The War of the Worlds Characters
Every major character in The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells, with a portrait, who they are and the chapters they appear in.
The NarratorNarrator · 26 chaptersA curious, steady-minded married writer from near Woking who observes, records, and survives the Martian invasion.
The MartiansAntagonist · 23 chaptersAlien invaders: grotesque, tentacled beings operating fighting-machines and using Heat-Rays and black smoke to conquer England.
The Narrator's WifeMajor character · 11 chaptersThe narrator’s practical, devoted wife who keeps home calm and becomes his primary reason to survive and return.
OgilvyMajor character · 9 chaptersA respected professional astronomer who verifies the Martian flashes and leads the early scientific response at Horsell Common.
The CurateMajor character · 9 chaptersA terrified, devout clergyman who flees the Martian attacks and becomes the narrator’s increasingly unstable companion.
The ArtillerymanMajor character · 8 chaptersA pragmatic artillery driver and survivor who proposes a grim, practical plan for human survival under Martian domination.
HendersonMinor character · 7 chaptersA brisk London journalist who rushes to Woking to report on the cylinder and presses for quick, public information.
StentMajor character · 7 chaptersA senior Greenwich astronomer who organizes the crowd and leads measured scientific responses to the cylinder on Horsell Common.
The Narrator's BrotherMajor character · 4 chaptersA pragmatic, young medical student in London who joins the refugee exodus and fights to protect others while seeking escape.
Miss ElphinstoneMinor character · 2 chaptersA practical, clear-headed woman fleeing London who helps organize a small party and keep them moving toward the coast.
Mrs. ElphinstoneMinor character · 2 chaptersA frightened but practical refugee who flees London with her sister-in-law and joins the small party led by the narrator’s brother.
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