Heart of Darkness Characters
Every major character in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, with a portrait, who they are and the chapters they appear in.
MarlowProtagonist · 3 chaptersAn experienced sailor who narrates his journey upriver to find Kurtz and confronts the moral darkness of European colonization.
The Director of CompaniesMinor character · 3 chaptersGenial host and captain aboard the Nellie who keeps the small party comfortable while they wait on the Thames at dusk.
The ManagerMajor character · 3 chaptersSoft-voiced, perpetual-smiling boss of the Central Station who protects the Company's order and his position above all.
The NarratorNarrator · 3 chaptersA composed, reflective sailor who frames the story aboard the Nellie and introduces Marlow's long confession.
KurtzMajor character · 2 chaptersA brilliant, legendary ivory agent whose eloquence and moral collapse become the magnet and mystery driving Marlow's voyage.
The BrickmakerMinor character · 2 chaptersAn elegant, officious Central Station employee who endlessly promises bricks but never has the materials.
The IntendedMajor character · 2 chaptersKurtz's devoted, well-bred fiancée in Europe who embodies the human life and ideals he abandoned.
The RussianMinor character · 2 chaptersA gaudily patched, talkative young wanderer who has lived with Kurtz’s people and admires Kurtz fervently.
FreslevenMinor character · 1 chapterThe Company steamer's previous captain whose remembered gentleness and sudden death in a riverside quarrel haunts Marlow.
Kurtz's MistressMinor character · 1 chapterKurtz’s silent, helmeted companion who dominates the bank and personifies his hold over the native followers.
Marlow's AuntMinor character · 1 chapterMarlow’s well-connected, optimistic aunt who uses her social influence to secure his post with the Company.
The AccountantMinor character · 1 chapterThe impeccably turned-out chief accountant at the Company's station who keeps immaculate books amid decay.
The HelmsmanMinor character · 1 chapterLocal helmsman who steers Marlow’s steamer with swagger and dies after being fatally stabbed during an ambush.
The LawyerMinor character · 1 chapterA genial, respectable elder aboard the Nellie who listens as Marlow begins his tale, offering steady, reassuring presence.
All chapter summaries ›Characters ›
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