A guide to every ‘Dune: Prophecy’ character you need to know

• “Dune: Prophecy” is a prequel series set in the same universe as the “Dune” movies.
• It centers on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, then called the Sisterhood.
• Important characters include Valya Harkonnen, Desmond Hart, and Princess Ynez.

On the heels of “The Penguin” season finale, “Dune: Prophecy” is the next big-budget, IP-driven HBO drama the network is banking on.

The prequel series is set 10,000 years before the events of Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” movies starring Timothée Chalamet, which together grossed over $1 billion at the global box office. “Dune: Prophecy” focuses on the rise of the Bene Gesserit, a sect of women that secretly seek to control the fate of the Imperium.

Given the show’s place in the “Dune” timeline, viewers won’t see familiar faces like Paul Atreides (Chalamet) or Chani (Zendaya). The big ensemble cast includes new characters (both ones from the book “Dune: Prophecy” is partially based on and original characters created for the show), and it may be hard to keep track of all of them.

Here’s what to know about all the major “Dune: Prophecy” characters, and details to keep in mind while you’re watching the show.