Heart of Darkness characters
by Joseph Conrad, 1899
The main characters of Heart of Darkness, who they are and what they do in the story.
Marlow
protagonistMarlow is a sailor and the narrator of the story. He is introspective and philosophical, and his journey into the Congo serves as a journey into the human soul.
Kurtz
antagonistKurtz is an ivory trader who has become a powerful and enigmatic figure in the Congo. His descent into madness and moral corruption highlights the darkness within humanity.
The Manager
supportingThe Manager oversees the Central Station. He is efficient but lacks any moral compass, representing the bureaucratic and exploitative nature of colonialism.
The Russian
supportingThe Russian is a disciple of Kurtz who admires him greatly. He is naive and represents the blind devotion some have towards charismatic leaders.
Kurtz's Intended
supportingKurtz's fiancée remains in Europe, unaware of his moral decline. She represents the idealized view of European civilization.
The Brickmaker
supportingThe Brickmaker is an ambitious and sycophantic employee at the Central Station. He is more interested in advancing his career than in making bricks.
The Chief Accountant
supportingThe Chief Accountant is a meticulously dressed man who maintains his appearance despite the chaos around him. He symbolizes the surface-level order amidst underlying disorder.
Meet them in the book
Read Heart of Darkness free on the 12-month plan, with a tracker, tap-to-translate vocabulary and a quiz at the end.