Griffin is a 30-year-old albino scientist and former university student who successfully researches optics to turn himself invisible. He arrives in the English countryside of Iping to work feverishly on a cure for his condition. Frustrated by the difficulties of his invisible state and lacking funds, he begins stealing money and threatening those who confront him. His isolation and unchecked power quickly erode his sense of morality.

Dr. Kemp is a scientist and former classmate of Griffin who works diligently in his home, hoping his research will earn him a fellowship in the Royal Society. Unlike the rural villagers, he is highly educated and initially dismisses the local rumors of an invisible man as superstitious nonsense. He maintains a strong moral code and believes in upholding common human conventions when faced with supernatural abilities.

Mr. Thomas Marvel is a homeless man living in the English countryside. Because of his marginalized position in society, Griffin targets him as an ideal, easily manipulated assistant. Though easily frightened and physically weak, Marvel is opportunistic and finds himself forced to carry the invisible man's stolen money and vital scientific notebooks.

Mrs. Hall is the innkeeper at the Coach and Horses Inn in Iping Village. She is a practical, religious woman who initially tolerates her new guest's bizarre appearance and rudeness because he reliably pays his bills. She tries to connect with him through stories of medical ailments, assuming he is the victim of a terrible accident, but eventually loses her patience with his aggressive behavior.

Mr. Hall helps his wife manage the Coach and Horses Inn. He is generally more suspicious of the stranger than his wife and occasionally attempts to assert authority over the unruly guest. He retreats quickly when faced with the stranger's explosive temper or violent outbursts.

Mr. Teddy Henfrey is a local clock repairman in Iping. He uses his repair job as an excuse to observe the stranger, deliberately taking his time, which only earns him the guest's severe irritation and insults.

Mr. Cuss is the local doctor in Iping Village. Driven by professional and personal curiosity, he attempts to interview the stranger about his supposed medical condition, leading to a terrifying encounter where he realizes the stranger possesses an invisible arm.

Mr. Bunting is the vicar of Iping Village. He and his wife experience a bewildering robbery where they hear a thief moving around their study and the clinking of stolen coins, but cannot see anyone in the room.

Mrs. Bunting is the vicar's wife in Iping Village. She alerts her husband to the sounds of a burglary in progress, experiencing the shock of an invisible robbery in her own home.

Colonel Adye is the chief of police who leads the hunt for the Invisible Man. He works closely with Dr. Kemp to strategize a way to capture the fugitive using dogs and starvation tactics.

The Mariner is a sailor in Port Stowe who converses with Marvel. He finds the newspaper stories of an invisible man fascinating but feels tricked when Marvel suddenly leaves and claims the stories are a hoax.

Mr. Huxter is a local merchant in Iping who witnesses what he believes to be a theft. He attempts to chase down Marvel when he sees him running away with a bundle of goods.