The Outlander universe has expanded with the arrival of the prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood. The show takes viewers back in time to explore the two great love stories that set the stage for Claire and Jamie’s epic romance. It follows Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser in the early 18th-century Scottish Highlands, while also telling the story of Henry Beauchamp and Julia Moriston during and after World War I. For fans of the original, the prequel brings to life characters who were once only mentioned in stories, adding new depth to the saga. After reviewing the series, here are the eleven best characters that make this new journey so compelling.
Ellen MacKenzie: The Born Leader
Played by Harriet Slater, Ellen MacKenzie is the undeniable heart of the Highland storyline. She was the favorite child of her father, Red Jacob, who even saw her as his ideal successor. However, in a society that limits women’s roles, Ellen cannot become Laird. Instead, she uses her intelligence and strength to guide her brothers, Colum and Dougal, as they navigate leadership after their father’s death.
Ellen is not a passive character. She is fiercely proud of her clan and her family’s legacy. Her love story with Brian Fraser is a classic tale of forbidden romance, as he belongs to a rival clan. Despite being engaged to Malcolm Grant for the good of her clan, Ellen’s spirit shines through in the secret moments she steals with Brian. She is a character who fights for her own destiny while shouldering the heavy expectations placed upon her.
Brian Fraser: The Honorable Man
Brian Fraser, portrayed by Jamie Roy, is the illegitimate son of the cunning Lord Lovat. Despite being raised in a environment of manipulation and scorn, Brian grows into a man of great integrity and kindness. His life is predetermined to be one of servitude, but meeting Ellen MacKenzie changes everything.
Brian’s love for Ellen is genuine and selfless. At first, he considers stepping aside, believing she deserves a more comfortable life than he can offer. However, he is ultimately willing to risk his father’s wrath and defy clan rivalries to be with her. As the actor Jamie Roy described him, Brian is “the Superman of the 18th century,” a man whose moral compass makes him a hero worth rooting for.
Henry Beauchamp: The Devoted Soldier
Jeremy Irvine brings depth to Henry Beauchamp, Claire’s father. He is a complex character deeply scarred by his experiences in World War I. The show does not shy away from showing his struggles with trauma and panic attacks upon returning home. His relationship with Julia, built initially through heartfelt letters, becomes his anchor.
Henry’s story takes a dramatic turn when he is separated from Julia and their newborn daughter, Claire, after they travel through time. His entire focus becomes finding a way back to his family. His military background helps him adapt to the dangerous 18th century, and his unwavering devotion drives every decision he makes. He is a resilient and deeply loving figure whose journey is both tragic and inspiring.
Julia Beauchamp: The Resilient Mother
Hermione Corfield plays Julia Beauchamp, Claire’s mother. Julia is introduced as a clever and nurturing woman who falls in love with Henry through their wartime correspondence. Her strength is tested to the absolute limit when she accidentally travels through the stones and finds herself alone and pregnant in 18th-century Scotland, under the dangerous watch of Lord Lovat.
To protect herself and her unborn child, Julia must make impossible choices, including deceiving Lord Lovat. Her maternal instinct and quick thinking are her greatest weapons. Despite being stranded far from her husband and time, she never loses hope. Julia’s resilience in the face of terrifying circumstances makes her one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser: The Hopeless Romantic
Fans of Outlander will recognize Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser as Jamie’s loyal godfather. In the prequel, Rory Alexander plays a younger Murtagh, who is Brian Fraser’s cousin and best friend. This version of Murtagh is a hopeless romantic who immediately falls for Ellen MacKenzie.
His desire to win Ellen’s heart creates a subtle tension with Brian once their secret romance is revealed. Murtagh’s own feelings are complicated further by a passionate moment with Ellen’s younger sister, Jocasta. His journey shows the beginnings of the steadfastly loyal man he will become, making his character arc a fascinating addition for fans.
Davina Porter: The Survivor
Sara Vickers portrays Davina Porter, Brian Fraser’s mother. Davina’s life is a story of survival under difficult circumstances. She is a servant in Lord Lovat’s house and the mother of his illegitimate son. She has lived a life with little freedom, constantly navigating the dangerous whims of her master.
When Julia arrives, Davina initially sees her as a threat. However, she eventually offers Julia guidance on how to survive in the house. Davina represents the quiet solidarity among women who have to make difficult choices to protect themselves and their children. Her character adds a layer of poignant realism to the story.
Ned Gowan: The Strategic Advisor
Conor MacNeill plays a younger version of Ned Gowan, the sharp-minded legal advisor to Clan MacKenzie. After the death of Red Jacob, Ned becomes a crucial support for the new leaders, Colum and Dougal. He works hard to manage the clan’s debt and negotiate peace.
Ned is one of the most morally sound characters. He shares a good relationship with Ellen and looks out for her interests after her father’s passing. He also becomes a trusted confidante for Henry Beauchamp, using his legal skills to help him. Ned’s intelligence and kindness make him a dependable and welcome presence.
Colum MacKenzie: The Calculating Leader
Seamus McLean Ross plays Colum MacKenzie, Ellen’s older brother. Colum is chosen as the new Laird of Clan MacKenzie because of his sharp intellect and strategic mind, even though he lives with a debilitating condition. He makes difficult decisions, such as arranging Ellen’s marriage to Malcolm Grant, all with the goal of securing the clan’s future and protecting his father’s legacy.
While his actions may sometimes seem harsh, the show presents him as a man doing his best under immense pressure. He is tasked with leading a clan facing significant debt and external threats, and his calculated approach to leadership provides a clear contrast to his brother Dougal’s impulsiveness.
Dougal MacKenzie: The Warrior Chief
Sam Retford takes on the role of a young Dougal MacKenzie. Dougal is the younger brother of Colum and is appointed as the War Chieftain of the clan. He is hot-headed, strong, and believes that physical strength is what truly makes a leader. He often acts on emotion rather than strategy.
Dougal is also fiercely protective of his sister Ellen’s honor. The prequel also shows his early, passionate support for the Jacobite cause, which fans know will become a major part of his story in the original Outlander series. His energy and brute force make him a formidable presence.
Jocasta MacKenzie: The Complex Sister
Played by Sadhbh Malin, Jocasta MacKenzie is one of Ellen’s younger sisters. In Outlander, fans met an older Jocasta, but here she is in a very different stage of life. She feels resentment towards Ellen, who was their father’s favorite and was spared from an arranged, loveless marriage—a fate Jocasta must endure.
This bitterness shapes her actions, but underneath she is sensitive and yearns for real connection. She finds herself drawn to Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser, and their interaction during Beltane is a significant moment for her character. Jocasta’s story highlights the limited options available to women of her time and adds complexity to the MacKenzie family dynamics.
Lord Lovat: The Cunning Antagonist
Tony Curran plays the cunning and ruthless Lord Lovat, Brian Fraser’s father. He is the leader of Clan Fraser and is deeply disliked by Clan MacKenzie. He exerts control over everyone in his orbit, including Brian and Davina. His manipulation and thirst for power make him a formidable antagonist for both the MacKenzies and the Beauchamps.
His presence creates constant danger, especially for Julia when she falls into his clutches. A skilled actor like Curran brings a chilling credibility to the role, making Lord Lovat a character viewers love to hate.
Also Read: Outlander: Blood of My Blood Episode 9 Arrives This Week With Major Clan Gathering
