The Dune universe, created by Warner Bros., has expanded with a TV series telling the story of the Bene Gesserit order. In the films made by Denis Villeneuve, this mysterious, women-only organisation manipulated rulers and politicians for centuries, trying to carry out its secret eugenics plan. The series, available in the US on Max, and in the UK on Sky and Now, covers the origins of Bene Gesserit, with the story focusing on two sisters, Valya and Tula.
The plot of Dune: Prophecy is set thousands of years before the birth of Paul Atreides in a world different from the one known in the films. It features great houses, such as the Harkonnens and Atreides, playing a game for power in the Empire ruled by the Corrino family. On the other hand, many other players struggle to achieve their goals.
If you feel overwhelmed by the number of Dune: Prophecy characters, we have your back. Here’s the list of the most important individuals in the show – we will update this article regularly.
If you’re wondering when the next series episode will air, look at our Dune: Prophecy episode release guide.
Here’s the list of the most important characters who we’ve met so far in the show.
Valya Harkonnen
Max
Played by Emily Watson
Valya is a native of the ice planet Lankiveil and Tula’s sister. Since childhood, she has shown deep hatred towards the House of the Atreides, who are responsible for the downfall of the Harkonnens. As a teenager, she joined the Sisterhood of Rossak – a school for girls whose roots go back to the Sorceresses, the society of women with telekinetic powers.
Valya was the most gifted student in the school, and, as a trustee of the first Mother Reverend, Valya was involved in political affairs and had access to the Sisterhood’s secrets. Years later, she became the second Mother Reverend in history and transformed the organisation into the Bene Gesserit Order. Her skills include using the Voice, sword fighting, and unarmed combat.
Tula Harkonnen
Max
Played by Olivia Williams
Tula also belongs to the Bene Gesserit order. However, she is not as disruptive or dangerous as her older sister, Valya. In the books, Tula marries Orry Atreides, but during their wedding night, she kills him, as instructed by her sister.
Emperor Javicco Corrino
Max
Played by Mark Strong
A ruler from the House Corrino that rose to power after the Butlerian Jihad. Javicco is trying to maintain the peace prevailing in the Empire after long wars. Among other things, the basis for the peace is the trade of the spice. This substance strengthens vital forces and expands precognitive abilities, essential for interstellar travel without the thinking machines.
The spice can be found only on Arrakis, called Dune. Therefore, maintaining control of this planet is crucial for Javicco.
Empress Natalya
Max
Played by Jodhi May
Natalya is Javicco’s consort and mother of Princess Inez. She managed to unite thousands of worlds through her marriage to the Emperor.
Princess Ynez Corrino
Max
Played by Sarah-Sofie Boussina
The daughter of the Emperor and Empress is the official heir to the throne and the future ruler of the Corrino Empire. Ynez is a confident and independent young woman who plans to study at the Sisterhood School.
Constantine Corrino
Max
Played by Josh Heuston
He’s an illegitimate son of Emperor Javicco and Ynez’s half-brother. Constantine is searching for his path in life, on the one hand, trying to impress his father, and on the other, trying to find happiness.
Desmond Hart
Max
Played by Travis Fimmel
Desmond is an unexpected guest at the imperial court who is trying to gain Javicco’s trust. Once, he was a soldier, but his past and intentions are unclear. However, he clearly dislikes the Sisterhood and convinces the Emperor that the Sisters are his enemies.
Keiran Atreides
Max
Played by Chris Mason
Keiran is a swordmaster, an adept of the Ginaz School, dedicated to training warriors skilled in sword and knife fighting. Keiran struggles with the corruption in the Emperor’s court and the burden of House Atreide’s legacy.
Reverend Mother Kasha
Max
Played by Jihae
She’s an influential member of the Emperor’s court and his personal Truthsayer. As time passes, she begins to question the Bene Gesserit’s intentions and wonder about her role in their plans.
Harrow Harkonnen
Max
Played by Edward Davis
Harrow is a member of the declining House Harkonnen. His goal is to restore the family and elevate its rightful place among the great houses of the Empire.
Evgeny Harkonnen
Max
Played by Mark Addy
Evgeny is an older man and a member of the once-great family.
Sister Francesca
Max
Played by Tabu
Francesca is a member of the Bene Gesserit and a former love of Emperor Javicco. After many years, she returns to the court, shattering the established order. Francesca is considered an intelligent, beautiful and strong woman.
Mikaela
Max
Played by Shalom Brune-Franklin
A strong-willed woman is a Fremen warrior who serves the House Corrino. She’s never known Dune, however she’s longing to see her home planet.
