Robert Langdon is a Harvard professor of art history and symbology who suffers from claustrophobia due to a childhood accident. Driven by loyalty, he travels to Washington to deliver a speech for his mentor, Peter Solomon, only to find himself forced to decipher an ancient Masonic pyramid. He approaches mysteries with a logical, scientific mindset and often acts as a skeptic regarding ancient myths. His academic background provides vital clues for solving the intricate codes left by the kidnapper.

Katherine is a Noetic scientist whose research focuses on the idea that human thought can influence the physical universe. She operates out of a specialized, pitch-black lab known as Pod 5 at the Smithsonian Museum Support Center. Highly intelligent and determined, she actively works with Robert Langdon to decipher the Masonic pyramid in hopes of saving her brother. She remains fiercely dedicated to her groundbreaking scientific work despite the dangers it attracts.

A complex figure connected to the Solomon family. Mal'akh is a heavily tattooed mystic who orchestrates the kidnapping of Peter Solomon to force the discovery of the Ancient Mysteries. He prepares his body for what he believes is a divine transformation, dedicating himself entirely to esoteric dark arts. The name also refers to Zachary Solomon, Peter's estranged son whose troubled history and reported death in a Turkish prison cast a long shadow over his surviving family.

Peter is the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, a respected scholar, and a 33rd-degree Freemason. He is a wealthy, quietly intelligent man who lives a solitary life marked by past family tragedies. His kidnapping by a mysterious tattooed man drives the central conflict. His deep belief in the transformative power of ancient knowledge guides his philosophy and his protection of Masonic secrets.

Director Sato commands the CIA's Office of Security. A petite woman with a raspy voice resulting from throat cancer surgery, she is a highly competent and intimidating official. She views the unfolding events surrounding the Masonic pyramid as a matter of national security and consistently interferes with Langdon's independent investigation. She operates with absolute authority and demands full compliance from civilian and law enforcement personnel alike.

Warren is the Architect of the Capitol, responsible for the building's operations and maintenance. He is a respected member of Washington society and a dedicated Freemason. Concerned for Peter Solomon's safety and the protection of ancient secrets, he takes bold action to assist Robert Langdon in evading the CIA. He uses his extensive knowledge of the Capitol's hidden passages to outmaneuver security forces.

Trent Anderson serves as the Capitol Police Chief. He is responsible for managing the immediate aftermath of the gruesome discovery inside the building. He attempts to conduct a standard investigation but finds himself quickly sidelined when the CIA assumes jurisdiction over his crime scene.

Alfonso Nunez is a relatively new security guard stationed at the Capitol Building. He inadvertently allows a disguised suspect to pass through the security checkpoint by accepting a fake excuse about a swollen hand. He later provides information to investigators regarding the suspect's movements.

Trish is a metasystems analyst working closely with Katherine Solomon at the Smithsonian Museum Support Center. She manages the technical infrastructure for Katherine's Noetic research. She is accustomed to conducting obscure internet searches to support the lab's unconventional scientific inquiries.

Nola is a skilled analyst working for the CIA Office of Security. She assists Director Sato by deciphering complex symbols, analyzing X-rays of Langdon's bag, and tracking down the origin of heavily redacted documents. She processes critical intelligence from headquarters to support the field agents.

Colin Galloway is the elderly, blind dean of the National Cathedral and a dedicated Freemason. He provides critical insight into the true nature of the Masonic pyramid, challenging Langdon's strict skepticism. He guides the protagonists toward a broader understanding of the historical secrets they are uncovering.

Turner Simkins is a Special Forces team leader working under Director Sato's command. He relentlessly tracks fugitives across Washington using advanced technology and tactical precision. He executes high-stakes operations to secure the CIA's objectives.

Kyle is a security guard stationed at the Smithsonian Museum Support Center. He monitors the entrance to the facility and tracks visitor movements. He maintains a casual demeanor while wondering about the secretive research happening in Pod 5.

Jonas Faukman is a book editor who previously worked with Robert Langdon. He receives an urgent call during the crisis and provides contact information for Katherine Solomon, whose manuscript he once considered for publication.

Mark Zoubianis is a hacker and technical associate of Trish Dunne. He reluctantly pauses his personal activities to trace the IP address of a highly classified document at Trish's urgent request.

Rick Parrish works in systems security at the CIA. He detects an attempt to hack a classified document on a secure server and personally visits Nola Kaye to brief her on the breach. He provides vital context about the document's origins within the agency.

Agent Hartmann is a CIA operative assigned to the field team. He follows Director Sato's orders to transport Langdon and Katherine to a location they believe holds Peter Solomon, driving them directly into a dangerous situation.