Shin Dong-hyuk
Born Shin In Geun, Shin is the protagonist of the book. He was born in Camp 14, one of the many prison camps scattered across North Korea and because of this has no memories of a childhood outside of a camp environment. He was almost estranged from his parents because there was no time set aside for bonding or for family; he was taught all of his life lessons by camp guards, in a country where important life lessons include such things as informing on people, especially those closest to them, and snitching in return for food. Consequently qualities such as love, trust and reliability were alien to him. When he was thirteen he informed on his mother and brother as they were planning to escape from the camp. As a result of his actions they were both executed, and Shin felt nothing but a sense of pride, which was replaced by guilt after he had left the camp himself. Shin has turned out to be an unreliable narrator but the book portrays him as a sympathetic survivor with a complex personality formed under very brutal conditions.
Jan Hye Gyung
Jan is Shin's mother but has no perceptible maternal instincts. She is not a nurturer but it is likely that life in the camp simply wore the ability to nurture out of her. Although we never learn why Jan was sent to Camp 14 in the first place, we do learn that she was forced to marry and have children. Although close with Shin's brother, she does not seem to feel the same closeness with Shin himself and sees him more as yet another mouth competing for food. She is executed after Shin informs camp authorities about her plans for escape.
Shin Gyung Sub
Although as Shin's father one might expect Shin Gyun Sub to play an important role in his son's life, he is peripheral because paternal involvement in the lives of their children was not encouraged within the camp. His treatment improves after his son informs on his wife. After her execution he tries to connect more with his son but his efforts are rebuffed.
Park Yong Chul
Park Yong Chul plays an important role in Shin's life because it is he who inspires him to escape from the camp. Park was sent to Camp 14 after escaping North Korea and then returning. He befriends Shin after the young man has been ordered to spy on him. He wins his friendship because he is both humble and genuine, and his quiet intelligence makes a huge impression on Shin. Park is electrocuted by the fece surrounding the camp as he and Shin attempt to escape to China together.
Kim Jun Myung
Kim is Shin's cellmate at camp and goes by the nickname "Uncle". He is educated and gentle, giving an air of importance that remains unstated. He takes care of Shin, tends to his wounds and takes his mind off their situation by telling him stories about life outside the camp.
