Jean-Baptiste Clamence is a former Parisian lawyer living in the impoverished Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam. He introduces himself as a "judge-penitent" and spends his evenings in a local bar seeking out specific patrons. He previously specialized in defending widows and orphans in France, which earned him a highly respected reputation. He possesses an extensive vocabulary and looks down on the local Dutch citizens.

An unnamed, cultured Frenchman visiting Amsterdam for an extended stay. He shares a similar upper-middle-class background with Clamence. He acts as a silent but willing listener to Clamence's views on society and human nature over the course of several days.

The proprietor of the Mexico City bar in Amsterdam's red-light district. He exclusively speaks Dutch and runs an establishment frequented by sailors, thieves, and impoverished locals. Clamence constantly degrades him, comparing his features to ancient cavemen.

A French prisoner held captive by German forces in a camp near Tripoli. He is a deeply religious man who organizes the other captives when a lack of food and water causes widespread illness. He initiates the process of electing a camp leader to carry the burden of the prisoners' collective suffering.