The Narrator, known as Tommo to the Indigenous people, is an American sailor working under a seven-year contract aboard a whaling ship. Disgusted by the cruelty of his captain and the endless boredom of life at sea, he hatches a risky plan to abandon ship in the Marquesas Islands. Afflicted by a mysterious and painful leg wound, he seeks refuge inland but carries deep-seated Western prejudices regarding the local population. Despite his fears of cannibalism, he proves highly observant and increasingly sympathetic to the peaceful culture of the Typees, even as he struggles to fully let go of his own cultural biases.

Toby is a young, fearless sailor who joins Tommo in deserting their ship. Characterized by his moody and secretive nature, he rarely speaks about his past and initially views their escape as a thrilling adventure. Once they reach the Typee valley, his adventurous spirit sours into deep suspicion. He outright rejects the hospitality of the Indigenous people, constantly fearing they are cannibals, and refuses to eat the meat they provide.

Mehevi is the supreme chief of the Typee village. He is physically imposing, bearing elaborate tattoos and wearing a boar-tusk necklace. He commands respect through presence rather than formal institutional power. He welcomes the runaway sailors into his community, demonstrating a noble and hospitable nature that challenges European stereotypes of violent leaders.

Fayaway is an exceptionally beautiful young Typee woman. Tommo compares her untouched innocence to Eve in the Garden of Eden, viewing her as the pure embodiment of Polynesian grace. Unburdened by Western social constraints, she spends her time swimming, playing the nose flute, and wearing a dress fashioned from Tommo's calico cloth.

Kory-Kory is a diligent and attentive young Typee man, approximately twenty-five years old. He takes his assignment to care for Tommo very seriously, physically feeding the injured sailor and carrying him on his back to the local streams for daily baths. He is deeply integrated into his culture's social and religious customs.

Marheyo is the elderly father of Kory-Kory and a respected member of the Typee community. He provides essential lodging for the runaway sailors and shows them genuine pity and kindness. He exhibits a strong fascination with Western artifacts, deciding to wear Tommo's discarded shoes around his neck as ornamental jewelry rather than on his feet.

Tinor is the industrious wife of Marheyo and mother of Kory-Kory. She is an active presence in the household, frequently seen working hard to prepare local delicacies like mashed breadfruit and maintaining the home's daily operations.

Marnoo is a handsome young man whose back is completely covered in intricate tattoos. Because he is considered taboo in a positive sense, he enjoys a special diplomatic status that allows him to wander freely between the rival valleys of the island without fear of attack. He speaks some English, having spent time on an Australian ship in his youth, which gives Tommo a brief glimmer of hope.

Captain Vangs is the harsh, uncompromising captain of the Dolly. He overworks and underfeeds his crew, punishing any complaints with swift cruelty. His tyrannical behavior drives sailors to break their contracts and abandon ship, preferring the risk of unknown islands over his abusive leadership.

Karky is the dedicated tattoo artist of the Typee village. He takes great pride in his craft, maintaining a specialized workspace where he carefully applies traditional markings. Enthusiastic about his work, he aggressively attempts to recruit Tommo for a facial tattoo, chasing the frightened sailor when he refuses.

Kolory serves as a priest for the Typee village, acting as the guardian for the community's primary deity. He performs theatrical religious ceremonies on demand for the chiefs, removing a small wooden idol from its box and pretending to whisper with the god. These rituals entertain the leadership but leave Tommo questioning the depth of their religious devotion.

Karakoee is a local man from Nukuheva who interacts frequently with passing European vessels. He acts as an intermediary, using Western goods like guns and cloth to barter with the island tribes. He leverages his position to strike deals for stranded sailors, offering material wealth in exchange for human cargo.

Jimmy is an old European sailor who has lived in Nukuheva for several years. Like Marnoo, he has achieved a taboo status that allows him to move freely among the regional tribes. He inserts himself into Toby's escape efforts by offering his services as a local contact and guide.

Mow-Mow is a fiercely protective Typee chief who defends his village's borders. He engages physically with outsiders who attempt to disrupt or flee the community, famously brandishing a tomahawk between his teeth in the ocean. He acts as a primary physical barrier to anyone attempting to leave the valley unpermitted.