Narrator

Arowhena

Arowhena is the narrator's beloved and eventual wife, their relationship central to the plot and filled with deep affection.

Chowbok

Chowbok is the narrator's loyal companion and guide during his early adventures in Erewhon.

Zulora

Zulora is the narrator's initial love interest, but their relationship is complicated by her eventual rejection and his later marriage to Arowhena.

Marquis of Normanby

The Marquis of Normanby is a colonial official who employs the narrator as a shepherd and later assists his return to civilization.

Yram

Yram is the narrator's first Erewhonian love, a beautiful woman who teaches him the local customs and language.

Erewhonians

The Erewhonians are the general populace of the strange land, interacting with the narrator as curious observers and subjects of his anthropological study.

Professors of Unreason

The Professors of Unreason are academic figures who engage the narrator in debates about Erewhonian philosophy and logic.

Paley

Paley is a fellow traveler and friend who accompanies the narrator on part of his journey and shares his observations.

Solomons

Solomons is a merchant who provides the narrator with supplies and information about Erewhon.

Mr. Habakkuk

Mr. Habakkuk is a missionary who befriends the narrator and shares his experiences in Erewhon.

Samuel Butler

Samuel Butler is the author who inserts himself as a character, creating a meta-fictional relationship with the narrator as his creator and commentator.

Moses

Moses is a servant or guide who assists the narrator during his stay in Erewhon.

Erewhon

The protagonist and observer who travels to Erewhon and documents its customs.

Waste Lands

The protagonist, a 22-year-old English emigrant working as a cadet on a sheep station, driven by ambition to explore beyond the mountains.

In the Wool-Shed

The narrator interrogates Chowbok about the mountains, plans an expedition, and secures Chowbok's reluctant help.

Up the River

The narrator leads the exploration up the river, determined to find a pass over the main range despite difficulties.

The Saddle

Continues alone after Chowbok deserts him, ascends the saddle, and camps in the chasm.

The River and the Range

The narrator descends to the river, builds a raft, and crosses it, reflecting on his spiritual efforts with Chowbok.

Into Erewhon

Descends into Erewhon, is discovered by locals, and is taken in by the inhabitants, observing their customs and his own captivity.

VII: First Impressions

The narrator is taken through a village, has his watch confiscated, and is imprisoned; he reflects on Paley's argument and the Erewhonians' reaction to his watch.

VIII: In Prison

Imprisoned, learning the language, and reflecting on Erewhonian customs.

To the Metropolis

Struggles to understand Erewhonian morality, reluctantly accepts Mr. Nosnibor's invitation, and adapts to local customs regarding ill temper.

Current Opinions

The narrator observes and explains Erewhonian customs, participates in polite conversation about moral health, and stays with the Nosnibors.

XI: Some Erewhonian Trials

Observes and recounts the trials, reflecting on the absurdity of Erewhonian justice.

XII: Malcontents

Reflects on the trial and Erewhonian justice, comparing it to English customs.

XIII: The Views of the Erewhonians Concerning Death

The narrator observes and explains Erewhonian customs regarding death, statues, and childbirth.

XIV: Mahaina

Observes and reflects critically on the Erewhonian treatment of illness and morality, particularly regarding Mahaina's supposed dipsomania.

The Musical Banks

Accompanies the Nosnibor ladies to the Musical Bank, observes the system with critical eye, and questions the cashiers about the currency.

XVI: Arowhena

Falls in love with Arowhena, struggles with Erewhonian marriage customs, and debates religious beliefs with Arowhena.

Ydgrun and the Ydgrunites

Observes and analyzes Erewhonian religious practices, distinguishes between Ydgrunites and high Ydgrunites, and considers the challenges of conversion.

Birth Formulae

The narrator learns about Erewhonian birth formulae and questions their ethical implications.

XIX: The World of the Unborn

The narrator recounts the Erewhonian beliefs about the world of the unborn, having 'waded through many chapters' on the subject.

XX: What They Mean by It

Reflects on Erewhonian mythology, parent-child relations, education, and wealth.

The Colleges of Unreason

Reflects on his love for Arowhena and plans their escape; visits the Colleges of Unreason with Mr. Thims.

XXII: The Colleges of Unreason—Continued

The narrator recounts his experiences at the Colleges of Unreason, discusses genius with professors, and learns about the anti-machinist revolution.

XXIII: The Book of the Machines

The narrator translates and comments on the Book of the Machines.

XXIV: The Machines—Continued

The narrator reads and reflects on the Erewhonian book about machines, finding parts of it obscure.

XXV: The Machines—Concluded

Translates and reflects on the Erewhonian treatise about machines; sacrifices the original work to save himself and Arowhena.

XXVI: The Views of an Erewhonian Prophet Concerning the Rights of Animals

The narrator recounts the history of the Erewhonian prophet and the consequences of his teachings on animal rights.

The Views of an Erewhonian Prophet Concerning the Rights of Vegetables

The narrator recounts the history of Erewhonian dietary laws and the philosopher's arguments.

Escape

Orchestrates the balloon escape, deceives the Queen about his intentions, and risks everything to flee with Arowhena.

Conclusion

Proposes a commercial and religious scheme to exploit Erewhon; returns to London and writes tracts.