Mark Studdock
A young sociologist at Bracton College in Edgestow, Mark is an insecure, worldly man with a strong desire to be part of an inner circle. He comes to realize, however, that the N.I.C.E. is evil, showing that his moral compass outweighs his social ambition.
Jane Studdock
Mark's wife, Jane is nominally writing a thesis on Donne, but in reality she is more preoccupied with the drabness of everyday life. She has the ability to see visions of actual events, and, after a while, accepts her role in the fight against the evils of the N.I.C.E. in the company of Dr. Ransom at St. Anne's.
Dr. Elwin Ransom
The protagonist of the first two novels, Dr. Ransom has now become the Director of St. Anne's and the heir of King Arthur. He has embraced his Maleldil-given mission to take the fight to the forces of darkness on Earth, serving as the primary Christ-figure of the novel.
Lord Feverstone
Also known as Dick Devine, Lord Feverstone is an important figure in the N.I.C.E. and Mark's main reference for the job. He is driven and enthusiastic, but as in Out of the Silent Planet, he still seems to be motivated by profit more than idealism.
Alcasan
Alcasan is a French scientist who was guillotined at the beginning of the novel. His importance, though, is much greater; his head becomes the host for, it seems, Satan himself, leading the N.I.C.E. to the abolition of man as a grotesque director. This hideous being is the direct opponent of Ransom, who leads a similar force in opposition to the N.I.C.E. from St. Anne's.
Merlin
The powerful sorcerer and magician from Arthurian legend; he is returned to life when his burial ground is dug up, and he joins the fight against the N.I.C.E., serving Ransom (the heir of King Arthur) and being possessed by the Oyéresu to take their revenge on the forces of darkness.
Mrs. Dimble
The wife of Mr. Dimble, Jane's former tutor, Mrs. Dimble is a Christian and member of Ransom's company at the manor at St. Anne's. She is the one who refers Jane there in the first place, and her guidance is one of Jane's greatest assets in the novel.
"Fairy" Hardcastle
A grotesquely unattractive, stocky middle-aged woman with an uncomfortable amount of sexual radiation; she is an important member of the N.I.C.E. and a terrifying interrogator and torturer.
