King Kong characters

Appears from the start

A daring motion-picture director known for filming wild animals in remote places. Determined to begin a secret expedition at once, he searches New York for an unknown actress willing to travel without being told the destination. His appetite for an unprecedented spectacle drives the voyage of the Venture.

Appears from the start

A theatrical agent whom Denham asks to find a suitable leading woman for his new picture on extremely short notice. Unable to meet Denham's unusual demands, he leaves the director to search for someone on his own.

First appears in chapter 2

A young woman left hungry and penniless in Depression-era New York. Denham intervenes when desperation puts her at risk of arrest, feeds her, and offers her the leading role in his mysterious film. With few alternatives and a wish for adventure, she agrees to sail that night.

First appears in chapter 3

The seasoned captain of the Venture. He distrusts Denham's secrecy and the strange cargo aboard his ship, but leads the expedition through uncharted waters and responds steadily when the landing party encounters danger.

Also known as Jack

First appears in chapter 3

The Venture's first mate, a capable sailor who initially regards the presence of a woman aboard as an inconvenience. During the voyage he grows close to Ann and becomes determined to protect her when the expedition reaches its unknown destination.

First appears in chapter 3

The Venture's Chinese cook, a member of the shipboard company on Denham's secret voyage. He shares the crew's unease about their destination and helps support the expedition once they reach the island.

First appears in chapter 5

The leader of the island settlement hidden behind a colossal wall. He attempts to bargain for Ann after seeing her with the landing party and oversees the ceremony in which a chosen woman is offered to the being the islanders fear and worship.

First appears in chapter 7

The immense ape worshipped by the islanders beyond their wall. He accepts Ann as an offering and carries her deep into a wilderness filled with prehistoric animals. Terrifyingly powerful and initially her captor, he repeatedly fights other creatures while keeping possession of her.