Character+List

Marlow: The protagonist of Heart of Darkness. Marlow is a very philosophical person, skeptical of those around him. Her serves as a sort of intermediary for the reader between the two primary forces of the novel, the Company and Kurtz, who are on opposite sides of the spectrum ideologically. Marlow can be identified with while also acting as a moderator.

Kurtz: A gifted musician and a fine painter, it is Kurtz charisma that defines him. With this he is able to exert powerful influence over the people in his life. He uses this to take control of the natives. However, this incurs the anger of the Company and his fellow white man, as he does not follow colonial conduct standards. Kurtz simply is out for himself.

Other characters include: the manager, the brick maker, the chief accountant, the pilgrims, the cannibals, the Russian Trader, the helmsman, Kurtz’s mistress, Kurtz’s fiancee, (Marlow’s) Aunt, Freselven, and everyone else aboard the Nellie. While brief, I believe that is comprehensive.