Newt Scamander is known throughout the wizarding world as its first, and still only, Magizoologist and author of the book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Previously content to keep largely to himself, care for his beasts and not take sides, he has seen firsthand the consequences of Gellert Grindelwald’s rise to power and knows he can no longer be a passive bystander. Entrusted by Albus Dumbledore to lead a small but brave band of wizards and his Muggle friend, Jacob, Newt demonstrates great courage and ingenuity as he puts Dumbledore’s plan to stop Grindelwald into motion. But even Newt cannot know everything.

Hogwarts Professor Albus Dumbledore was once close with Gellert Grindelwald and knows better than anyone the Dark wizard’s plot to plunge the wizarding world into war against the non-magical world. Despite his own formidable powers, Dumbledore is unable to strike at Grindelwald himself because of the blood oath sworn between them. So, while he has devised the moves, he must leave it to Newt Scamander and his team to engage in this magical match of wills where the stakes could not be higher. To lose could mean the destruction of both the wizarding and non-magical worlds, so the question remains: how long will it be possible for Dumbledore to stay out of the fray?

Gellert Grindelwald, no longer a fugitive operating in the shadows, is systematically destroying all obstacles standing in his way to seize total control of the wizarding world. Ruthless but charismatic, Grindelwald has raised a growing legion of loyal followers who believe in his message: that wizards have natural superiority to Muggles. He thinks no one is powerful enough to stop him—not even Albus Dumbledore, who cannot move against him for reasons they alone share.

Queenie Goldstein was a free-spirited witch who fell in love with an American Muggle baker, Jacob Kowalski, in spite of the American wizarding world rules against their romance. Driven by desperation not to lose the man she loves, she chose to follow Grindelwald, misunderstanding his promise of a different and better world for all wizards and witches. Grindelwald now exploits her power as a Legilimens with the ability to read minds. But the more Queenie sees, is she really telling Grindelwald everything she knows?

Jacob Kowalski is an American Muggle who is madly in love with Queenie Goldstein. When she broke his heart by choosing to follow Grindelwald, his whole world fell apart; he no longer takes joy even in his beloved bakery in New York City. When he is first approached about venturing back into the wizarding world, his immediate reaction is to want no part of it. But despite his objections, Jacob can’t turn down any chance to find and be reunited with Queenie. Teaming up again with his best friend, Newt Scamander, this Muggle—who always wanted to be a wizard—is presented with a special gift from Dumbledore that makes him feel truly a part of the group.

The young man, once called Credence, is now an acolyte of Gellert Grindelwald, who gave him back his true name—Aurelius Dumbledore—and a wand to direct his powers as a wizard. Grindelwald has kept Credence close, grooming him for a special mission, but the magical force known as an Obscurus still churns within Credence, threatening not only his life but the lives of those around him.

Eulalie Hicks, known as Lally, is the Charms professor at Ilvermorny, the North American School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and a friend of Albus Dumbledore. A brilliant witch, Lally is also brave, resourceful and has no trouble speaking her mind. She is a great admirer of Newt Scamander’s work and has corresponded with him since the publication of his book, though this is the first time they’ve met. She also finds Jacob delightful and enjoys their alliance as they team with Newt, Theseus and the others on their mission from Dumbledore.

Theseus Scamander, the older brother of Newt Scamander, is the Head of the Auror Office at the British Ministry of Magic. Renowned as a war hero, Theseus had always worried about his younger sibling, who was often getting in trouble with the Ministry, putting Theseus in an awkward position. But now he sees that the tables have turned and Newt has become a leader, fighting for more than just his beasts, and Theseus could not be prouder to follow him.

Bunty Broadacre is Newt Scamander’s loyal assistant, who typically spends most of her day tending to the needs of Newt’s large menagerie, including trying to wrangle mischievous young Nifflers. Bunty has long carried a torch for her boss, who is oblivious, but who values her greatly. Stepping out of her assistant role, Bunty is given an important part to play in Dumbledore’s scheme—one that even Newt isn’t privy to.

Aberforth is the rather surly younger brother of Albus Dumbledore, for whom he clearly harbors some resentment, largely connected to the fate of their beloved sister, Ariana. Aberforth is the owner of the Hog’s Head in Hogsmeade, and, despite his strained relationship with Albus, he allows it to serve as a clandestine meeting spot for his brother’s compatriots.

Yusuf Kama is an elegant French-African wizard, who first met Newt Scamander in Paris, when Kama was searching for Credence. The half-brother of Leta Lestrange, Kama blames Grindelwald for her fiery death, so he has personal reasons for wanting to take him down.