Alas, Babylon characters

Appears from the start

A lawyer and former state legislator living alone beside the river in Fort Repose, Florida. His public career has stalled, but a coded warning from his Air Force officer brother forces him to prepare for nuclear war. The emergency draws out a steadiness and capacity for leadership that his neighbors have not previously needed from him.

Appears from the start

Randy's older brother, a colonel in Air Force intelligence. From his post at Strategic Air Command he sees signs that a Soviet attack may be imminent and sends Randy their private warning phrase so that his wife and children can take refuge in Fort Repose.

Appears from the start

Randy's observant neighbor and the manager of Fort Repose's Western Union office. Fond of monitoring local affairs from her window, she notices unusual messages and activity before most of the town understands that a crisis is approaching.

First appears in chapter 2

Randy's neighbor and romantic interest, an intelligent young woman living with her father. She takes Randy's warning seriously and helps him think through the practical needs of a household about to be cut off from ordinary supplies and services.

First appears in chapter 2

Fort Repose's physician and one of Randy's closest friends. He recognizes that a nuclear emergency will bring injuries, radiation exposure, disease, and the loss of modern medical supplies, and he continues treating patients with whatever remains available.

Also known as Admiral Hazzard

First appears in chapter 2

A retired Navy admiral living near Fort Repose with a powerful amateur radio set. His military knowledge and ability to receive distant broadcasts make him an important source of context as normal news and communications begin to fail.

First appears in chapter 3

Mark's wife, sent with her children from Omaha to Randy's home after Mark warns of the danger. Frightened for her husband yet focused on Ben Franklin and Peyton, she arrives carrying the strain of leaving Mark behind at his command.

First appears in chapter 3

The adolescent son of Mark and Helen Bragg. He reaches Fort Repose with his mother and sister shortly before the attack, bringing knowledge and habits shaped by life in a military family.

First appears in chapter 3

Mark and Helen's young daughter, who travels with her family to shelter at Randy's house. Her curiosity and vulnerability make the dangers of the approaching emergency immediate for the adults caring for her.

First appears in chapter 2

Lib's father, a retired businessman who moved to Fort Repose with her. He is accustomed to comfort, predictable institutions, and having his opinions respected, none of which the coming disaster can guarantee.

First appears in chapter 2

The head of Fort Repose's bank, proud of the institution and the financial order it represents. Randy's urgent attempt to obtain cash confronts him with warnings he is reluctant to credit.

First appears in chapter 2

A capable young Black man from the Henry family, Randy's neighbors and longtime friends. He helps Randy make practical preparations and knows the land, river, and local community well.

First appears in chapter 2

A woman who runs the local grocery and trading post known as the Riverside Inn. Shrewd about scarcity and barter, she occupies a useful position in Fort Repose's informal economy as residents rush to prepare.

First appears in chapter 13

An Air Force officer and friend of Mark Bragg who arrives from the surviving national command structure. His appearance reconnects isolated Fort Repose with the larger country and brings Randy long-awaited news.