The Sun Also Rises characters

Appears from the start

An American writer living in Paris after an unhappy marriage. A former college boxer, he is insecure about his background and dissatisfied with his lack of literary success despite having published a novel.

First appears in chapter 2

The American narrator, a veteran of the First World War who works as a newspaper correspondent in Paris. Observant and self-controlled, he moves among expatriate friends while keeping his deeper attachments guarded.

Appears from the start

Robert Cohn's partner in Paris, an ambitious writer who has taken charge of both their household and his work. She expects to marry him and reacts sharply when she senses his attention moving elsewhere.

Also known as Lady Brett

First appears in chapter 3

A charismatic English aristocrat recognizable by her cropped hair, confident manner, and ability to command a room. Separated from her husband and moving freely through Paris nightlife, she and Jake greet each other with immediate intimacy.

First appears in chapter 3

A young Parisian sex worker whom Jake invites to dinner after meeting her on the street. She accompanies him into the nightlife of the expatriate quarter and gives her professional name as Georgette.

First appears in chapter 4

A wealthy Greek count and veteran who joins Brett and Jake after a night out. Polished, generous, and extensively traveled, he bears scars from several wars and regards pleasure as something worth understanding rather than merely consuming.

First appears in chapter 7

Brett's Scottish fiancé, currently away handling family matters. She describes him to Jake as a former serviceman with little money whom she intends to marry once her divorce is complete.

First appears in chapter 8

An American writer and Jake's close friend, newly returned from the United States. Wry and companionable, he joins Jake for a planned fishing trip in Spain before the fiesta at Pamplona.

First appears in chapter 12

An English veteran whom Jake and Bill meet while fishing near Burguete. Friendly and generous with food and drink, he enjoys their company and is disappointed when the approaching fiesta draws them away.

First appears in chapter 13

The proprietor of Jake's hotel in Pamplona and a serious admirer of bullfighting. He respects Jake's informed enthusiasm for the sport and is cautious about outsiders who may treat the fighters as fashionable curiosities.

First appears in chapter 15

A nineteen-year-old Spanish matador whose composure, precision, and closeness to the bull mark him as an exceptional talent. His youth and seriousness attract intense attention during the Pamplona fiesta.