The War of the Worlds
by H. G. Wells
As the 19th century closes, Earth's complacent humanity faces an unexpected and devastating invasion by highly intelligent Martians, fleeing their dying planet. A philosophical writer chronicles his desperate struggle for survival amidst the annihilation of society by alien war machines, detailing the chaos, personal loss, and ultimate, ironic resolution.
Narrator
A philosophical writer who recounts the Martian invasion. Initially intellectual and somewhat complacent, he becomes a terrified survivor, marked by physical and psychological hardship. He observes keenly, struggles with despair, but ultimately demonstrates resilience and an ability to analyze events even under duress. By the end, he is haggard and profoundly changed by his experiences.
Catherine
A kind and gentle woman, generally sheltered from hardship, whose anxieties and fears contrast with her husband's initial detachment. She is resourceful enough to secure her own survival, eventually reuniting with the narrator.
Ogilvy
A well-known astronomer, portrayed as eager, intelligent, and initially rational in his scientific observations. He is the first human to recognize the artificial nature of the Martian cylinder.
Henderson
A London journalist who, despite his deafness in one ear, quickly grasps the significance of Ogilvy's discovery and attempts to relay the news to London.
Stent
The Astronomer Royal, a man of authority and scientific standing, who arrives at the cylinder site to oversee its investigation. He is precise and becomes irritated by the disruptive crowd.
The Artilleryman
A soldier who escapes the initial Martian attack and becomes a survivalist. He initially recounts his horrifying combat experiences. Later, he presents a grandiose, cynical, and nihilistic vision for humanity's future: living underground, breeding, and eventually fighting back.
The Curate
A young, frail, and rather anæmic clergyman whose initial despair quickly descends into fanatical religious madness during the invasion. He becomes irrational, selfish, and dangerous to the narrator's survival.
Narrator's Brother
The younger brother of the narrator, a practical medical student in London. He experiences the Martian invasion from the capital, initially dismissive but quickly becoming resourceful and protective amidst the chaos of London's exodus.
Martians
The Martians are colossal, grotesque creatures, approximately four feet in diameter, with huge round head-like bodies dominated by large, dark, fixed eyes. They have no nostrils or visible ears, a V-shaped mouth, and sixteen slender, whip-like tentacles ('hands') arranged in two bunches. Their oily brown skin glistens like wet leather. They lack conventional digestive systems, feeding instead by injecting the fresh blood of other creatures directly into their veins. They are sexless, do not sleep, and lack a sense of fatigue, allowing them relentless activity. They primarily operate immense, mobile fighting-machines and handling-machines, lacking a native sense for the wheel. Biologically, they are completely unprepared for terrestrial bacteria, which proves their ultimate undoing.
Mrs. Elphinstone
A short, rather emotional woman, the wife of a surgeon from Stanmore. She becomes increasingly hysterical and anxious during the flight from London.
Miss Elphinstone
The slender, dark-haired sister-in-law of Mrs. Elphinstone. She is calm, deliberate, and resourceful under pressure, contrasting sharply with her panicking sister-in-law.
Landlord of the Spotted Dog
The innkeeper of the 'Spotted Dog' pub in Maybury, a robust and somewhat confused man. He is initially preoccupied with petty business dealings even as the Martian invasion unfolds nearby.
The Lieutenant
A British cavalry officer who, despite being skeptical and dismissive of the Martian descriptions, maintains his duty and redirects survivors to General Marvin for reporting.
Captain of the Thunder Child
The courageous commander of the ironclad ram HMS Thunder Child. He leads his vessel in a desperate, sacrificial attack against three Martian fighting-machines to protect escaping refugee ships.
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