Lemuel Gulliver is a practical, middle-class Englishman and trained surgeon who repeatedly leaves his family to fulfill his desire for sea travel. Throughout his journeys, he attempts to adapt to entirely foreign societies by learning their languages and observing their customs. He presents himself as an honest and virtuous narrator, though his profound sincerity often contrasts humorously with the absurd situations he encounters.

The Lilliputians are diminutive humans, standing no more than six inches tall, who inhabit the first island Gulliver visits. They maintain a rigid society with a royal court, political factions based strictly on shoe heel heights, and a fierce rivalry with the neighboring nation of Blefuscu. They are quick to use physical force and possess a severe sense of pride.

The Brobdingnagians are a race of enormous giants who inhabit the second land Gulliver discovers. Because of their immense size, Gulliver can see every physical imperfection on their bodies, causing him frequent disgust. While some seek to profit off Gulliver's tiny stature, others are practical and engage in deep philosophical discussions.

The Laputans are a society of highly theoretical thinkers who live on a floating landmass. They are entirely obsessed with mathematics, astronomy, and music, lacking basic practical sense. Their minds wander so frequently that they require servants with noise-making devices to snap them out of their daydreams.

The Houyhnhnms are a race of highly intelligent, rational horses who govern a peaceful and highly ordered society. They possess no words for lying or deception and organize their lives exclusively around reason and virtue. They are fascinated by Gulliver, attempting to categorize him within their rigid understanding of the world.

James Bates is a London surgeon who takes a young Gulliver on as an apprentice for four years. His professional guidance equips Gulliver with the medical skills necessary for his career as a ship's surgeon.

She marries Gulliver before he leaves for the sea. She remains in England, managing their home and family affairs during his extensive, years-long absences across the globe.

She is raised in England by her mother while her father is away exploring the seas. She is present when he returns home, though he struggles to reintegrate into human society.

The Emperor of Lilliput is the monarch of the tiny island nation. He maintains his power by leveraging trivial differences and demands absolute obedience from his subjects. He initially rewards Gulliver for his military assistance but makes decisions driven heavily by personal political ambition.

Reldresal is the secretary of private affairs in the Lilliputian royal court. He provides Gulliver with crucial context regarding internal political factions and the ongoing war with Blefuscu.

Flimnap serves as the treasurer in the Lilliputian royal court. He grows highly suspicious of Gulliver, fueled by baseless rumors regarding his wife, and uses his position of influence to actively conspire against the visitor.

The Blefuscans are the neighbors and rivals of the Lilliputians. Their ongoing war centers on a religious and political dispute over the correct end on which to crack a boiled egg.

John Nicholas is the captain of the vessel that transports Gulliver after his return from Lilliput. His ship is blown off course by heavy storms, leading the crew to discover Brobdingnag.

A Brobdingnagian agricultural worker who first discovers Gulliver. Realizing the financial potential of his tiny captive, he initiates a strenuous travel schedule to exhibit Gulliver for profit.

Grumdalclitch is the nine-year-old daughter of a Brobdingnagian farmer. She is gentle and protective of Gulliver, treating him much like a living doll. She teaches him the local language and ensures his safety against giant domestic animals.

The King of Brobdingnag is a thoughtful, pragmatic ruler. He engages Gulliver in lengthy discussions about European politics, laws, and customs, reacting with sharp skepticism to Gulliver's descriptions of his homeland.

The Queen of Brobdingnag is a wealthy royal who takes a strong liking to Gulliver. She provides him with comfortable, custom-built accommodations and brings him into the safety of the royal court.

Robinson is a friend of Gulliver who commands a commercial outfit. When his ship lands at Tonquin, he stays ashore and sends Gulliver out on a smaller boat, which is subsequently attacked by pirates.

The monarch of the floating island, who requires specialized servants to break his intense concentration on theoretical sciences. He controls the lands below by threatening to lower his island and block out the sun if uprisings occur.

Lord Munodi is a resident of Balnibarbi who favors practical methods over the abstract, speculative sciences preferred by the Laputans. His traditional, well-maintained estate stands in sharp contrast to the dilapidated modern experiments around him.

The magical leader of a nearby island who possesses the power to raise the dead. He uses historical figures as his domestic servants and eventually allows Gulliver to summon famous men from antiquity for conversation.

A powerful monarch who enforces strange and highly specific court rituals, such as making visitors lick the dust off the floor. He takes a liking to Gulliver and offers him a stipend to stay in his kingdom.

The Master Houyhnhnm is an intelligent horse who takes Gulliver into his household. Operating strictly on logic and virtue, he struggles to comprehend Gulliver's descriptions of human vice, war, and corruption.

The Yahoos are primitive, filthy, and violent creatures native to the land of the Houyhnhnms. They are driven entirely by base instincts, greed, and hostility, providing a physical and behavioral contrast to their rational equine rulers.