Richard Papen
Francis, although he seems to have feelings for Camilla, spends a lot of time with Richard in the novel. He doesn’t often look back on the past and has a weakness for romantic beauty. Although Richard appears to detest anything superficial, he is desperate to be accepted into the exclusive group of students in the ancient Greek class and tries to come off as more privileged. Richard longs for a sophisticated life of beauty and is self-conscious about his lower-middle-class background. He is both the protagonist and narrator of the novel.
Read a comprehensive examination of Richard.
Henry Winter
Renowned for his intelligence and frequently idolized by Richard, Henry is a fellow student of Richard’s who possesses significant wealth and proficiency in numerous languages, composing his diary entries in Latin and often contemplating or communicating in other tongues. Despite his initial aloofness and unapproachability, Henry astounds Richard with his intellect. Preferring ancient civilizations over the contemporary world, Henry may seem peculiar to those unfamiliar with him, but he exudes charm to Richard and his companions. Additionally, he exhibits a high level of manipulative behavior.
Read a comprehensive analysis of Henry.
Edmund “Bunny” Corcoran
Bunny is widely recognized for being intolerant and hypocritical towards different religions and sexual orientations. Moreover, he is notorious for his excessive indulgence and gluttony. Bunny expertly exploits the deepest insecurities of others and uses this ability to turn his friends against each other, all while crumbling under the stress of having murdered the farmer. Although Bunny pretends to have an abundance of money and relies on his affluent friends like Francis and Henry to support his extravagant lifestyle, his wealth actually stems from his family’s old money in Connecticut. He is no longer considered wealthy like his classmates Richard and others.
Read a comprehensive examination of Bunny.
Charles Macauley
One of Richard’s classmates, Charles is forced to deal with the suspicious and paranoid aftermath of Bunny’s death, which causes him to lose touch with the rest of the group. Although Charles is often caring and kind, his own benefit leads him to become increasingly manipulative and violent. After the murder of the farmer, Charles intensifies his heavy drinking and becomes an extremely heavy drinker. Charles is the twin brother of Macauley, Camilla’s brother.
Camilla Macauley
One of Charles’s classmates, Richard, is in love with Camilla, while Henry is pursuing a relationship and Charles is sleeping with her, leading him to him, even though Camilla is Richard’s twin sister, Macauley.
Francis Abernathy
Following Bunny’s demise, Francis experiences intense unease and acknowledges his susceptibility to Charles’s allure. He engages in a sexual relationship with Charles and attempts to engage in one with Richard, although he largely conceals his homosexuality. Francis happens to be one of Richard’s fellow students.
Julian Morrow
Although Julian is not directly involved in the committed murders in the novel, he seems to be the one controlling the actions of the students and leaving them behind when he feels discovered. He can cut off the rest of the school by only taking classes with him, forcing them to isolate themselves. Julian is extremely manipulative but comes off as charming, making him the only ancient Greek professor at Hampden.
Cloke Rayburn
Cloke, an acquaintance from Bunny’s past involved in illegal substance trade, is the primary focus of the FBI’s investigation into Bunny’s disappearance.
Judy Poovey
Does Julian’s students perceive them for who they truly are, or do they simply see Judy as a partygoer who is often distracted or interested in drugs? He tends to dismiss her as vapid and only wants to be with her when he desires a distraction, but Judy wants to sleep with Richard. Judy wants to sleep with Richard, who happens to be a girl from California.
Marion
Following Bunny’s demise, Marion ties the knot with one of Bunny’s siblings and bestows Bunny’s name upon their offspring. Marion refrains from socializing with Bunny’s acquaintances, including Bunny’s girlfriend.