New Moon characters

Appears from the start

Now living in Forks and deeply in love with the vampire Edward Cullen, Bella turns eighteen as the book opens. She is troubled by growing older while Edward stays forever young, and she continues to wish to be made a vampire so she can be with him permanently. Introspective and stubbornly loyal, she is happiest among the Cullens and dreads any future in which she is separated from Edward.

Appears from the start

The vampire Bella loves, one of the animal-feeding Cullens. Protective to the point of control, he is deeply reluctant to let Bella risk her humanity or her safety, and refuses to change her into a vampire. His fear of the danger his world poses to her governs his choices as the book begins.

Appears from the start

Bella's father and the police chief of Forks. Reserved and well-meaning, he worries about his daughter's intense attachment to Edward and, later, about the depression that overtakes her. He is relieved when she seems to find comfort in an old family friendship.

First appears in chapter 6

The Quileute teenager from La Push whom Bella has known since childhood. Warm, cheerful, and openhearted, he becomes Bella's closest friend after a period of loss, spending hours with her rebuilding a pair of old motorcycles. His easy company gradually pulls her out of despair, and his feelings for her deepen beyond friendship.

Appears from the start

The Cullen family's compassionate physician father, who stitches Bella's arm after an accident at her birthday party. Calm and humane, he embodies the family's effort to live without harming humans.

Appears from the start

Bella's closest friend among the Cullens, a small, energetic vampire who can see glimpses of the future in visions shaped by people's decisions. She hosts Bella's birthday party at the start of the book. Her foresight later proves pivotal, though it has notable blind spots.

Appears from the start

One of the Cullens and Alice's partner, still the family member who struggles most with the temptation of human blood. At Bella's birthday party a small accident with a paper cut overwhelms his control, triggering the crisis that follows.

First appears in chapter 4

A tall, older youth from the La Push reservation who leads a close-knit group of local boys. He finds Bella when she is lost and unresponsive in the woods and carries her safely home. Authoritative and watchful, he and his followers are regarded warily on the reservation, and he holds some hidden role among the Quileute.

First appears in chapter 10

One of the nomad vampires from before, dark and courteous in manner, who had once left James's coven. He finds Bella alone in a meadow and reveals that he has been in contact with Victoria, who wants Bella dead. Tempted by Bella's scent and no longer restrained by the Cullens' presence, he moves to kill her himself.

First appears in chapter 13

The red-haired vampire whose mate, James, was destroyed by the Cullens. She returns to the area seeking revenge, intending to kill Bella. Elusive and cunning, she is hunted through the forests by the local wolves but repeatedly slips away.

First appears in chapter 20

One of the three ancient leaders of the Volturi, the powerful, tradition-bound coven that enforces vampire law from the Italian city of Volterra. Delighted by talent and unfailingly courteous, he can read every thought a person has ever had with a touch. He takes a particular interest in Bella and the Cullens.

Appears from the start

Jacob's father, a Quileute elder and old friend of Charlie's, who uses a wheelchair. Guarded around the Cullens, he is quietly aware of the tribe's secrets and watches developments at La Push closely.