War of the Worlds (Dramatized) characters

Appears from the start

An unnamed philosophical writer living near Woking with his wife. Curious about astronomy and confident in modern civilization at the outset, he becomes the principal witness to the Martian landing and invasion, recording both his own flight across Surrey and London and the experiences his younger brother later relates to him.

Appears from the start

An astronomer at Ottershaw who observes flashes on Mars and invites the narrator to view the planet through his telescope. He is among the first people to inspect the object that falls on Horsell Common and the first to understand that it is an artificial cylinder rather than a meteorite.

First appears in chapter 4

The intelligent inhabitants of Mars, whose cylinders arrive in southern England after signs of launches are seen through telescopes. Their weak-looking bodies initially appear helpless in Earth's gravity, but they deploy advanced machines and a devastating Heat-Ray against the people gathered near their landing site.

First appears in chapter 7

The narrator's wife, who shares his home at Maybury. He takes her to relatives in Leatherhead when the danger around Woking becomes unmistakable, then is separated from her after returning the borrowed cart, making the hope of reunion central to his flight.

First appears in chapter 7

A soldier separated from his battery after the Martian fighting machines destroy the forces sent against them. Exhausted but observant, he reaches the narrator's house and explains how quickly conventional troops and guns have been overwhelmed.

First appears in chapter 13

A clergyman from Weybridge whom the narrator meets amid the ruined countryside. The invasion has shattered his understanding of divine order, leaving him frightened, despairing, and dependent on the narrator as the two seek shelter together.

First appears in chapter 14

The narrator's younger brother, a medical student in London. His part of the account follows the capital's delayed recognition of the invasion and the enormous civilian flight that begins when the Martians advance toward the city.

First appears in chapter 16

The wife of a doctor, encountered by the narrator's brother while she and her younger sister are trying to escape the spreading panic. Determined to reach safety after their driver flees, she joins forces with him on the congested road away from London.

First appears in chapter 16

Mrs. Elphinstone's younger sister and companion during the flight from London. Frightened and repeatedly concerned that they should wait for Mrs. Elphinstone's missing husband, she nevertheless continues with her sister and the narrator's brother toward the coast.