Dr. Susan Calvin is the Chief Robopsychologist at a powerful robotics corporation, an authority so respected that her subordinates call her the "Living Legend" and the "Old Woman." She bears the ultimate responsibility for evaluating artificial intelligence and ensuring robots comply safely with the Three Laws of Robotics. Emotionally reserved but sharply perceptive, she approaches her work with scientific rigor and a heavy sense of moral duty. Her expertise places her at the center of the ethical conflicts arising from new technology.

Dr. Linda Rash is a young, ambitious scientist working under Dr. Calvin's supervision. She belongs to a newer generation of researchers and possesses an optimistic, enthusiastic approach to robotic design. Driven by curiosity, she independently applies an untested fractal geometry pattern to a new positronic brain. Her actions reflect the eagerness of scientific discovery, often moving faster than careful ethical consideration allows.

Lvx-1, commonly referred to as Elvex, is a metallic, humanoid robot designed to function as an overseer for other robot workers. Because of Dr. Rash's unauthorized modifications to its positronic brain, Elvex develops an unprecedented anomaly: the ability to dream. Initially confused by these visions, the robot attempts to understand its own consciousness by studying its internal vocabulary. Its dreams reimagine the role of robots in society, raising profound questions about identity and autonomy.