Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. (Indy)
The protagonist of this series, Indy is an adventurer and professor of archaeology. He is known for the bullwhip and hat he always carries, his fear of snakes, and his caustic sense of humor. Indiana Jones is one of the most famous film characters of all time, and this film provides some of his back story.
Henry Jones, Sr.
Indiana's father, whose disappearance sparks the plot in this movie. Like Indy, his father is a treasure seeker but is also a professor of Medieval Literature. He is portrayed as more of a professor than a father, and rarely shows obvious pride or approval of Indiana.
Dr. Elsa Schneider
An Austrian art professor who is introduced as a work colleague of Henry Jones Sr. She joins Indy on his search to find his father, and is clever but duplicitous.
Marcus Brody
Brody is an English friend and colleague of Indiana. He serves as comedic relief to lighten the tone of the movie, with his bumbling attempts at helping Indiana.