Character guide

The Narrator

major

Also known as Unknown, I, me, my, myself, mine

The geologist leading the Miskatonic University expedition to Antarctica.

Lake

major

Also known as poor Lake

The biologist whose team discovers the first ancient city and meets a tragic fate.

Danforth

major

Also known as young Danforth, XII Danforth

The narrator's brave and knowledgeable companion on the final flight.

The Old Ones

supporting

Also known as the marine Old Ones, armed Old Ones

The ancient alien race that built the cyclopean city in Antarctica.

Professor Frank H. Pabodie

supporting

Also known as Pabodie

The engineer who designed the drilling equipment for the expedition.

Gedney

minor

Also known as young Gedney, poor Gedney

A missing expedition member later found dead near the ancient city.

McTighe

minor

A member of the expedition's support staff.

Sherman

minor

A member of the expedition's support staff.

Captain Douglas

minor

Also known as Douglas

The captain of the ship that transports the expedition to Antarctica.

The Shoggoths

supporting

Also known as Shoggoths

Shapeless protoplasmic servants created by the Old Ones.

Carroll

minor

A member of the expedition's support staff.

Moulton

minor

Also known as young Moulton

A member of the expedition's support staff.

Atwood

minor

A member of the expedition's support staff.

Dyer

minor

The narrator's surname, revealed late in the story.