The Island of Doctor Moreau
by H. G. Wells
Shipwrecked Edward Prendick is rescued and brought to an uncharted island, where he discovers a mad scientist, Doctor Moreau, conducting horrific vivisection experiments to transform animals into human-like 'Beast Folk.' As Prendick uncovers Moreau's horrifying work, he becomes trapped amidst the 'Beast Folk' and the unraveling morality of the island's inhabitants.
Edward Prendick
A refined, educated English gentleman with an interest in natural history, possessing a keen, observant mind. Initially delicate, easily horrified, and emotionally expressive, he proves surprisingly resilient under extreme duress, adapting to survive and assert authority. His arm is broken during a catastrophe, forcing him to be resourceful one-handed for a time. By the end, he is haggard and traumatized, perceiving the bestial in all humanity, but finds intellectual solace in solitude and astronomy.
Montgomery
A youngish man with flaxen hair, a bristly straw-colored moustache, and a 'dropping nether lip,' which indicates a certain laxity or perhaps weariness. He is tall and lean. A former medical student with watery grey eyes, often 'oddly void of expression' or 'dull.' He struggles with alcoholism, which accentuates a ghost of a lisp in his speech.
Doctor Moreau
A man in his fifties (when Prendick first heard of him, now likely older, given the time passed), powerfully-built with a fine forehead, rather heavy features, but small, brilliant black eyes under heavy brows, and white hair. He is described as having a pale, firm face and, even in death, a 'massive face calm'. His demeanor is serene and detached, almost beautiful in its tranquility, contrasting sharply with his horrific work.
M'ling
A misshapen man, short, broad, clumsy, with a crooked back and a head sunk between his shoulders. His face is 'black negroid' but also described as a 'dark face, with extraordinary eyes.' He has strangely luminous eyes, later revealed to be 'pale-green light,' and pointed ears covered with fine brown fur. His limbs are powerful but ungainly, often 'swathed' in dirty white stuff. He is a 'complex trophy' of Moreau's skill: a blend of bear, dog, and ox.
Ape-man
A dark, negroid face, with long lank arms and 'his jaw thrust forward,' giving him a simian appearance. His movements are rapid. He believes he is Prendick's equal due to having five fingers. He is capable of speech but prone to 'jabbering' and coining nonsensical 'Big Thinks' words, believing it's the proper use of speech.
Sayer of the Law
A hunched-up figure the size of a man, covered with 'dull grey hair' almost like a Skye-terrier, with a heavy, 'faceless' grey countenance and 'three shadowy over-archings' to mark the eyes and mouth, heavy grey eyebrows, and grey locks flowing from a central parting. His hands are 'strangely distorted talon' or 'hoof of a deer produced into claws.' His voice is deep and vibrating, with a peculiar whistling overtone, yet his English accent is strangely good. Moreau also calls him 'the hairy-grey Thing.'
Leopard-man
Powerful, with green luminous eyes, huge feline tusks, and a tawny face, even though at a distance it still appears 'human.' He is covered in clothing but easily moves on all-fours, displaying distinct feline grace and stealth. When defiant, his eyes are 'aflame' and tusks flash out.
Hyena-swine
A powerful and fearsome Beast Man, described as a 'monstrous lout' or 'dappled brute.' His yellow eyes blaze with excitement, and his muzzle puckers in a snarling laugh. He has formidable teeth, claws, and a menacing posture, demonstrating combined traits of a hyena and a swine. He is described as the 'most formidable of any left now upon the island'.
Dog-man
A Beast Man created from a dog (likely), characterized by immense loyalty. He speaks initially, acknowledging Prendick as 'Master,' but over time, he 'imperceptibly slipped back to the dog again; day by day he became dumb, quadrupedal, hairy.'
Little pink sloth-creature
A small Beast Man with pinkish skin (like a flayed child), slow movements like a sloth, a low forehead, and 'stumpy claws.' Its lank hair grows thicker, and its claws more askew as it reverts. Initially described as 'a little pink homunculus shrieking,' it later shows an odd affection for Prendick.
Captain Davies
A heavy, red-haired man with a freckled countenance. He is constantly drunk, aggressive, and abusive, particularly towards M'ling and Prendick. He has lost his shipmaster's certificate and captains his schooner, the Ipecacuanha, inefficiently.
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