Character guide

Thomas De Quincey

major

Also known as Unknown, an Eud ├ ”monist, myself, me, mine

The autobiographical narrator and opium eater, recounting his life and experiences.

Ann

supporting

Also known as Ann, Mary

A young woman who befriends the narrator in London and later disappears.

Lord D——

supporting

Also known as Lord D⁠⸺

A nobleman who employs the narrator as a tutor for his sons.

Piranesi

minor

An artist whose dreamlike architectural prints haunt the narrator's opium visions.

Awsiter

minor

An apothecary who supplies the narrator with opium.

Immanuel Kant

minor

The German philosopher referenced in the narrator's philosophical digressions.

Samuel Johnson

minor

Also known as Dr. Johnson

The English writer and lexicographer, cited as an authority on opium.

Grassini

minor

An Italian opera singer whose performance the narrator recalls.

Anastasius

minor

A character from a novel whose adventures the narrator reads while on opium.

Betty

minor

Also known as Mrs. Betty

A servant in the narrator's household.

Mr. Harriott

minor

Also known as Harriott

A man who assists the narrator during his early struggles in London.

William Lithgow

minor

A Scottish traveler whose writings are mentioned in the text.