Characters

Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is the author of the book and the main character of A Walk in the Woods. Bryson gets the idea to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT)when he was living in Hanover, NH. The AT ran through the outskirts of his town. He wrote in the opening ages of his book, "...would get me fit after years of waddle some sloth. It would be an interesting and reflective way to reacquaint myself with the scale and beauty of my native land after nearly twenty years of living abroad. It would be useful (I wasn't quiet sure in what way, but I was sure nonetheless) to learn to fend for myself in the wilderness." He also wants to see some of the scenery that is in jeopardy from things like acid rain and urban sprawl. However, Bryson has no real outdoors experience and wasn't prepared and the trail overwhelms him. However, he pushes forward, and after a few weeks he finds himself much more fit and capable. He is happy when he reaches towns, with their motels and restaurants and showers, but is always eager to get back to the trail. He remains focused and experiences a major portion of the trail.

Stephen Katz

Bryson hasn’t Stephen Katz for years. When Bryson asks him to join him on the AT, Katz jumps at the chance to join. Unknown to Bryson, Katz lives a lonely life as a recovering alcoholic. He is also has no experience hiking, is overweight and hooked on junk food. Katz struggles throughout the journey, and makes poor decisions, like dumping all his drinking water because it’s too heavy. Even though Katz rubs Bryson go through some difficult periods, they eventually start to care for one another and begin to work as a team and look out for each other. Katz never warms to hiking and is miserable throughout most of the journey. However, to his credit, he demonstrates a resolve to make it through. In the end, Bryson and Katz develop a warm friendship and bond over the adventures of the Trail.

Minor Characters

Mary Ellen, Lollie Williams, Julianne Williams, Chicken Jon, Wes Wisson, Bryson's Wife, Justin , Peggy, Connolly, Laurie Potteiger, Dave Mengle, Keith Shaw, Daren, Donna, Beulah, Beulah's husband, Buddy and Jensine Crossman, Bon, Stephen Herrero, David Anderson, etc.