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The Dune universe, created by Warner Bros., has been expanded with a TV series that tells the story of the Bene Gesserit order. In Denis Villeneuve’s films, this mysterious all-female organization manipulated rulers and politicians for centuries in an attempt 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 takes place thousands of years before the birth of Paul Atreides in a different world than the one known in the films. It features great houses, such as the Harkonnens and Atreides, who play for power in the realm ruled by the Corrino family. On the other hand, many other players struggle to achieve their goals.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of Dune: Prophecy characters, we’ve got your back. Here is the list of the most important people in the show. We will update this article regularly.
If you’re wondering when the next episode of the series will air, check out our Dune: Prophecy episode guide.
Here is the list of the major characters we have met on the show so far.
Valya Harkonnen
Max
Played by Emily Watson
Valya is a native of the ice planet Lankiveil and sister of Tula. Since childhood, she has shown deep hatred towards the House of the Atreides, who are responsible for the demise of the Harkonnens. As a teenager, she joined the Sisterhood of Rossak – a school for girls whose roots date back to the sorceresses, the society of women with telekinetic powers.
Valya was the school’s most gifted student, and as a trustee of the first Mother Reverend, Valya was involved in political affairs and had access to the secrets of the Sisterhood. Years later, she became the second Mother Reverend in history and transformed the organization into the Bene Gesserit Order. Her skills include using the voice, swordsmanship 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 on their wedding night she kills him, as ordered by her sister.
Emperor Javicco Corrino
Max
Played by Mark Strong
A ruler from House Corrino who rose to power after the Butlerian Jihad. Javicco tries to maintain peace in the empire after long wars. The basis for peace is, among other things, the spice trade. This substance strengthens vital forces and increases precognitive ability, essential for interstellar travel without the thinking machines.
The herb is only found 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. Through her marriage to the emperor, she managed to unite thousands of worlds.
Princess Ynez Corrino
Max
Played by Sarah-Sofie Boussina
The daughter of the Emperor and Empress is the official heir apparent and 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 is an illegitimate son of Emperor Javicco and half-brother of Ynez. Constantijn is looking for his path in life, on the one hand he tries to impress his father, and on the other hand he tries to find happiness.
Desmond Hart
Max
Played by Travis Fimmel
Desmond is an unexpected guest at the imperial court who tries to gain Javicco’s trust. He was once a soldier, but his past and intentions are unclear. However, he clearly hates the sisterhood and convinces the Emperor that the sisters are his enemies.
Keiran Atreides
Max
Played by Chris Mason
Keiran is a sword master, an adept of the Ginaz School, dedicated to training warriors skilled in sword and knife combat. Keiran struggles with the corruption at the Emperor’s court and the burden of House Atreide’s legacy.
Reverend Mother Kasha
Max
Played by Jihae
She is an influential member of the Emperor’s court and his personal truth teller. As time passes, she begins to question the Bene Gesserit’s intentions and wonders 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 it to its rightful place among the great houses of the realm.
Evgeni Harkonnen
Max
Played by Mark Addy
Evgeny is an older man and member of the once large 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 court, breaking 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 House Corrino. She has never known Dune, but she longs to see her home planet.