David is a small, gentle young boy vacationing with his family in Jamaica. He possesses a deep empathy for animals that sets him apart from the indifferent tourists on the beach. When the crowd discusses making soup out of a captive sea turtle, he throws his arms around the animal's neck to defend it. His courageous intervention demonstrates a unique sensitivity to the natural world.

The Hitchhiker is a small man with gray teeth and a highly observant demeanor. He claims to work in a skilled trade and operates under a strict, self-imposed moral code, targeting only those he believes can afford to lose their wealth. He enjoys taking risks and actively encourages his driver to push the car past the legal speed limit.

Gordon Butcher is a skilled farm laborer who lives a simple, happy life with his family. He measures his wealth in the safety of his home and the satisfaction of his work rather than in monetary gain. While plowing a local field, his equipment unearths a large collection of Roman silver, deeply unsettling his comfortable existence.

Sydney Ford is a prosperous agricultural engineer who owns a nice house and a yard full of equipment. Despite his financial stability, he remains focused on acquiring more wealth and becomes immediately consumed by the discovery of Roman treasure. He instructs his laborer to keep digging while falsely claiming the artifacts are worthless junk.

Peter Watson is a small, frail, and highly intelligent fifteen-year-old boy. He possesses a gentle disposition and a deep appreciation for nature, preferring to peacefully observe birds rather than hunt them. His quiet hobby is violently interrupted by cruel bullies, forcing him to rely on his wits and endurance to survive.

Henry Sugar is a wealthy, self-centered man in his forties who devotes his life to personal pleasure and increasing his vast fortune. He associates with other self-involved individuals and remains largely bored with his comfortable existence. While idling in the library, he discovers a strange medical report that inspires him to pursue a unique meditative practice.

Ernie is a large, aggressive teenager who internalizes the violent behavior he witnesses in his own home. Empowered by his new rifle, he seeks to exert dominance over smaller children and views nature purely as a target for his aggression. He relentlessly harasses a smaller classmate in the woods.

In his autobiographical pieces, Roald Dahl presents himself as an observant youth who endures the harsh discipline of the British school system. He eventually becomes a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II, facing the intense physical toll of combat. His early struggles and military service shape his creative imagination.

Raymond is a teenage boy who accompanies his friend into the woods to test out a new rifle. He acts as a willing accomplice, eagerly participating in the harassment of a smaller classmate. He contributes to the destruction of local wildlife without questioning his friend's cruel directives.

Dr. John F. Cartwright is a medical professional whose detailed notes recount his strange encounter with a circus conjurer. He acts as a careful observer, testing the man's claims of sightless vision by applying heavy medical bandages. His written record later falls into the hands of a bored millionaire.

Imhrat Khan is an Indian circus conjurer who claims to possess the ability to see without using his eyes. Having studied under a yogi to master his conscious mind, he uses his unique skills to perform miracles for crowds. He submits to rigorous medical testing to prove his abilities, leaving a lasting impression on the doctors.

Mrs. O'Connor is a cheery, patient educator who provides a sharp contrast to the brutal headmasters at the boarding school. She introduces her students to classic English literature and trusts them to engage with challenging texts. Her classroom serves as a rare sanctuary of learning and respect.

C. S. Forester is an established British novelist commissioned to write about the experiences of World War II fighter pilots. He requests a few notes from a young veteran, only to recognize raw literary talent in the provided text. He plays a vital role in launching a new writer's career.

Peter is a young fighter pilot serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He and his squadron mates project false confidence, assuring each other that their upcoming combat mission will be easy. He represents the camaraderie and shared anxiety of young men facing war.

Dr. Hugh Alderson Fawcett is an observant professional who visits his friend and spots some unusual items left out in the open. He possesses enough historical knowledge to recognize ancient artifacts and is unwilling to accept flimsy excuses about their origins. He insists on proper conduct regarding found antiquities.

Major Harold Balfour is a military officer who assigns a recovering veteran to the position of air attaché at the British Embassy in the United States. His orders shift the young pilot from the grim realities of the war front into a luxurious diplomatic setting, paving the way for new opportunities.