Malone
An aging mental patient, Malone is the narrator. He is imprisoned for committing six murders, for which he feels not remorse or concern. For the most part, his life is simple. He owns few possessions and sees less action, so his personal notes are somewhat uneventful. In his spare time, however, he writes about this guy, Sapo, later Macmann.
Sapo/Macmann
He is the protagonist. As a youth called Sapo, Macmann is a sort of idealized fantasy of Malone. Malone identifies strongly with his character, often slipping into the first person when describing him.
Moll
Moll is Macmann's first nurse. She's a pretty brutal figure, wearing bone crosses as earrings. She's a deeply religious woman who takes a practical outlook. With time, she and Macmann begin a torpid affair, until her unexpected and unannounced death.
Lemuel
Lemuel is the replacement nurse for Moll. He's an imposing figure who rarely speaks. On the picnic boat trip, he appears to snap, killing the lady's guards to seize power. In Malone's opinion, Lemuel doesn't want to hurt anybody. He just needed that win.
Lady Pedal
She funds the expedition to the Druid remains, a wealthy patroness taking pity on the shut-ins at the hospital. Though advised not to, she accompanies the patients to the island. When Lemuel goes crazy, he frightens Lady Pedal to the point that she faints. In her fall, she breaks a hip.
Ernest and Maurice
These are the lady's guards. They accompany the boating crew just to ensure everyone's safety and cooperation. Although huge, imposing figures, they are dressed in matching sailor suits. Lemuel slices into both of them, killing them in cold blood.
