediary with Snake.

Unnamed town leader of Mountainside; afflicted with advanced gangrene; fearful of the serpents, demands impossible conditions, and is successfully treated by Snake.

A young girl with a severe facial burn scar and fresh bruise from abuse by the stablemaster Ras; frightened but ultimately tentatively accepts Snake's offer of adoption.

A young woman, apparently a servant at the mayor's residence, who brings Snake trays and books during her recuperation.

Stablemaster of Mountainside; Melissa's abusive guardian; physically strikes the child.

Very old senior healer who nominated Snake for her name; Snake's mentor; confirms no spare dreamsnakes exist and urges Snake to return for a council meeting.

Young healer at the station who brought Arevin to Silver; volunteers his own dreamsnake for Snake but defers to Silver's judgment.

City dweller who speaks for Center via screen; initially agrees to share regeneration knowledge but violently rejects Snake when she mentions cloning and when he sees Melissa.

Exiled addict from North's encampment, covered in dreamsnake bite scars; initially threatens Snake and Melissa but becomes a reluctant guide to North's dome.

Cult leader who imprisons Snake and Melissa in a dreamsnake pit, uses dreamsnake venom as a tool of control and torture, but proves afraid of the serpents himself and ultimately concedes when Snake confronts him.

Young mountain herder who camps with Arevin, provides information about Snake's passage south, and proposes a brief liaison which Arevin gently refuses.

Jean's kin, fellow mountain herder who warns Arevin the southern territory is dangerous.