James Boswell
As narrator and journaler, Boswell is the primary character in the journal. He is recording this journal of his travels with Johnson as a sort of introductory endeavor to precede his book Life of Johnson. Along the journey, Boswell pays more attention to the scenery than his companions, but he does manage to insert himself in several conflicts. He is a well-prepared if somewhat laconic traveler. In his narration, Boswell takes some liberties which nearly land him in legal and even violent conflicts with people whom he rather harshly describes in the text.
Dr. Samuel Johnson
In his sixties at the time of the trip, Johnson agrees to accompany his friend on a tour of northern Scotland. He's an active man who readily participates in any available activities along the way. He and Boswell have their disagreements, but mostly Johnson is content to serve as companion rather than leader. He too keeps his own account of the trip, but instead of a journal he keeps a traveler's log which is in fashion at that time.
Sir Alexander Macdonald
Macdonald welcomes the travelers to his estate at Armadale, located on the island of Skye. Since he lives on a remote island, Macdonald does not often receive guests. He is a bit hostile, given Boswell's advances to his wife, Lady Macdonald, but he nevertheless preserves his manners and his honor during their stay.
