Erewhon · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Erewhon by Samuel Butler.
Narrator
major
Also known as I, myself, my master
The unnamed protagonist who travels to Erewhon and recounts his experiences.
Erewhonians
supporting
Also known as the Erewhonians, Erewhonians, the Unborn
The collective inhabitants of the fictional country Erewhon.
Chowbok
supporting
A native guide who accompanies the narrator in the early part of his journey.
Arowhena
major
Also known as XVI Arowhena
A young Erewhonian woman who becomes the narrator's love interest.
Zulora
supporting
Daughter of the Nosnibors and a follower of the goddess Ydgrun.
Mrs. Nosnibor
supporting
A wealthy Erewhonian matron and mother of Zulora and Arowhena.
Ydgrun
minor
The goddess worshipped by the Erewhonians, representing conventional morality.
Yram
supporting
The jailer's daughter who shows kindness to the narrator during his imprisonment.
Mahaina
minor
Also known as XIV Mahaina, the Mahaina
A woman who claims to suffer from alcoholism as a disease.
The Judge
minor
Also known as the judge
A magistrate who presides over Erewhonian trials for illness and misfortune.
Mr. Nosnibor
supporting
A wealthy Erewhonian businessman and father of Arowhena and Zulora.
The Doctor
minor
Also known as the doctor
An Erewhonian physician who treats the narrator during his illness.
Erewhon
minor
The fictional country itself, often personified in discussions of its customs.
The Nosnibors
minor
The family household of Mr. and Mrs. Nosnibor and their daughters.
The Captain
minor
Also known as the captain
The ship captain who transports the narrator at the beginning of his journey.
Thims
minor
Also known as Mr. Thims
An Erewhonian man who hosts the narrator during his stay.
Professors of Unreason
minor
Also known as the Professors of Unreason, Unreason
Academics at the Colleges of Unreason who teach hypothetical logic.
Paley
minor
Also known as Archbishop Paley
A historical figure referenced in discussions of natural theology.
Solomons
minor
Also known as the Solomons
A family or group mentioned in passing in Erewhonian society.
Marquis of Normanby
minor
A historical figure briefly alluded to in the narrative.
Samuel Butler
minor
Also known as Butler
The author, mentioned in the preface and endnotes.
Moses
minor
A biblical figure referenced in the context of Erewhonian beliefs.
Mr. Habakkuk
minor
A minor character mentioned in the Erewhonian legal system.
