Barbra
Barbra is seen in the first scenes of the film, along with minor character Johnny, who is her brother. The two are visiting their father's grave, but are attacked by a man at the cemetery. Johnny is killed, and Barbra seeks refuge with others in a farmhouse cellar. She remains a less important character for the rest of the film, and dies in the final scenes as she sees the reincarnation of Johnny, and lets him kill her.
Ben
An African-American protagonist and main character of the movie, Ben is introduced later in the film. He seeks refugee in the farmhouse cellar with the others, but that proves to be dangerous. Confident and brave, Ben carries a rifle with him practically at all times, just in case he is attacked. In the end of the movie, Ben is killed by a worker that is shooting the monsters, who thought Ben was one of them.
Harry Cooper
Married to Helen, Harry is found in the cellar by Barbra and Ben. Harry's daughter Karen is also there, but she later becomes sick and dies in the film. Harry is one of the most timid people of the bunch, seen when Ben is trying to come back in from outside of the cellar, but Harry is afraid to let him in.
Helen Cooper
Married to Harry, Helen is one of the last people remaining near the end of the film. However, the sight of her dead daughter Karen breaks her heart, and dies as well. Helen proves to be very loving to her family, but the situation has obviously had some serious tolls on her mental and physical health.
Tom and Judy
A couple that arrives at the cellar, the two are often seen together. Both die in a fire at a gas station by accident, and their ashes are eaten by the zombies, allowing Ben a chance to escape back to safety.
