A sentient transport with a personality characterized by intellect and sarcasm, it acts as both a mentor and adversary to Murderbot. Its relationship with Murderbot explores themes of empathy and mutual respect.

Colonists infected with alien code representing the collapse of individual agency under systemic control. They serve as both antagonists and victims of corporate neglect and ambition.

The teenage daughter of Dr. Mensah, whose bravery and curiosity challenge Murderbot's reluctance toward intimacy. She acts as a bridge between human and machine perspectives in the story.

Leader of the Preservation Alliance, she initially recognizes Murderbot's sentience and serves as a moral anchor through her compassionate yet pragmatic governance.

A stabilizing force and capable leader on the Preservation mission, she balances her team’s emotions with rationality and trusts Murderbot’s judgment, fostering its self-acceptance.

A skeptical data analyst and Mensah’s brother-in-law, whose mistrust of Murderbot underscores social and ethical tensions within Preservation. His relationship evolves from skepticism to grudging respect.

Key human members of the Preservation crew, with Overse providing calm logic and Ratthi offering emotional intelligence and humor. They embody cooperation and ethical interdependence.

A corporate construct liberated by Murderbot’s influence, representing the novel’s theme of technological emancipation. Its development mirrors Murderbot’s journey toward autonomy.

A sentient copy created by ART, it quickly exhibits empathy and moral judgment, extending Murderbot’s legacy and embodying themes of autonomy and kinship.

Survivors of a corporate expedition, their experiences highlight the human cost of systemic exploitation. Ras’s death and Eletra’s survival emphasize themes of trauma and agency.

A Barish-Estranza administrator who embodies corporate pragmatism, her interactions reflect the ethical divide between profit-driven governance and empathetic leadership.

ART's human team, whose capture drives the rescue plot, exhibits resilience and mutual trust. Their relationship with ART contrasts with corporate hierarchies and showcases functional community dynamics.