The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared characters

Appears from the start

A Swedish explosives expert who responds to almost every crisis with calm practicality and little interest in politics. On the morning of his hundredth birthday, unwilling to attend the celebration planned by his care home, he climbs through his window and walks away in slippers.

Appears from the start

The strict manager of Allan's care home in Malmkoping. She organizes his centenary party and discovers that its guest of honor has disappeared shortly before the mayor and local press arrive.

Also known as Bolt

First appears in chapter 2

A young member of the Never Again criminal gang. At the bus station he orders Allan to watch a large wheeled suitcase while he uses the lavatory, giving the old man an unexpected opportunity when his bus arrives.

First appears in chapter 2

An elderly petty criminal living alone in a disused railway station at Byringe. Hospitable, resourceful, and comfortable with dubious solutions, he gives Allan food and shelter after the escape from the care home.

First appears in chapter 6

A man who has spent years studying one subject after another without completing a degree. He is intelligent, anxious to be useful, and driving the old car that brings him into Allan and Julius's increasingly complicated journey.

Also known as The Beauty

First appears in chapter 9

The forthright owner of an isolated farm who has acquired an elephant named Sonya. She is wary of strangers but willing to offer Allan's group shelter, transport, and firm opinions once they reach her property.

First appears in chapter 9

Gunilla's elephant, kept at her farm after an unconventional journey into private ownership. Her size, loyalty, and need for special transport make her an important part of the fugitives' movements.

First appears in chapter 4

The police officer assigned to investigate Allan's disappearance. Patient and more thoughtful than the sensational press coverage, he tries to reconcile reports of a missing pensioner with an expanding trail of criminals, vehicles, and unexplained deaths.

Also known as The Pike

First appears in chapter 8

The leader of Never Again, the gang that owns the suitcase Allan takes. He directs the search for the missing cash and sends subordinates after Allan, treating the loss as both a financial disaster and a challenge to his authority.

First appears in chapter 17

Albert Einstein's slow-witted half brother, whom Allan meets during imprisonment in the Soviet Union. His famous surname gives other people unrealistic expectations of him, while his good nature makes him an easy companion for Allan.

First appears in chapter 21

An Indonesian woman who meets Herbert after his travels with Allan. Decisive where Herbert is passive, she takes charge of their shared circumstances and proves unusually successful at navigating public office.