# The Skylark of Space — Character guide

> Key figures in The Skylark of Space by E. E. Smith.

- [Richard Seaton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/richard_seaton.md): A brilliant, impulsive chemist who cracks the secret of atomic power and bets everything on a homemade spaceship, dragging his best friend and his fiancée into the void.
- [Martin Crane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/martin_crane.md): A quiet, blue-blooded industrialist who bankrolls his friend's impossible dream, trading his fortune and his composure for a berth on the Skylark.
- [Dorothy Vaneman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/dorothy_vaneman.md): Seaton's sharp-eyed fiancée, whose nerve holds steady when the ship is hijacked and the stars turn hostile, proving she belongs on the voyage.
- [Marc DuQuesne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/marc_duquesne.md): A cold, calculating rival scientist who steals the drive and the girl, then discovers that even his ruthless mind is no match for deep space.
- [Margaret Spencer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/margaret_spencer.md): Crane's loyal sweetheart, swept into the abduction alongside Dorothy, whose quiet steadiness anchors the women through the terror of being lost among the stars.
- [Brookings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/brookings.md): The corrupt president of Steel Industries, who tries to bury Seaton's invention with sabotage and lawyers before the Skylark ever leaves the ground.
- [Dunark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/dunark.md): Dunark, the Kofedix, belongs to a warrior culture where rank is absolute and hospitality can turn lethal without warning, so his early dealings with Seaton and Crane test both his pride and his sense of obligation. His f
- [Nalboon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/nalboon.md): Nalboon sits atop a decaying empire whose power he maintains through suspicion, torture, and the ruthless pursuit of any advantage, including the secrets of the Skylark's drive. Where Dunark embodies honor bound by duty,
- [Perkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/perkins.md): Crane's loyal and efficient secretary.
- [Prescott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/prescott.md): A government official involved in the early space project.
- [Shiro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/shiro.md): Japanese servant and cook for the Skylark crew.
- [Ferdinand Scott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/ferdinand_scott.md): A Steel employee who spies on Seaton and Crane.
- [Sitar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/sitar.md): Princess of Kondal and Dunark's wife; a telepathic alien.
- [Tarnan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters/tarnan.md): A minor Osnomian noble who aids the Earthlings.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/characters