Mattia Pascal
The title character is a young Italian whose story is one of attempted escape from personae that society forces him to wear in order to conform. This journey of escape leads to his living out two very different lives. Adriano Meis is created by the fortunate mistake of his wife identifying a dead body as him. While chance has allowed him to take on this new identity, Mattia soon learns that it is merely as mask as well as much of the novel focuses upon his inability to turn existence as Adriano into an identity as Adriano.
Batty Malagna
Batty is the unethical executor of the estate left to Mattia’s mother during her widowhood. His machinations are greatly responsible for Mattia having entered into the marriage which has left him so empty and unhappy.
Signora Marianna Dondi-Pescatore
Mattia’s mother-in-law. Her shrewish behavior toward him is another reason he desperately wants to shrug off the persona of happily married man. When he later seems to return from the dead, the Signora is particularly shocked to her system.
Romilda Pescatore
Mattia’s wife who married his best friend after his “death.” Her beauty on the outside is matched by the ugliness of her inner core.
Gerolamo Pomino
Mattia’s best friend who married his wife following his supposed demise.
Don Eligio Pellegrinotto
A kindly old priest to whom Mattia relates his unusual adventure as a dead man living out another life. As a librarian, the old man recognizes the value of this tale and encourages Mattia to write it down.
Anselmo Paleari
Spiritualist and Mattia’s new landlord. In his capacity as both, he conducts a series of séances which ultimately bring the life of Adriano Meis to a devastating end for Mattia.
Franceso Meis
Claims to be a relatie of "Adriano Meis" and this assertion brings on a feeling of dread and terror over Mattia.
