Dragon Quest IV tells its story across five chapters, each following a different protagonist. Ragnar McRyan, a palace soldier, investigates a string of missing children. Princess Alena slips away from her castle to enter a distant tournament. Merchant Torneko Taloon chases his dream of becoming the world's greatest trader. Sisters Maya and Meena leave their hometown seeking revenge against the man who betrayed their father. In the final chapter, the Hero — sole survivor of a village destroyed by the demon lord Psaro — gathers all the others and sets out to save the world.