The Sun Also Rises Characters Analysis
Jake Barnes: Narrator. He is an American veteran of World War I who now lives in Paris, France, as a journalist.
Bill Gordon: Close friend of Jake’s, also an American, a journalist who travels to Paris, but does not live there.
Robert Cohn: A wealthy friend of Jake’s, also an American writer living in Paris. He is of Jewish descent, but, unlike most of Jake’s social circle, did not serve in the military. He was a champion boxer in college. His social awkwardness, and quite certainly prejudice against his Jewish descent, make him an unliked member of the group.
Frances Clyne: Girlfriend of Robert. Manipulative, jealous, and overbearing, she is the one who convinced him to move to Paris. She resents that Robert has not yet agreed to marry her, and she worries that age has made her unwanted by other men.
Lady Brett Ashley: A British expatriate living in Paris, she is an attractive love interest of Jake. She loves Jake as well but rejects any romantic relationship with him due to his sexual impotence from a war injury. She lives a promiscuous lifestyle, which is a source of great anxiety to Jake, and which eventually leads to fighting and dissent among the male members of the group.
Mike Campbell: Fiance of Brett, a perpetually drunk war veteran. He is of Scottish descent. He has difficulty dealing with his fiance’s infidelity, and his financial failures.
Pedro Romero: A 19-year-old bullfighter in Pamplona whom Brett has an affair with. He exemplifies purity, integrity, honor, and dignity, a shining example of morality and strength, in contrast to other characters in the book whose values pale by comparison.
Count Mippipopolous: A (wealthy) Greek nobleman who accompanies and escorts Brett in Paris.
Wilson- Harris, aka Harris: An Englishman who joins Jake and Bill for fishing and card games during their fishing vacation to Burguete.
Georgette Hobin: A prostitute that Jake hires in Paris. She joins him for dinner and dancing, but not for any sexual activity (due to Jake’s impotence).
Harvey Stone: Friend of Jake’s, fellow expatriate, and a failed gambler. Known for being very blunt, especially with his insults directed at Robert Cohn.
Montoya: Runs a hotel in Pamplona. He knows and respects Jake for his loyalty and sincerity regarding bullfighting.
Belmonte: A retired bullfighter who has attempted to rejoin the sport. However, he is too old and has lost his flair, his skill, and his pride. The crowd senses these things and rejects him in favor of Pedro.
