The 39 Steps characters

Appears from the start

A Scottish mining engineer recently returned to London after years in southern Africa. Restless in civilian life, he becomes the sole keeper of a murdered man's intelligence and must rely on fieldcraft, quick disguise, and improvised stories while pursued across Britain.

Appears from the start

An American freelance agent who seeks refuge in Hannay's London flat. Nervous but well informed, he claims to have uncovered a German espionage plot involving an assassination and British defence secrets.

Appears from the start

The Greek statesman whose planned visit to London is central to Scudder's warning. Scudder believes his death would help trigger a European war.

First appears in chapter 2

A young deliveryman whom Hannay persuades to exchange clothes with him, enabling Hannay to leave his watched apartment building in a milkman's uniform.

First appears in chapter 3

The talkative keeper of a remote Scottish inn. His enthusiasm for books and adventure makes him receptive to Hannay's predicament, and he helps conceal his guest from pursuers.

First appears in chapter 4

A confident young landowner and parliamentary candidate whom Hannay encounters while electioneering in Scotland. He initially treats Hannay's appearance as an interruption but listens when the fugitive explains the danger.

First appears in chapter 4

A senior public servant and Sir Harry's godfather. Hannay identifies him as a trustworthy official capable of acting on Scudder's warning.

First appears in chapter 6

A seemingly respectable antiquarian living in a secluded Scottish house. His smooth welcome cannot hide his close interest in Hannay and the information Hannay carries.

First appears in chapter 8

Britain's First Sea Lord and a participant in a confidential meeting concerning national defence. His knowledge and appearance become important when the spies make their move.