Meursault is a young French Algerian man living in Algiers who works as a shipping clerk. He lives firmly in the present moment, experiencing the world primarily through physical sensations like heat and light rather than emotional attachments. His profound detachment from societal norms makes him brutally honest about his feelings, even when his apathy offends or confuses others.

Marie is a former coworker of Meursault who quickly begins a romantic relationship with him. She is affectionate, tactile, and operates within conventional societal expectations, frequently asking Meursault about love and marriage. Despite his unusual and often frustrating answers, she remains drawn to him and demonstrates steadfast loyalty.

Raymond is Meursault's neighbor, a rough man who is widely reputed in the community to be a pimp. He operates outside conventional morality, freely admitting to violence and manipulation in his daily life. He views people in terms of their usefulness and actively enlists Meursault to help him draft a letter to punish his mistress.

The Arab is an unnamed young Algerian man whose sister is Raymond Sintes's mistress. He quietly shadows Raymond seeking retribution for the abuse his sister suffered. As an Algerian citizen under French colonial rule, his presence introduces a simmering tension that follows the main characters to the beach.

Salamano is an elderly neighbor of Meursault who maintains a volatile, co-dependent relationship with his spaniel. He constantly yells at and physically abuses the dog, yet secretly relies heavily on its companionship since the death of his wife.

Masson is a friend of Raymond Sintes who owns a small wooden bungalow on the beach outside Algiers. He is a carefree, physical man who enjoys the water and readily supports his friends in physical altercations.

Perez is an elderly resident at the Marengo retirement home who was extremely close to Meursault's mother. He struggles physically to keep up with the funeral procession in the oppressive heat, openly weeping and displaying the raw grief expected of a mourner.

Celeste is the proprietor of a local restaurant in Algiers where Meursault is a regular customer. He is a steadfast and sympathetic figure who tries to offer support when he learns of Meursault's loss.

The magistrate is a legal official tasked with interviewing Meursault about his actions and personal background. He relies heavily on his Christian faith to make sense of the world and becomes deeply disturbed by Meursault's atheism and emotional detachment.

The chaplain is a priest who ministers to inmates. He views his religious worldview as absolute and refuses to accept Meursault's atheism, persistently pushing him to seek divine comfort and meaning.

Emmanuel is a coworker and casual friend of Meursault's at the shipping firm. He shares Meursault's enjoyment of simple, physical thrills, such as jumping onto the back of a moving truck on the way to lunch.

The warden manages the facility where Meursault's mother lived. He handles the administrative details of her passing and funeral, offering practical observations about her life at the home that contrast with the emotional weight of the occasion.