The Secret Agent · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad.
Mr. Verloc
major
Also known as Verloc, the silent Mr. Verloc, the wise and good Mr. Verloc, the late Mr. Verloc
A secret agent running a small shop, entangled in a plot to bomb Greenwich Observatory.
Mrs. Verloc
major
Also known as Winnie Verloc, Winnie
Verloc's wife, devoted to her brother Stevie, whose fate drives her actions.
Comrade Ossipon
major
Also known as Ossipon, the robust Ossipon, the big Ossipon, Alexander Ossipon, Comrade Alexander Ossipon
A robust anarchist who lectures on science and becomes involved with Mrs. Verloc.
Stevie
major
Also known as poor Stevie, Stephen, the innocent Stevie, the docile Stevie
Mrs. Verloc's simple-minded brother, easily exploited by others.
Chief Inspector Heat
supporting
Also known as Inspector Heat, Heat
A police detective investigating the bombing, loyal to his methods.
Mr. Vladimir
supporting
The First Secretary of a foreign embassy who orchestrates the bombing plot.
Michaelis
supporting
Also known as the mild Michaelis, the convict Michaelis, Mr. Michaelis
A gentle anarchist recently released from prison, writing a book.
Sir Ethelred
minor
A high-ranking government official overseeing the police investigation.
Toodles
minor
Also known as the sympathetic Toodles, the experienced Toodles
Sir Ethelred's private secretary, a minor functionary.
Baron Stott-Wartenheim
minor
Also known as the late Baron Stott-Wartenheim, old Stott-Wartenheim
The deceased former ambassador, mentioned in the author's note.
Karl Yundt
minor
Also known as Yundt, Karl Yundts
An elderly, toothless anarchist who talks of violence but is inactive.
Mrs. Neale
minor
The Verlocs' charwoman, a poor woman with many children.
Adolf
minor
A minor character, possibly a waiter or assistant at the anarchist meeting place.
The Perfect Anarchist
minor
A theoretical figure discussed by the anarchists, not a real character.
Annie
minor
A young girl briefly mentioned in the Verloc household.
Mother
minor
Mrs. Verloc's mother, who moves out to a charity home.
