Narrator
The narrator is never identified by name. He is part of a crew of more than 100 men whose ship is blown off course while sailing from Peru to the Orient. The ship is met by a group of islanders who welcome them and the text is presented as the result of a series of conversations. The narrator is inquisitive but humble toward his interlocutors and grows more and more intrigued by their society as the narrative continues.
First Officer
When the narrator and his crew first arrive at the island, they are stopped by an officer in a boat who passes them a note forbidding them to land on the island. This officer is unnamed, but carries out the law of the island that does not allow strangers to access the land unless they are sick or in need of help.
Guide
When the crew first arrives on the island, they are taken to the House of Strangers by a guide. The guide shows them their accommodations and informs them that there have not been strangers on the island for quite some time.
The Governor of the House of Strangers
The narrator and five other crew members are invited to leave the ship and take accommodations at the House of Strangers. After three days of manifesting acceptable behavior, they are introduced to the Governor who extends an invitation to stay for six weeks. It is through the discourse of this high-ranking official that the narrator learns of the ancient history of the island, its curious relationship to Christianity, and the various administrative and governmental creations by which the island has become a utopia.
Batholomew
According to the Governor of the House of Strangers, the island was commissioned by Saint Bartholomew, an apostle of Jesus Christ. Bartholomew left a palm leaf, a Bible, and a letter to the inhabitants of the island explaining how they are loved and protected by God.
Solamona
Solamona is the ancient king of Bensalem after whom Salomon's House is named. Solamona implemented many laws that emphasized restricting access to the island but also the acquisition of knowledge and experimentation. Salomon is also a reference to the Hebrew King Salomon from the Old Testament.
Joabin
One of the examples of the curious nature of the island’s relationship to Christianity is exhibited through the character of Joabin. Joabin is Jewish, a descendant of Abraham through a son mentioned in the Bible: Nachoran. The Jews of Bensalem hold a much more worshipful view of Jesus Christ than is the traditional Jewish regard. It is through Joabin that the narrator comes to learn about the island's moral principles that govern things like family and marriage.
Tirsan
The Tirsan is another name for the patriarch of a family made up of at least 30 people. The Tirsan is the primary figure in the Feast of the Family, wherein he selects one of his children to live with him in his home. This is considered a great honor for the selected child.
Father of Saloman's House
The Father of Saloman's House comes to meet the narrator in private. He is dressed ornately and exudes kindness, reverence, and knowledge. It is through the Father of Salomon's House that the narrator learns about the geography of the island, the different roles available at Salomon's House, and the moral, political, and scientific philosophies that govern Salomon's House and the rest of the island.
Salomon's House Workers
Though the narrator never meets any of them, there are numerous contributors to Salomon's House who all serve a different purpose in the acquisition and synthesis of knowledge. These positions have titles that reflect their particular task, such as the Merchants of Light – those 12 people who travel out into the world every 12 years seeking information about cultural developments among other civilizations.
