Journey to the Center of the Earth characters

Appears from the start

A young man living in Hamburg with his uncle, Professor Lidenbrock. He assists with the professor's work but lacks his appetite for danger, and narrates their extraordinary expedition with a mixture of scientific curiosity, fear, and devotion to Grauben.

Also known as Professor Lidenbrock

Appears from the start

Axel's uncle, a Hamburg professor of mineralogy and geology whose learning is matched by an impatient, commanding temperament. When he encounters an encoded message in an old Icelandic book, he treats solving it as a matter of personal honor.

Appears from the start

Professor Lidenbrock's long-suffering housekeeper in Hamburg. She manages his household and is alarmed by the agitation that follows his discovery of the old manuscript.

First appears in chapter 3

A learned Icelandic traveler of the sixteenth century whose name appears in the coded parchment. His message claims that a route into the earth can be found through an Icelandic volcano, turning him into Lidenbrock's guide across the centuries.

First appears in chapter 7

Professor Lidenbrock's goddaughter and Axel's beloved. Calm, practical, and braver about the proposed journey than Axel, she encourages him to accompany his uncle and waits for his return.

First appears in chapter 10

A courteous teacher in Reykjavik who welcomes Lidenbrock and Axel, helps them learn about Saknussemm, and arranges the services of an Icelandic guide for the journey to Snæfell.

First appears in chapter 11

An Icelandic eider-duck hunter engaged to guide Lidenbrock and Axel. Reserved, resourceful, and exceptionally steady in danger, he joins the descent for his agreed weekly wage and proves indispensable almost immediately.