Charlie Marlow - a seaman who is atypical to other seamen. He is referred to as a "wanderer" by the narrator in the beginning and is the protagonist of his own story told within the novella.
The manager of the Central Station - a man who is ordinary, yet suspicious. He is cold and only has his position because he has not died to disease yet like many of the others. He is described as lacking many qualities that a leader should have and is considered a chattering idiot by Marlow's account.
The first-class agent at the Central Station - a young, gentlemanly man with a forked beard and a hooked nose. He describes himself as a brick-maker despite never proving so. He is called the manager's spy by other agents and is very inquisitive about Europe and the influence of the Company.
The leader of the Eldorado Exploring Expedition - the uncle of the manager of the Central Station. He makes a brief appearance but is shown to have a cruel and scheming nature.
The Helmsman - belonging to a coast tribe, he was a black man that had a strong connection to Marlow in their journey on the steamboat. He was considered unstable at his job to steer the ship, but still leaves an impact on Marlow, especially in his death.
The Russian - a youthful man whose appearance was compared to that of a harlequin by Marlow. He has small, round blue eyes, and a boyish face that switches emotions drastically. He is an adventurer who enjoys learning and shows great admiration for Mr. Kurtz's speaking.
Mr. Kurtz - a man that is highly regarded by everyone around him. He is in charge of the Inner Station and lives there alone. He has a strong presence in only his voice, which he uses to influence others. Once thought of as a beacon of hope for Marlow, he becomes nothing but a symbol of greed and corruption by the end.
Mr. Kurtz's lover - a woman who is visited by Marlow to gain closure about the death of Mr. Kurtz. She is observed as mature and loyal by Marlow and is wrecked by grief.