Childhood's End characters

First appears in chapter 2

The Overlord assigned to supervise Earth after immense alien ships appear above its major cities. He speaks calmly and exercises overwhelming power with restraint, directing humanity toward peace while refusing to let any human see him for fifty years.

First appears in chapter 2

The Finnish Secretary-General of the United Nations and the only human granted regular private meetings with Karellen. He never sees the Supervisor directly, but serves as the necessary intermediary between the hidden Overlords and a suspicious human population.

First appears in chapter 3

A physicist whom Stormgren consults about the barrier separating him from Karellen. He helps devise a technical way for Stormgren to gain a brief glimpse of the hidden Supervisor.

First appears in chapter 3

A clergyman who leads the Freedom League, a movement opposed to humanity's submission to unseen alien rulers. Although personally courteous to Stormgren, he regards the Overlords' control as a threat to human independence and faith.

First appears in chapter 8

A young television engineer living in the peaceful world created under Overlord rule. He meets Jean Morrel after intervening when a social encounter becomes uncomfortable, and their relationship draws him into events neither initially understands.

First appears in chapter 8

A perceptive young woman with an unusual sensitivity to people and events. She meets George Greggson during an uncomfortable social encounter in the Overlords' golden age.

First appears in chapter 11

A wealthy collector whose interest in the occult makes his home a meeting place for an unusual group of guests, including an Overlord. His library and hospitality bring together several people who approach the paranormal from very different directions.

First appears in chapter 11

An Overlord interested in humanity's psychic and religious traditions. His presence at Rupert Boyce's party suggests that the visitors are studying aspects of the human mind that their public program does not explain.

First appears in chapter 12

Rupert Boyce's young brother-in-law, an astrophysics student of mixed African and Scottish ancestry. Restless in a world with few remaining frontiers, he is determined to learn where the Overlords come from.

First appears in chapter 14

An ocean scientist who cooperates with Jan Rodricks on a plan involving a preserved sperm whale. He understands only part of Jan's purpose, but supplies the practical means for the young man to hide aboard an Overlord vessel.

First appears in chapter 16

The son of George Greggson and Jean Morrel. While still a small child he survives a frightening accident under inexplicable circumstances, drawing Karellen's attention to the Greggson family.

First appears in chapter 18

George and Jean's younger child. As an infant she develops in ways that show the transformation affecting humanity's children is accelerating beyond ordinary human understanding.