Hitomi Hoshino, a 16-year-old high schooler with an interest in mysticism, experiences strange dreams at night. A mysterious temple, a tremendous jewel, a shadowy prince - the images trouble her, and a strange incantation keeps echoing in her mind. During a simple fortune-telling one day Hitomi feels a magical pull, and in a shocking moment the dream incantation drags her from her body. She wakes up in a strange world where the Earth hangs in the sky and a headstrong prince asks her to power his god. Where is she? Why has she been transported? And will she really be able to wake the deity Escaflowne?

Hitomi Hoshino
A first year high school student, Hitomi lives at home with her family. She has always been interested in tarot cards and enjoys telling her friends' fortunes. When on the planet Gaea, she is endowed with precognitive powers and has visions of the future. Hitomi's strange abilities also help her fuel the legendary Escaflowne. She has a crush on Allen, who resembles a boy she likes at her High School. Hitomi's positive outlook and spirit helps her deal with her strange destiny. She is sixteen years old.

Prince Van Slanzar de Fanelia
The young prince and future king of Fanelia. Van is the son of Escalina, the beloved Fanelian Queen. He has one older brother, Folken. Due to his royal blood, he is the only person capable of piloting the Fanelian deity, Escaflowne. After the destruction of his kingdom, Van becomes obsessed with revenge, vowing to destroy the evil Empire of Zaibach. He is fifteen years old.

Queen Escalina
The mother of Prince Van and reigning queen of Fanelia. Escalina's love for her son knows no bounds, and is so great that she would gladly lay down her own life for him. A sensitive and perceptive ruler, Escalina is beloved by her people.

Allen Schezar
A knight of the kingdom of Asturia. Allen is the pilot of the Gaimelf Scherazade. His father left his family when Allen was a boy. He has a younger sister, Serena, who disappeared when he was about eleven. Allen's mother died soon after her daughter's disappearance. Although a complete gentleman, he has the reputation of being a playboy. He is a very good strategist, honorable and loyal to his kingdom and cause. He is engaged to the Princess Millerna, and is 21 years old.

Katsu Aki
Katsu Aki was born on Sept. 19th, 1983, under the sign of the Maiden, blood type O. He made his debut by winning first place in the 12th Shogakukan New Comic competition. His other works include Karasu: Mandala Charm Master, Stardust Paradise and Great Dragon Chronicles Sauron Knight, Angel Hard, Futari Ecchi, and Psychic Academy Ora Bansho.