The Narrator

The War of the Worlds

The narrator observes the Martian landing and the Heat-Ray massacre, providing a first-hand account of the invasion's beginning.

Book I: The Coming of the Martians

The narrator observes the landing of the first cylinder and the Martian attack, documenting the events firsthand.

The Eve of the War

The narrator reflects on the events leading up to the Martian invasion, recalling his observations and conversations with Ogilvy, as well as a tranquil walk with his wife.

II: The Falling Star

Hears about the cylinder from his newspaper boy and goes to investigate.

On Horsell Common

Visits the cylinder site twice, observes the crowd and the scientists, and is asked to fetch Lord Hilton.

IV: The Cylinder Opens

Returns to the common, witnesses the cylinder opening and the first Martian emergence, then flees in terror.

V: The Heat-Ray

Watches the Martians from a distance, experiences fear and curiosity, and narrowly escapes the heat-ray.

VI: The Heat-Ray in the Chobham Road

Provides a first-hand account of the heat-ray's effects and the crowd's reaction.

VII: How I Reached Home

Experiences psychological detachment and exhaustion after fleeing the heat-ray; returns home and attempts to rationalize the Martian threat to his wife.

Friday Night

Reflects on the contrast between everyday life and the unfolding invasion.

IX: The Fighting Begins

Describes the day of suspense, interacts with soldiers and neighbors, secures a dog cart, and flees with his wife and servant.

X: In the Storm

Drives his wife to Leatherhead, returns alone, witnesses the third cylinder and Martian tripods, and struggles home through the storm.

XI: At the Window

Observes the Martian devastation from his study window, provides shelter and food to the artilleryman, and reflects on the scale of destruction.

XII: What I Saw of the Destruction of Weybridge and Shepperton

Narrates the destruction of Weybridge and Shepperton, escapes the Heat-Ray by diving into the river, and plans to take his wife to Newhaven.

XIII: How I Fell in with the Curate

Escapes the destruction of Weybridge by boat, lands near Walton, and meets the curate. He tries to calm the curate's religious panic.

XV: What Had Happened in Surrey

Observes the Martian offensive from a ditch and later from a deserted house in Upper Halliford.

Book II: The Earth Under the Martians

The narrator observes the Martian occupation and reflects on the fall of human society.

Under Foot

Anxious for his wife's safety, he takes initiative to find food and escape, leading the way through the devastated landscape.

II: What We Saw from the Ruined House

Provides a first-hand, analytical account of Martian biology and behavior, drawing on his observations and psychological knowledge.

III: The Days of Imprisonment

Observes the Martians from the peephole, struggles with the curate's behavior, and considers escape plans.

IV: The Death of the Curate

Desperately tries to keep the curate quiet and ration food; kills the curate to prevent detection by Martians; hides in coal cellar as Martian tentacle explores.

V: The Stillness

Emerges from hiding after days without food or water, observes the changed landscape, and finally climbs out of the pit.

VI: The Work of Fifteen Days

Emerges from the pit, scavenges for food, and wanders through the transformed landscape, feeling dethroned and isolated.

The Man on Putney Hill

The narrator listens to the artilleryman's plan, works with him on the tunnel, and begins to question the practicality of the scheme.

Dead London

Wanders alone through dead London, observes the Martians' death, and reflects on the city's silent desolation.

Wreckage

Experiences a three-day lapse in memory after the Martian defeat, is cared for by strangers, and later returns to his desolate home.

X: The Epilogue

Concludes his story, reflecting on the invasion's aftermath and his personal trauma.