On the Road: the Original Scroll characters

Appears from the start

The narrator, a young writer newly separated from his wife and restless for a life beyond New York. He is immediately fascinated by Neal Cassady and by the possibility of traveling west.

Appears from the start

A charismatic young man from Denver whose appetite for travel, talk, women, music, and immediate experience fascinates Jack. Recently released from reform school and intent on learning to write, he arrives in New York with Lu Anne and quickly becomes the restless center of Jack's circle.

Appears from the start

Neal's young wife when he first comes to New York. She has traveled east with him from Denver and is already caught in his volatile romantic life.

First appears in chapter 3

A poet in Jack's New York circle who forms an intense intellectual and emotional attachment to Neal. His long, urgent conversations with Neal help make their new friend seem even more compelling to Jack.

First appears in chapter 22

An old friend of Jack's living near San Francisco. He gives Jack a place to stay and helps him find work as a guard.

First appears in chapter 35

A Mexican American mother whom Jack meets while traveling in California. The two are immediately drawn to each other despite uncertainty about their destinations and plans.

First appears in chapter 55

A writer and older friend living near New Orleans with Joan. His wide learning, unconventional experiments, and detached manner make his home an important stop when Jack, Neal, and their companions drive south.

First appears in chapter 55

William Burroughs's partner and the mother at the center of their crowded Louisiana household. Practical and sharp-minded, she observes the visitors' enthusiasms with considerably more restraint.

First appears in chapter 67

Neal's wife in San Francisco and the mother of his children. She wants a stable home from a husband already known for sudden plans and divided romantic loyalties.

First appears in chapter 60

A friend traveling west with Neal and Jack. He hopes to reunite with his wife and depends on Neal's driving to reach her.

First appears in chapter 74

Al Hinkle's wife, whose reunion with him becomes part of the group's westward journey. She distrusts Neal's influence and refuses to treat his reckless conduct as harmless excitement.

First appears in chapter 121

A Denver acquaintance who agrees to join Jack and Neal for their planned journey into Mexico.