Chance is an impeccably dressed young man around twenty years old who works as a gardener. Having lived in complete isolation, he possesses limited cognitive abilities and cannot read or write. He communicates primarily by mimicking behaviors he observes on television, and his simple, literal statements about gardening are consistently misinterpreted by others as profound economic metaphors.

The Old Man is a wealthy benefactor who takes Chance in after his mother passes away. He maintains absolute control over his household, explicitly threatening Chance with institutionalization if he strays beyond the garden or his bedroom. He establishes the rigid rules of the isolated environment that shape Chance's entire understanding of reality.

Elizabeth Eve Rand is a wealthy socialite and the chairwoman of the United Nations Hospitality Committee. Much younger than her ailing husband, she feels lonely and quickly becomes infatuated with Chance. She projects her own emotional needs onto his blank demeanor, interpreting his lack of sexual response as respectful restraint.

Benjamin Rand is an influential financier and chairman of the American Financial Corporation. In failing health and nearing the end of his life, he appreciates Chance's direct manner. He mistakes literal descriptions of gardening for shrewd economic philosophy, readily integrating the younger man into his elite social circle.

The President is a cordial political leader who relies on Benjamin Rand for economic advice. Like others in the elite class, he misinterprets Chance's literal comments about the changing seasons as an optimistic economic forecast. He subsequently quotes these remarks in a nationally televised address.

Vladimir Skrapinov is the Soviet Ambassador who attempts to gauge Chance's geopolitical leanings. He interprets innocent remarks about chairs touching as a clever diplomatic analogy. He convinces himself that Chance is a cultured intellectual who deeply understands Russian fables.

Mr. Franklin is a lawyer tasked with managing the Old Man's estate. He is practical and bureaucratic, refusing to acknowledge Chance's residency without proper legal documentation. He later watches Chance's televised interview with a mix of envy and regret over his own career choices.

Miss Hayes is a lawyer handling the affairs of the Old Man's estate. She works alongside Mr. Franklin to question Chance about his background. She enforces the strict legal rule that he must vacate the premises due to his lack of official documentation.

Ronald Stiegler is a publisher from Eidolon Books who is eager to capitalize on Chance's sudden television fame. When Chance admits he cannot read or write, Stiegler assumes he is merely expressing a lack of time and poor writing skills, stubbornly continuing to pursue a book deal.

Mrs. Aubrey is the secretary provided to Chance by his wealthy hosts. She handles his incoming correspondence and reports the high volume of media requests seeking his political commentary.

Gaufridi is a French delegate who commends Chance's vague rhetoric at a social gathering. He believes the public prefers simple, soundbite-driven figureheads over complex, realistic leaders, seeing the newcomer as the perfect fulfillment of this societal desire.