Parload

Rawdon

Parload and Rawdon are fellow workers or acquaintances who share political discussions and camaraderie.

Nettie Stuart

Nettie and Parload are acquaintances, possibly through Willie or shared community activities.

Rawdon

Parload and Rawdon are fellow workers or acquaintances who share political discussions and camaraderie.

Book the First: The Comet

A friend or acquaintance who shares interest in the comet, representing scientific curiosity.

I: Dust in the Shadows

Leadford's friend, an engrossing clerk and amateur astronomer, obsessed with observing the new comet through his opera-glass.

I

The owner of the ill-lit, smelly room described in detail; his living space epitomizes the squalor of the old world.

II

Willie's friend, an enthusiastic amateur astronomer obsessed with the new comet.

III

Leadford's friend and fellow thinker; more philosophical and cautious; discusses the comet and the miseries of life.

IV

A quiet, scientifically-minded friend who warns Willie about economic troubles and later becomes a famous scientist.

V

Mentioned as the friend from whom Willie parted earlier; Willie feels remorse for his arrogance toward him.

II: Nettie

Willie's friend; defends the importance of science over socialism; obsessed with observing the comet.

I

Shows the comet to Leadford, buys a spectroscope, and argues that science is more important than socialism, leading to a quarrel.

II

Willie tells Parload he is done with women after writing to Nettie.

IV

Not present; mentioned only in passing as a contrast to Willie's usual talkativeness.

III: The Revolver

Mentioned as the one who first showed the comet to Willie.

II

Mentioned indirectly as the one who showed the comet; Willie recalls the earlier quarrel.

III

Mentioned in connection with the comet and scientific assurances.

IV: War

Mentioned as a friend from whom Willie has become estranged.

II

Mentioned as a possible source of a loan, though Willie hesitates to approach him after their quarrel.

VI

Mentioned in Willie's thoughts as the fanatic who would be vindicated if the world ended.

II: The Awakening

Mentioned as the source of information about the chemical changes in the air.

The Great Change Begins

Mentioned as a source of reasoning about the nitrogen modification after the Change.

VII

Mentioned as having attended revivalist meetings with Willie, sitting in the back seats and scoffing.

II: My Mother’s Last Days

Meets Willie in Clayton and describes the ongoing reconstruction and educational efforts.

I

Meets Willie in the street, confirms the comet's significance, and describes the ongoing reconstruction efforts.

I

Mentioned in the context of old-world furniture, specifically his bedroom.