Genly Ai
Genly Ai is the main character. He is a messenger of the whole habitable globe chosen by the authorities for trade, exchange of knowledge and technology. Genly is sent to Gethen by the Ekumen as an envoy. He is described as a tall and dark man. According to the plot, Genly tries to win King’s confidence. Also he is a sensible person, who knows everything about culture and languages of his planet. He is well-educated and provides an impression of a brave and reliable person, who knows what he wants and knows how to achieve it.
Estraven
Estraven is an inhabitant of Gethen. At the beginning of the story he is a prime minister of Karhide, but a little bit later he is exiled. He is the one who believes Genly Ai and always helps him. Estraven isn't 'patriotic', instead, he questions the very idea. He says "What is the love of one's country; is it the hate of one's uncountry?". It is later revealed that he 'loved his country dearly... but did not serve it", but rather that he served a different master: "Mankind."
Argaven Harge XV
Argaven Harge XV is the king of Karhide. He is described by his subordinates and Estraven as an awful person. He is rude and even cruel. According to the story, he is pregnant, but he loses his child before its birth. He treats Genly badly and doesn’t believe him. Also Argaven refuses to join the Ekumen, and the whole habitable globe.
Pemmer Harge rem ir Tibe
Pemmer Harge rem ir Tibe is Argaven’s cousin. He is a negative personage. He becomes a prime minister after Estraven. He is an aggressive person, who wants the war to erupt. He uses his power as a prime minister to grab even more power, he is not very interested in what is beneficial for his country. He is also against Genly’s mission. At the end of this story he resigns.
