An unnamed university student living with his uncle in Dublin. He prefers spending his days locked in his bedroom, smoking, reading betting tips from a man named Verney, and drinking porter with friends. He studies Irish folklore but avoids academic work to write an experimental novel where characters rebel against their author.

A broad, unappealing writer of cheap Western romances who stays strictly in his bed at Dublin's Red Swan Hotel. He summons fictional characters into his room to keep a watchful eye on them, forcing working-class Irish figures to act as cowboys. His despotic control over these creations causes deep resentment among the characters forced into his narratives.

A dark, clean-shaven fictional character brought into existence as a fully formed adult. Dermot Trellis creates him to act as a depraved criminal and womanizer in a Western novel. He firmly rejects this assigned persona, desiring instead to run a small confectionary store and settle down into a quiet domestic existence.

A clerk at a Dublin brewery who serves as the guardian for his nephew. Unmarried and highly concerned with his Christian reputation, he frequently lectures the student about idleness and alcohol consumption. He values hard work, clean clothes, and practical endeavors over literary contemplation.

A fictional character initially associated with the Western novels of William Tracy before falling under the control of Dermot Trellis. He constantly voices his appreciation for working-class ideals and the poetry of Jem Casey. He heavily resents the lack of free will imposed on him by his author.

Another fictional character existing at the mercy of Dermot Trellis in the Red Swan Hotel. He spends his time commiserating with Furriskey and Shanahan about their oppressive creator. He enjoys socializing, drinking alcohol, and sharing questionable historical trivia when given the opportunity.

A Pooka, or shapeshifting spirit from Irish folklore, introduced into the narrative as a supernatural being capable of great magic. Despite his mythical status as a member of the devil class, he acts as a quiet, reserved family man who appreciates sensible discussion, pipe smoking, and card games.

A tiny magical creature who travels in the pocket of the Pooka. Unlike the Pooka's reserved nature, the fairy is highly argumentative, fastidious, and fiercely critical of working-class strikes. He acts as a chaotic presence who constantly corrects others' grammar and wagers money he does not possess.

A giant hero from traditional Irish folklore drafted into the student's manuscript. Boasting a superb physique, he spends much of his time reciting archaic verse about nature and the legendary feats of his people. His ancient storytelling style heavily contrasts with the modern environments of the Red Swan Hotel.

An ancient Irish king cursed by a priest to wander the land as a bird-like creature. Plagued by frenzy and physical transformation, he spends years leaping between trees and composing mournful verses about his isolation and injuries.

A laboring man recognized as a poet of the working class. He pens straightforward, accessible verses celebrating everyday pleasures, particularly the drinking of porter. His pragmatic ideals put him at odds with the fastidious Good Fairy.

A university friend of the student who shares his interest in literature and drinking. He frequently visits the student to listen to manuscript excerpts, offering critical feedback on the interchangeable nature of fictional characters while reading newspaper articles about local horse races.

A domestic servant character trapped in Dermot Trellis's narrative. She provides crucial information regarding Trellis's vulnerabilities while he sleeps, helping her fellow characters carve out moments of freedom to open a small business.

A beautiful and refined woman created by Dermot Trellis to serve a specific role in his story. Her introduction significantly alters the dynamic at the Red Swan Hotel as Trellis drastically changes his original plans upon seeing her.

A stocky young man born into the strange world of the Red Swan Hotel. Possessing an inherited talent for literary composition, he becomes a central figure for the characters seeking to assert control over their own narratives.

A fellow student who frequently accompanies the protagonist to the pub. He serves as a regular companion during late-night walks through the streets of Dublin and introduces the student to heavy drinking.

An elderly, slightly built friend of the student's uncle. He brings over a gramophone to play records and complains about his own son's fussy nature, offering a sounding board for the uncle's grievances.

A deceased author of Western romances whose fictional creations are borrowed by Dermot Trellis. His narrative style heavily involves cowboys, stolen horses, and frequent gun battles.

A servant-girl working at the Red Swan Hotel. She tends to the daily needs of Dermot Trellis, dealing with his unwashed sleeping clothes and the maintenance of his basement room.

An armed cowboy character originally meant for a Western narrative who wanders the woods searching for a lost steer before joining the journey to the hotel.

Another armed character from the Western genre who travels alongside Slug, collecting fruit from the forest and encountering mythical figures along the way.

A deaf, mute, and decadent Greek scullion from another novel who interacts with the characters residing in the Red Swan Hotel.

A fellow Greek scullion who nearly spirits Shanahan and Lamont away into a different literary narrative while Trellis sleeps.

A friend of Mad Sweeny who locates the cursed king after years of wandering. He reveals tragic news about Sweeny's family before capturing the despondent king.