# Heart of Darkness — Character guide

> Key figures in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

- [Marlow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters/marlow.md): The narrator and protagonist, a sailor who travels up the Congo River.
- [Mr. Kurtz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters/kurtz.md): A charismatic ivory trader who has become a god-like figure in the jungle.
- [Fresleven](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters/fresleven.md): The previous captain of the steamer, killed in a dispute over hens.
- [Captain](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters/captain.md): The Swedish captain of the steamer that takes Marlow to the Outer Station.
- [Van Shuyten](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters/van_shuyten.md): A trading company director who helped Marlow get his appointment.
- [The Russian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters/the_russian.md): A young, enthusiastic sailor who admires Kurtz and lives in the jungle.
- [Jove](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters/jove.md): The chief accountant at the Outer Station, noted for his neat appearance.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters