Elizabeth Costello
Elizabeth Costello is a renowned Australian writer in her 60s. She has been always rather dedicated to her work. Even being extremely tired of constant travel and public speaking, she continues to do this. Due to the fact that her first novel is about Molly Bloom – a character from James Joyce’s Ulysses – and her liberation, her audience and interviewers expect her to speak about modern issues. How disappointed they are to see an elderly woman, who is fond of Kafka and vegetarianism! Elizabeth tries to make others understand her point but the problem is that her speeches are overfilled with various philosophical ideas. Ironically enough the only one person, who understands or at least tries to understand her is her son, who has never played the most important role in her life.
John
John is Elizabeth Costello’s son. He is married, then divorced, has two children. John teaches physics and astronomy at a college in Massachusetts. Although his mother has never paid him enough attention and he could be cross with her for it, he pities the old woman she became. He is her main protector.
Norma
Norma is John’s wife and Elizabeth Costello’s daughter-in-law. She does not see eye to eye with Elizabeth, which leads to numerous arguments between them. Norma has a Ph.D. in philosophy.
Susan Moebius
Susan Moebius is Elizabeth’s interviewer. They have a talk before Elizabeth gets the Stowe Award.
Emmanuel Egudu
Emmanuel Egudu is a writer from Africa. He and Elizabeth used to have a little affair when they were young.
Blanche
Blanche is Elizabeth’s sister. She serves in the Marian Order.
Mr. West
Mr. West is a writer. His and Elizabeth’s encounter is rather unfortunate, for Elizabeth tries to talk to him and discuss his work, but he remains distant and seemingly uninterested in a conversation with her.
