Doctor Ransom
Doctor Ransom is the main character, and protagonist, of the novel. He is one of the few people to have survived the drought and subsequent violence and turmoil in the world. Prior to the world being plunged into the drought, Doctor Ransom was seemingly a well-liked, intelligent, and efficient doctor. After the drought, Ransom continues to see patients, but as people move closer to the ocean, his practice shrinks considerably. He was also married to a woman named Judith and seemed to be well-off. However, Judith left him alone on the river. In fact, after the world is plunged into drought, Ransom buys a houseboat and builds a homestead on a river, far away from society which is seemingly falling apart.
Judith Ransom
Judith Ransom was the intelligent and exuberant ex-wife of Dr. Ransom. Initially, she followed Ransom to his homestead on their houseboat on the river. Eventually, though, Judith grew sick of her life on the river and leaves Ransom, presumably following many other people towards the retreating ocean, where the last bit of water is.
Quilter
Quilter is a young boy who plays a minor role in the novel. Quilter has a misshapen head—perhaps because of a lack of water—at first glance appears to be special needs. However, Quilter is far too intelligent to be considered special needs but is a deeply problematic and energetic boy who seems to get in trouble at every opportunity. When Ransom meets Quilter towards the end of the novel, the two bond, but Ransom thinks that Quilter is strange and animal-like.
