Alice Swayne is a sorcerer and the apprentice and self-appointed guardian of the mage Mikhail Renfred. She has wavy blonde hair, which she originally wore tied back but later cuts to chin length to weave a pouch containing a piece of coal as part of a contract with a Will o’ the Wisp. Her clothing is typically practical, including coats and suits. Her height is 167 centimeters (about 5 feet 6 inches).

Alice endured a difficult childhood marked by parental substance abuse; her father forced her into drug dependency to earn money for his habit. After his death, she was left homeless and addicted until Renfred found her, recognized her magical potential, and helped free her from withdrawal symptoms. Early in her training, she accidentally opened a cursed book, and Renfred injured himself saving her, costing him his arm. In response, Alice swore an oath to become his guardian.

She has a blunt, direct personality and a tough demeanor shaped by her upbringing, though she also carries deep vulnerability. Her primary motivation is loyalty to Renfred, whom she loves most. She first appears as an antagonist when she confronts Chise Hatori, acting under coercion because Joseph threatened Renfred’s safety. After this conflict, Alice and Chise become close friends, bonding over their traumatic pasts and their relationships with older mages. Alice later participates in key events such as searching for a gift for Renfred, retrieving a dragon from a London auction house, and helping rescue Chise.

Alice struggles with feelings of inadequacy and rejects Renfred’s view of her as a daughter because of the painful associations with her biological father, instead insisting on her role as his guardian. Over time, she throws herself into rigorous training to become stronger. She is proficient with firearms and knives, can use an enchanted tool to teleport to fixed coordinates, and forms a contract with a fire spirit called Blue Flame, which enhances her magical abilities.