Eragon is the protagonist of Brisingr. In this volume he is a half-elf, although he was born human. He is one of the last four Dragon Riders to exist in Alagaësia. Due to his transformation, he is taller, faster, and more powerful as a half-elf, and he is also practically immortal. Eragon is young and still has a lot to learn about himself and the world of Alagaësia. He is a loyal friend and an honest person who always settles his debts. He was born in Carvahall but now makes his home amongst the Varden, a travelling tent village for all of those people displaced by Galbatorix. Eragon is confident but lacks arrogance. He does not give up on love easily. Although he has been rejected Arya, he still pines over her. He believes she is the best potential partner for him because they both have extended lifespans and work together well both on and off the battlefield.

Throughout Brisingr, Eragon seeks to gain more information about himself, his lineage, and his spellcasting capabilities. Despite being a spellcaster, one thing that Eragon seeks throughout this book is a new blade that will be as good of a match for him as his mentors’ blades were for them.