A Princess of Mars characters

Appears from the start

A Virginia veteran of the American Civil War who prospects for gold in Arizona with James Powell. He appears not to age, though he does not understand why, and is an experienced horseman and fighter. At the opening he is loyal to Powell and accustomed to acting quickly in danger.

Appears from the start

John Carter's friend and prospecting partner in Arizona. Powell rides to warn local settlers of danger and is pursued back toward the pair's claim, prompting Carter to go after him.

First appears in chapter 4

A towering, four-armed green Martian warrior whose authority is evident among the nomadic Tharks who capture Carter. He is formidable, disciplined, and more observant than many of his companions, though at first Carter can understand neither his language nor his intentions.

First appears in chapter 4

The green Martian chieftain commanding the Thark community that first holds Carter. He treats Carter as a useful captive after seeing the newcomer's unusual strength and agility under Barsoom's lower gravity.

First appears in chapter 5

A green Martian woman assigned to guard and instruct Carter. She shows patience and sympathy that her society publicly treats as weakness, helping him learn how to live among the Tharks without initially explaining the private grief behind her conduct.

First appears in chapter 5

A powerful Barsoomian calot, a many-legged watchdog used by the Tharks. Set to prevent Carter's escape, Woola responds to his humane treatment with immediate attachment and begins following him faithfully.

First appears in chapter 7

A senior green Martian woman involved in supervising the communal young. She enforces Thark customs harshly, resents Sola's compassion, and watches Carter with hostility.

Also known as Princess of Helium

First appears in chapter 8

A red Martian princess captured when the Tharks bring down a Heliumite aircraft. She is the daughter of Mors Kajak and granddaughter of Tardos Mors, the rulers of Helium. Educated in Barsoomian science and statecraft, she faces captivity with composure and refuses to accept the Tharks' claim that conquest alone determines right.

First appears in chapter 10

The jeddak, or paramount ruler, of the Tharks. Tal Hajus preserves power through fear and public cruelty, and his standing depends on the same martial hierarchy that governs the green Martian hordes.

First appears in chapter 19

A red Martian officer of Helium whom Carter meets as a fellow prisoner. Kantos Kan is resourceful, loyal to his city, and prepared to cooperate with Carter against their common captors.

First appears in chapter 22

The jeddak of Zodanga, a city at war with Helium. His court benefits from holding Dejah Thoris and supports a marriage intended to strengthen Zodanga's political claim over her people.

First appears in chapter 22

The prince of Zodanga and son of Than Kosis. He expects Dejah Thoris to marry him as part of Zodanga's effort to secure victory over Helium, regardless of her wishes.