The Narrator is an older, retired man who previously worked for the National Library in Argentina. He lives a solitary life collecting rare Bibles in multiple languages, holding a deep appreciation for historical texts. He suffers from nearsightedness, which affects his ability to clearly see his visitors. Though he views himself as misanthropic with few friends, he easily converses into the night with fellow scholars and text enthusiasts.

The Salesman is a Scottish traveling vendor who deals in Bibles. He identifies as a Presbyterian and travels internationally, having acquired his unique merchandise from a low-caste man in India. While he handles mystical and sacred objects, he acts on pragmatic motivations by readily exchanging the infinite book for money and a conventional 14th-century Wycliffe Bible. He has sparse, light-colored hair and wears drab clothing.