The Last Man characters

Appears from the start

The orphaned son of a disgraced former companion to England's last king. He grows up poor, defiant, and largely uneducated in Cumberland, caring chiefly for his sister Perdita until Adrian's friendship opens a wider life to him.

Appears from the start

Lionel's younger sister and closest companion during their isolated childhood. Quiet, intense, and proud, she has little interest in society until Lord Raymond enters her life.

Also known as Earl of Windsor

First appears in chapter 2

The idealistic son of England's last king, born after the monarchy has been replaced by a republic. Gentle, intellectual, and committed to human improvement, he seeks out Lionel and treats him as a friend rather than an inferior.

First appears in chapter 3

Adrian's sister, raised within the former royal family. Warm and independent, she resists her mother's political plans and forms a close attachment to Lionel.

Also known as Lord Raymond

First appears in chapter 4

A celebrated soldier and public figure whose victories in Greece make him a hero in England. Charismatic and ambitious, he must choose between a path to national power and his love for Perdita.

First appears in chapter 5

A Greek princess living in reduced circumstances in England. Proud and politically perceptive, she has a concealed personal history with Raymond and remains emotionally bound to him.

First appears in chapter 7

A popular democratic politician whose practical language and suspicion of aristocratic privilege make him a powerful rival to Raymond in the English republic.

First appears in chapter 12

An elderly astronomer and friend of Lionel's circle. He trusts in learning and the apparent stability of civilization, even as reports of an unfamiliar disease begin to undermine ordinary expectations.

First appears in chapter 13

The daughter of Raymond and Perdita. She grows up among Lionel, Idris, Adrian, and their children, becoming one of the young people the adults struggle to protect as society collapses.

First appears in chapter 13

A son of Lionel and Idris. He is one of the children Lionel struggles to protect as the plague dismantles the family and their community.

First appears in chapter 13

A son of Lionel and Idris and a member of the younger generation raised among Adrian, Perdita, Raymond, and their families before the plague overtakes England.